Oh, the joy of classic deviled egg macaroni salad! It’s one of those dishes that brings back the best memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. I remember my grandma making it every Fourth of July, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. The creaminess of the mayo combined with the delightful crunch of celery and the savory richness of hard-boiled eggs create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. It’s not just a salad; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl! Trust me, once you serve this at your next gathering, it’ll become a favorite among friends and family, too.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Classic Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Making classic deviled egg macaroni salad is super easy and oh-so-rewarding! Let’s dive into the steps so you can whip this up for your next gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, so it holds up in the salad! Once cooked, drain it and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
- While the macaroni is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, diced celery, diced red onion, and pickle relish. Give it a good mix until everything is well-coated and creamy!
- Once your macaroni is cool, gently fold it into the egg mixture. Be careful not to mash the eggs; you want to keep that lovely texture!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can get creative—don’t be shy!
- Finally, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This lets all those flavors meld together beautifully!
And voila! You’ve got a creamy, delicious classic deviled egg macaroni salad ready to wow your friends and family!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying classic deviled egg macaroni salad, it’s great to know what you’re indulging in! Here are the typical nutritional values for a serving size of 1 cup:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. If you want to lighten it up a bit, you can always play around with the mayo or add extra veggies. Enjoy your delicious salad guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—whip it up in just 25 minutes!
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone loves it!
- A crowd-pleaser that combines the best of deviled eggs and macaroni salad.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins like bell peppers or olives.
- Great for meal prep—you can make it a day in advance!
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a versatile side dish.
- It’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying—what’s not to love?
Tips for Success
Making the perfect classic deviled egg macaroni salad is all about those little tweaks and touches. Here are my best tips to ensure it turns out just right!
- Seasoning is key: Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate. If you love a little kick, add a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper for that extra zing.
- Make it ahead: This salad is actually better after a day in the fridge. The flavors have time to mingle and deepen, so if you can, whip it up a day in advance!
- Get creative: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients! Diced bell peppers, green onions, or even some crumbled bacon can add a delightful twist. Just remember to keep the balance in check.
- Check your mayo: Depending on how creamy you like it, you might want to adjust the amount of mayonnaise. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you like it extra creamy.
- Chill time matters: Letting it chill for at least an hour is crucial. This isn’t just to cool it down; it allows the flavors to really come together and taste their best!
With these tips, you’ll be a classic deviled egg macaroni salad pro in no time! Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about classic deviled egg macaroni salad is how versatile it can be! You can easily switch things up to make it your own or to suit different tastes. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Vegetable mix-in: Add in some colorful diced bell peppers, sweet corn, or even peas for a pop of flavor and nutrition. The crunch from fresh veggies is simply delightful!
- Swap the mayo: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It adds creaminess with a nice tang and packs in some extra protein! Learn more about the benefits of Greek yogurt.
- Pasta variety: While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with different types of pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle. Each shape brings a unique texture!
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can elevate the flavor. Just chop them up finely and mix them in for a fresh twist!
- Spicy kick: If you love a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce. It can transform the whole salad and give it a fun edge.
- Cheesy goodness: Grate in some sharp cheddar or crumbled feta to add a cheesy layer that complements the creaminess perfectly.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of this salad is that it can adapt to whatever you have on hand or your cravings at the moment. Get creative and enjoy your culinary adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your classic deviled egg macaroni salad is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors for a few days post-gathering!
If you’re planning to make it ahead of time, remember that this salad actually gets better with a little chilling time. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
As for reheating, there’s really no need! This salad is best enjoyed cold, straight out of the fridge. If it seems a bit thick after sitting, just give it a gentle stir and maybe add a touch more mayonnaise or yogurt to loosen it up. Trust me, it’ll taste just as amazing! Enjoy your creamy creation without any fuss!
Serving Suggestions
Classic deviled egg macaroni salad is a fantastic side dish that pairs beautifully with so many meals! Here are some delicious ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- Grilled meats: Serve this creamy salad alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs for a perfect summer barbecue. The richness of the salad complements the smoky flavors of the grilled food wonderfully!
- Picnic staples: This salad is a must-have for any picnic or potluck! Pair it with sandwiches, wraps, or fresh fruit for a light and satisfying spread that everyone will love.
- Light appetizers: Serve it as part of a platter with crackers, cheese, and fresh veggies. It makes for a delightful appetizer that guests can munch on while mingling.
- Seafood delights: If you’re in the mood for something a little fancier, try pairing it with some grilled shrimp or salmon. The creaminess of the salad balances out the flavors of the seafood beautifully!
- Green salads: For a more wholesome meal, serve your macaroni salad with a simple green salad topped with a light vinaigrette. It adds freshness and crunch that complements the creaminess of the macaroni salad.
No matter what you choose to serve it with, classic deviled egg macaroni salad is sure to be a hit and will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the delicious combinations!
Print
Classic Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad: 5 Tasty Tips to Relish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic deviled egg macaroni salad is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines the richness of deviled eggs with pasta and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, red onion, and pickle relish.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or olives.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust mayonnaise and mustard to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: deviled egg macaroni salad, classic macaroni salad, egg salad pasta