Description
Creamy, zesty deviled egg pasta salad elevates classic picnic fare with a tangy twist. Crunchy celery, smooth eggs, and herb-infused dressing create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 6 hardboiled eggs
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) ditalini, small penne, or elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or crushed to paste
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar, or fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until tender, then rinse with cold water and drain completely to halt cooking process.
- Carefully separate hardboiled egg whites from yolks, chopping whites into uniform pieces and mashing yolks into a smooth paste.
- Whisk mashed egg yolks with creamy mayonnaise, tangy dijon mustard, zesty white vinegar, minced garlic, and aromatic spices until fully incorporated.
- Fold chopped egg whites, crispy bacon bits, finely diced red onion, and sliced green onions into the creamy sauce.
- Gently combine prepared pasta with the egg mixture, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated with the rich, spicy dressing.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika and a hint of cayenne pepper over the salad for an extra flavor kick.
- Refrigerate for 45-60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious and refreshing pasta salad.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed, garnishing with additional green onions for brightness.
Notes
- Boost flavor by using high-quality mayonnaise and freshly ground spices for a more vibrant taste profile.
- Customize the salad by adding crispy pancetta instead of bacon for a gourmet twist or keeping it vegetarian by omitting meat entirely.
- Prevent soggy pasta by running cooked noodles under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and maintain a firm texture.
- Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but add fresh green onions just before serving to preserve their crisp texture and bright flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg