Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe: A Must-Try Side Dish for Summer Gatherings
Ingredients:
– 6 hardboiled eggs
– 8 ounces ditalini, small penne, or elbow macaroni
– ¾ cup mayonnaise
– 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon white vinegar or fresh lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, finely minced or crushed to paste
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
– ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
– ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons green onions
– ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking 8 ounces of your preferred pasta (ditalini, small penne, or elbow macaroni) according to the package directions. Be sure to add a generous tablespoon of kosher salt to the boiling water to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until it’s cool. This step helps prevent the pasta from sticking and prepares it for mixing.
Prepare the Hardboiled Eggs: While the pasta is cooking, peel 6 hardboiled eggs. Carefully separate the yolks from the whites. Chop the egg whites and set them aside. For the egg yolks, crush them into a fine powder or press through a fine metal strainer into a large mixing bowl.
Make the Creamy Dressing: In the large mixing bowl with the egg yolks, combine ¾ cup mayonnaise, 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon white vinegar or fresh lemon juice, finely minced garlic, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing will bring that classic deviled egg flavor to your pasta salad.
Combine and Mix: Add the cooled pasta to the creamy dressing in the large bowl. Gently stir until the pasta is well-coated. Next, fold in the chopped egg whites, 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons green onions, and ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional). Ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed for the best flavor in every bite.
Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, sprinkle additional green onions and a dash of smoked paprika over the top. Serve this Deviled Egg Pasta Salad immediately as a crowd-pleasing side dish or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a unique twist on a classic egg salad, this dish is sure to be a hit!
