Indulge in the creamy goodness of our Deviled Egg Pasta Salad, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines the flavors of deviled eggs with the comforting appeal of pasta salad, creating a dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion. With a creamy dressing, tangy mustard, and a hint of sweetness, every bite is a burst of flavor that’s sure to please. Join us as we uncover the secrets to making this irresistible dish from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or your favorite small pasta shape
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow, depending on your taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta shape according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Eggs: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the dressing in the mixing bowl. Gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped celery, thinly sliced green onions, and sweet pickle relish (if using) until well incorporated into the pasta salad.
- Chill and Garnish: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, sprinkle with additional paprika for garnish and fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Deviled Egg Pasta Salad chilled as a side dish or light meal. Enjoy the creamy texture and tangy flavors with every delicious bite.
Cook’s Notes:
- To save time, you can use store-bought hard-boiled eggs or prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream according to your desired level of creaminess. You can also use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative.
Variations:
- Bacon Lover’s Twist: Add crispy bacon pieces to the pasta salad for a smoky flavor and crunchy texture. Simply cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble it into the salad before serving.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy variation, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing mixture. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
Keto Version:
For a keto-friendly version of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad, you can make a few simple substitutions to reduce the carb content. Replace the pasta with cooked and cooled cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. Use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of sugar in the dressing. You can also increase the amount of eggs and vegetables for added protein and fiber.
Low-Carb Version:
To make a low-carb version of this pasta salad, follow the same instructions as the keto version but also consider reducing the amount of sour cream and mayonnaise to lower the overall carb content. You can also omit the sweet pickle relish or use a sugar-free version to further reduce carbs. Experiment with additional low-carb vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes to add volume and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use different types of pasta for this salad? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Q: How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator? A: Leftover Deviled Egg Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle over time.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Q: Can I omit the sugar from the dressing? A: Yes, you can omit the sugar from the dressing if you prefer a tangier flavor profile. The sweetness from the pickle relish (if using) may provide enough balance for your taste preferences.
Q: Can I add additional ingredients to the salad? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients such as diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, or cooked chicken for added flavor and variety.
Elevate your salad game with our Deviled Egg Pasta Salad, a creamy and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options, this salad is a versatile addition to any meal or gathering. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal on its own, the delightful combination of pasta, eggs, and tangy dressing is bound to please your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of this delicious salad, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad.
