
This clever Deviled Egg Pasta Salad transforms the beloved appetizer into a satisfying meal by combining the creamy, tangy flavors of deviled eggs with pasta and crisp veggies. Every bite delivers that familiar deviled egg taste in a hearty pasta salad form.
The first time I made this pasta salad for a family picnic, it disappeared before any other dish! Even my nephew, who claims to dislike eggs, went back for seconds. Now it's my most-requested contribution to summer potlucks.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni) - Provides the perfect base to capture the creamy dressing
- 6 large eggs, hard-boiled - Creates the foundation of flavor that makes this pasta salad unique
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise - Brings richness and creaminess to the dressing
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard - Adds that distinctive tangy deviled egg flavor
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar - Provides brightness that balances the creamy elements
- 1 clove garlic, minced - Infuses the dressing with subtle savory notes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt - Enhances all the flavors
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus more for garnish - Adds traditional deviled egg color and mild smoky flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Brings a touch of heat without overpowering
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion - Offers crunchy texture and mild spiciness
- 3 green onions, sliced thin - Provides fresh flavor and vibrant color

How To Make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water until completely cooled.
- Prepare the eggs
- Peel hard-boiled eggs and separate whites from yolks. Chop whites into bite-sized pieces.
- Create the dressing
- Press yolks through a fine strainer into a bowl. Add mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, garlic, salt, paprika, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine with pasta
- Add cooled pasta to dressing and gently fold until thoroughly coated.
- Add remaining ingredients
- Fold in chopped egg whites, red onion, and green onions (reserving some for garnish).
- Final touches
- Transfer to serving bowl and garnish with reserved green onions and paprika.
Make-Ahead Magic
One of the best features of this Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is how well it works as a make-ahead dish. The flavors actually improve after a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Can be prepared up to 2 days in advance
- Reserve half the dressing if making more than a few hours ahead
- Save some sliced green onions to add just before serving

Perfect Protein-Packed Variations
- Add bacon: Diced cooked bacon for smoky flavor
- Extra crunch: Diced celery or bell peppers
- Freshness: Halved cherry tomatoes
- Herbal notes: Fresh dill or chives
- Extra tang: Diced pickles or pickle juice
- Unexpected crunch: Crumbled potato chips before serving
The Science of Smooth Dressing
Pressing the egg yolks through a fine strainer breaks them into extremely fine particles, eliminating graininess and creating a silky-smooth dressing that coats each pasta piece perfectly, just like deviled egg filling.
I developed this recipe when my daughter accidentally mixed leftover deviled eggs and pasta salad. After perfecting the proportions, it became our summer staple. Even my mother-in-law, who guards her classic deviled egg recipe, asked for this one.
This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad demonstrates how combining two classics creates something better than the sum of its parts. The familiar flavors transformed into a substantial pasta salad makes for a dish that's both nostalgic and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
- Yes, this pasta salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, the flavors develop nicely as it chills. Just give it a good stir before serving, and if it seems a bit dry, you can add a small splash of mayo to refresh the creaminess.
- → What can I substitute for mayonnaise if I don't like it?
- Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for some or all of the mayonnaise. You could also use sour cream or a combination of the two. The flavor will be slightly tangier, but still delicious. For a completely different twist, try using mashed avocado for a portion of the mayo.
- → Is it necessary to rinse the pasta after cooking?
- Yes, for pasta salad, rinsing the pasta after cooking serves two purposes: it stops the cooking process immediately and rinses away excess starch, which prevents the pasta from sticking together as it cools. Make sure to rinse until the pasta is completely cool.
- → What other ingredients would work well in this salad?
- This versatile salad works well with many add-ins! Try adding diced celery or bell peppers for crunch, pickle relish for tanginess, diced ham instead of bacon, or even cheese cubes. Olives, capers, or fresh herbs like dill or chives also complement the flavors nicely.
- → How long will this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?
- This deviled egg pasta salad will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that, the quality begins to decline. For food safety, never leave pasta salad with mayonnaise out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F).