Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is a southern-style picnic staple with a twist. It combines the tangy punch of classic deviled eggs with the comforting heartiness of macaroni salad. Each bite brings you the creamy texture of mayo-mustard dressing, the gentle crunch of pickles, and the savory delight of perfectly cooked elbow pasta.

It’s a dish that stands strong at backyard barbecues, potlucks, and family get-togethers. Whether served as a side to grilled meats or enjoyed solo, this salad delivers a nostalgic taste that balances comfort and spice. Plus, it comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients, making it an easy go-to for last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients for this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Eggs
Chop 4 of the hard-boiled eggs and add them to a large mixing bowl. Slice the remaining 2 eggs into rounds or halves to use for topping later.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped red onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine the Salad
Add the cooled macaroni and chopped eggs to the dressing. Stir gently until all the pasta is well coated and everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Top with the reserved egg slices and a light sprinkle of smoked paprika. Add a few sprigs of fresh parsley if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge and stir before serving.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Small shells, rotini, or ditalini work well as substitutes for elbow macaroni.
Is there a way to make it lighter?
Try using Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
What can I use instead of pickle relish?
Diced dill pickles or chopped bread and butter pickles make great alternatives.
Can I add more ingredients?
Absolutely. Crumbled bacon, diced celery, or shredded cheddar are all great additions.
How can I make it spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing for a kick.

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Looking for a quick side dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing? This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad delivers on all fronts. Perfect for those in search of easy dinner, summer picnic food ideas, or a flavorful healthy snack alternative, this creamy salad fuses the zesty flair of deviled eggs with the heartiness of a classic macaroni dish. Each forkful is packed with nostalgic flavor, smooth texture, and that familiar touch of Southern charm. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch, planning your Fourth of July menu, or simply craving something comforting, this easy recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (plus more for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool.
- Chop 4 eggs and add to a large bowl. Slice remaining 2 eggs for topping.
- In another bowl, mix mayo, mustard, relish, red onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine macaroni and chopped eggs with the dressing. Mix gently until fully coated.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, top with sliced eggs, sprinkle smoked paprika, and garnish with parsley.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish