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Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad with Bacon

creamy deviled egg pasta salad - featured image

A quick and easy pasta salad featuring a creamy deviled egg dressing combined with crispy bacon, perfect for summer picnics and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or your favorite bite-sized pasta
  • 6 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (optional)
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place 6 large eggs in a pot, cover with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 12 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to cool for about 5 minutes.
  2. While eggs cook, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add 12 ounces elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool pasta.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy (about 6-8 minutes), turning occasionally. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Once cool, crumble into small pieces.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Peel the eggs and chop coarsely. Finely chop 1 celery stalk and slice 2 green onions thinly.
  6. Add cooled pasta, chopped eggs, celery, green onions, and bacon into the bowl with dressing. Gently fold to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon paprika on top just before serving for color and subtle smoky notes.

Notes

Use eggs about a week old for easier peeling. Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. For crispier bacon, cook in a skillet or bake on a foil-lined sheet pan. Chill salad for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Add a splash of milk or more mayo if pasta seems dry after chilling. Optional additions include fresh herbs, pickle juice, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, deviled egg dressing, bacon, summer picnic, easy recipe, creamy pasta salad