Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

This Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad brings together the rich, creamy flavors of deviled eggs with the comforting texture of pasta salad, creating a delightful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a family picnic, a BBQ, or simply looking for a satisfying side dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Combining the classic taste of deviled eggs with pasta offers a fun twist, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. It's a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 6 hardboiled eggs

• 8 ounces ditalini, small penne, or elbow macaroni

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon white vinegar or fresh lemon juice

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced or crushed

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, plus extra for garnish

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped, plus extra for garnish

• ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, seasoning the water with a generous tablespoon of kosher salt. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Eggs: While the pasta is cooking, peel the hardboiled eggs. Separate the yolks from the whites, then chop the egg whites into small pieces and set them aside. For the yolks, either crush them into a fine powder or press them through a fine metal strainer into a large mixing bowl.

3. Make the Dressing: In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk these together until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine: Toss the cooled pasta with the creamy dressing until well coated. Gently fold in the chopped egg whites, red onions, and green onions. If you're using bacon, sprinkle it on top now.

5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with additional paprika and green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately, or chill the salad in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

Nutrients:

This dish is rich in protein from the eggs and creamy mayo, with a satisfying bite from the pasta. Depending on your choice of ingredients, such as the optional bacon and your preference for mayo or Greek yogurt, the nutritional profile can vary. On average, each serving of this Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad contains:

• Calories: 300-350 kcal (depending on add-ins like bacon and the type of mayo used)

• Protein: 10-12 grams

• Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams

• Fat: 20-25 grams

• Fiber: 2-3 grams