With Easter just around the corner, eggs inevitably take center stage on many holiday tables. This year, why not present them in a fresh, exciting way? Our Macaroni Egg Salad recipe offers a vibrant alternative to traditional egg dishes, ensuring your guests are impressed and satisfied.

Beyond Easter, this versatile Macaroni Egg Salad is an ideal addition to a wide range of occasions. Imagine it as a colorful centerpiece for spring brunches, a crowd-pleasing option for summer potlucks, or even a delightful and nutritious choice for your weekly meal prep and lunches. Its creamy texture and satisfying flavors make it suitable for any gathering, big or small.

What makes this salad truly exceptional is its balanced nutritional profile. It’s generously packed with high-quality protein from the eggs and bursting with the goodness of fresh, healthy vegetables. This combination ensures a dish that is both incredibly delicious and wonderfully nourishing.

We are thrilled to share this vibrant Macaroni Salad with Eggs, created in a special partnership with the Ohio Poultry Association. As proud residents of Ohio, we celebrate our state’s significant contribution to the nation’s egg supply.

Did you know Ohio proudly stands as the second-largest egg farming state in the nation? Our dedicated farmers produce an astounding 9 billion eggs each year! This means that many of the eggs U.S. families enjoy, whether for eating in delicious recipes or for decorating during Easter festivities, might very well originate from an Ohio egg farm. It’s truly inspiring to be part of a state that plays such a crucial role in supplying our country with such a healthy, versatile, and essential food option!

If you’re a fan of eggs and looking for more delightful recipes, don’t miss these other favorites: try the zesty Southwest Greek Yogurt Deviled Eggs, the savory Bacon Egg Salad, the refreshing Avocado Egg Salad, or the classically comforting Sweet Southern Style Egg Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Egg Salad Recipe

This isn’t just any egg salad; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes that make it truly stand out. Here’s why you’ll want to make this recipe again and again:

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of perfectly cooked eggs, al dente pasta, and a rich, tangy dressing creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting.
• Protein-Packed & Filling: Hard-boiled eggs are a fantastic source of protein, making this salad incredibly satisfying and a great option for a light meal or a substantial side.
• Fresh & Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs, this salad is vibrant, nutritious, and adds a refreshing crunch to every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast like Easter, a casual backyard BBQ, a springtime brunch with friends, or simply a quick weeknight dinner, this salad fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Highly Customizable: Adapt it to your preferences! Add more veggies, switch up the herbs, or tweak the dressing to make it uniquely yours.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: The classic appeal of egg salad combined with the satisfying addition of macaroni ensures that this dish is always a hit with both kids and adults.

Essential Ingredients for Macaroni Egg Salad

Crafting the perfect Macaroni Egg Salad starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this delightful dish to life:

• Pasta: For the best results, I highly recommend using a small pasta shape. Elbow macaroni is the classic choice and works wonderfully, but small shells, ditalini, or even mini farfalle would also be excellent. These smaller shapes perfectly complement the chopped eggs and vegetables, ensuring every spoonful is well-balanced. If you prefer, a medium pasta shape like rotini or fusilli can also be used. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente for that ideal bite!
• Eggs: This recipe calls for 8 large hard-boiled eggs. For convenience and to save precious time, especially when preparing for a gathering, you can absolutely purchase pre-boiled and peeled eggs from your local grocery store. However, boiling them yourself allows for ultimate freshness and control over the texture. (See our tips below for perfectly peeled hard-boiled eggs!)
• Vegetables: The secret to this salad’s fresh crunch and vibrant color lies in the vegetables. We use finely diced red onion for a subtle bite and beautiful color, crisp celery for essential crunch, and shredded or matchstick carrots for sweetness and an additional layer of texture. These vegetables are non-negotiable for that classic egg salad experience.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are the finishing touch that elevates this salad from good to extraordinary. Finely chopped chives add a delicate oniony flavor without overpowering, while fresh parsley brightens the entire dish with its earthy, clean notes. Don’t skip these; they make a significant difference!
• Dressing: The creamy heart of our Macaroni Egg Salad. This luscious dressing combines Greek yogurt for a tangy depth and a lighter touch, mayonnaise for classic richness and creaminess, sweet paprika for a hint of warmth and color, a touch of Dijon mustard for sharpness, and white wine vinegar to balance everything with a bright acidity. This blend creates a truly irresistible coating for your eggs and pasta.

Recipe Modifications and Pro Tips

This egg pasta salad recipe is incredibly versatile and easily customizable to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with any fresh vegetables you enjoy! Finely diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch, sweet corn, or even cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered) would be fantastic additions. Small diced pickles or a spoonful of sweet pickle relish can also add a delightful tang.
• Boost Your Greens: For an extra dose of nutrients and a slightly different texture, try folding in some finely chopped greens. Spinach, kale (massaged first to soften), or peppery arugula would work beautifully.
• Pasta Alternatives: While elbow macaroni is classic, you can substitute any small to medium-sized pasta. Consider ditalini, small shells, or even fusilli for a different look and feel. For a healthier twist, opt for whole wheat pasta, or try lentil or chickpea pasta for added protein and fiber. Just ensure your chosen pasta cooks to a firm but tender consistency.
• Perfectly Peelable Hard-Boiled Eggs: This can be the trickiest part! Here are some tried-and-true tips:
  • Cool Immediately: The most crucial step! As soon as eggs are cooked, drain the hot water and transfer them to a bowl of ice water for at least 5-10 minutes. The rapid cooling causes the egg to contract slightly in its shell, making it easier to peel.
  • Use Older Eggs: Eggs that are 7-10 days old are generally easier to peel than very fresh eggs. Over time, the pH of the egg white increases, causing the membranes to separate more easily from the shell.
  • Crack and Roll: Gently tap the cooled egg on a hard surface to crack the shell all over, then roll it between your hands to further loosen the shell before peeling under cool running water.
• Amp Up the Flavor: A pinch of dill, a dash of onion powder or garlic powder, or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce can add an extra layer of flavor and personality to your dressing.
• Make it Spicy: If you love a kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a finely minced jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat).

How to Make This Creamy Macaroni Egg Salad

Creating this delicious salad is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Begin by cooking your chosen pasta (macaroni or small shells work best) according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta holds up well in the salad and doesn’t become mushy. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs. Place your eggs in a large saucepan. For steaming, add 1/2- to 1-inch of water and bring it to a boil over high heat, then carefully place a steamer insert into the pan. If you’re not steaming, ensure enough water to cover the eggs by at least an inch.
3. Step 3: Boil Eggs to Perfection. Gently add the eggs to the boiling water (or steamer) using a large spoon or tongs to prevent cracking. Cover the saucepan and continue cooking for exactly 12 minutes for large eggs, or 13 minutes for extra-large eggs. Immediately drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water). This crucial step stops the cooking and helps with easier peeling. Let them cool completely.
4. Step 4: Chop the Eggs. Once the eggs are fully cooled, peel them under cold running water for the easiest shell removal. Cut each hard-boiled egg in half, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Transfer the chopped eggs to a large mixing bowl, which will be the main bowl for your salad.
5. Step 5: Incorporate the Fresh Veggies and Herbs. To the bowl with the chopped eggs, add your diced red onion, crisp celery, shredded carrots, freshly chopped chives, and vibrant parsley. Gently mix these ingredients together to combine them without mashing the eggs.
6. Step 6: Whisk the Creamy Dressing. In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you desire a subtle heat, now is the time to add the cayenne pepper.
7. Step 7: Combine and Chill. Add the cooled, cooked pasta to the egg and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the entire salad. Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Macaroni Egg Salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a refreshing, chilled salad.
8. Step 8: Garnish and Serve. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and a dusting of paprika for an appealing presentation. Serve cold and enjoy!