I absolutely love this Deviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors all in one bowl. Whenever I bring it to a family potluck or summer BBQ, it disappears fast — everyone just can’t get enough of those crunchy bits of bacon paired with the classic deviled egg twist. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a nostalgic favorite but also adds a little unexpected charm to your usual macaroni salad lineup.
What makes this recipe stand out is how easy it is to prepare yet feels so special. The combination of mustard, pickle juice, and the seasoning mix really jazzes things up, and I love how the chopped hard-boiled eggs give it this fun texture and flavor punch. If you’ve been searching for a macaroni salad recipe that’s both comforting and exciting, this Deviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe is definitely worth trying—you’ll see why it quickly becomes a staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Combination: The deviled egg components plus bacon create a uniquely delicious taste you won’t find in your average macaroni salad.
- Great for Entertaining: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual cookouts.
- Simple Preparation: Easy steps and accessible ingredients make this a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad improves with time, so you can prep it a day ahead and impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Deviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe come together beautifully to give you that creamy, tangy, and smoky flavor profile. Don’t stress about fancy items—just good-quality basics you can find at any grocery store, plus a few pantry staples to pump up the flavor.
- Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs provide that classic deviled egg flavor and texture. I like to peel them carefully to keep the whites intact for a better bite.
- Bacon: Cooked to crispy perfection, then chopped—this adds a smoky crunch that turns this salad into a showstopper.
- Elbow Macaroni: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto the creamy dressing without getting mushy.
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand or homemade mayo for a nice creamy base.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a mild tang and depth that complements the richness of the eggs and bacon.
- White Vinegar & Dill Pickle Juice: These give the salad a subtle tartness that brightens every bite.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Celery Salt, Black Pepper: A well-balanced seasoning blend that elevates the flavors.
- Dill Pickle Relish: Adds little pops of tangy sweetness and crunch.
- Paprika: For a pop of color and a hint of smoky spice at the end.
- Chopped Green Onion (optional): I love the fresh kick it provides as garnish.
Variations
One of the best things about this Deviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak things depending on what I have on hand or the preferences of my guests.
- Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped out bacon for smoked paprika and added crunchy roasted chickpeas—gives a great smoky flavor without meat.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a little finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce really livens up the salad, which my spice-loving friends adore.
- Greek Yogurt Swap: Replacing some of the mayo with Greek yogurt adds tang and lightness—I use this when I want a slightly healthier version that still tastes great.
- Fresh Herbs: I sometimes mix in fresh dill or parsley for a more vibrant freshness that brightens the whole dish.
How to Make Deviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prep Everything
Start by hard-boiling your eggs. I’ve found the best method is to gently boil them for about 9-10 minutes, then transfer them into an ice bath to cool—it makes peeling so much easier. Once peeled, carefully separate the yolks from the whites; reserve 3 whole eggs and a bit of bacon for garnish later. Chop the egg whites into small chunks for texture.
Step 2: Cook Pasta and Bacon
Meanwhile, cook your elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente—this usually takes about 7-8 minutes. I always rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking. Then, fry your bacon until crispy; once cool, chop it finely. Pro tip: Save a couple tablespoons of bacon for topping the salad later.
Step 3: Make the Dressing and Combine
In a large mixing bowl, mash the egg yolks together with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, and black pepper using a fork. This creates a creamy, flavorful base that’s truly the heart of the dish. Then fold in the chopped egg whites, cooled pasta, chopped bacon, and dill pickle relish. I like to give it a good stir and taste-test here—sometimes it needs a pinch more seasoning or tang, depending on your pickles.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
Pop the salad into the fridge for at least an hour to let all those flavors mingle and develop. Just before serving, sprinkle paprika over the top, then garnish with your reserved bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and chopped green onions if you like a fresh touch. Serve cold and watch everyone go back for seconds!
Pro Tips for Making Deviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Perfect Egg Peeling: I always cool my eggs in an ice bath right after boiling—it makes peeling a breeze and keeps the whites smooth.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente because the salad will soften after chilling; nobody wants mushy macaroni!
- Make It Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day, so prepare it in advance for a stress-free party dish.
- Adjust Seasonings Gradually: If you’re unsure, start with less mustard and pickle juice—you can always add more after tasting.
How to Serve Deviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this salad with a dusting of paprika for color and a little smoky flavor, plus a sprinkle of extra crispy bacon pieces and thinly sliced hard-boiled eggs. Some chopped green onion or chives add a fresh bite and a pop of green. I find these simple garnishes really take the presentation from good to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This Deviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like BBQ chicken or ribs, and it’s just as good alongside classic picnic fare like hot dogs and burgers. I also love serving it with a crisp green salad to balance out the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this salad in a hollowed-out watermelon or large tomato bowl—it adds a fun, festive touch that always gets comments. You could also portion it into individual mason jars for a stylish picnic or potluck presentation that makes serving easy and mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it chilled to maintain the salad’s creamy texture and to keep the bacon crispy topping separate until serving, if possible.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing this salad, but I don’t recommend it because the mayo and eggs tend to separate after thawing, affecting texture negatively. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold, so reheating isn’t needed. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the flavors without losing the refreshing coolness.
FAQs
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Can I make the Deviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it at least an hour ahead, or even the day before, to let the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until serving.
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What’s the best way to cook bacon for this recipe?
I like frying bacon in a skillet until crispy and then draining it on paper towels. Baking it in the oven is another great hands-off method. Just ensure it’s cooked well for that perfect crunch to complement the salad.
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like shells or rotini also work well because they hold the dressing and mix nicely with the eggs and bacon.
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Is this salad suitable for potlucks?
Definitely! It’s a portable, crowd-pleasing dish that stays tasty even after sitting out a bit (just keep it chilled before serving). It’s one of my go-to dishes to bring along, especially for warm-weather gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Deviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s comforting, flavorful, and fills that craving for a classic picnic side with a unique twist. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a recipe that’s easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for sharing. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and get ready for the compliments to roll in—you’ll be so glad you did!
PrintDeviled Egg Bacon Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad with crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and a blend of classic seasonings. Perfect as a side dish for dinner or potluck gatherings, this salad combines tender elbow macaroni, hearty hard-boiled eggs, and a zesty dressing inspired by deviled eggs, all chilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Eggs and Garnish
- 9 Eggs, hard-boiled with yolks separated (reserve 3 for serving)
- 2 tbsp cooked and chopped bacon reserved for serving
- 1 tsp chopped green onion (optional garnish)
- 1 tsp paprika (for garnish)
Main Salad
- 10-12 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1.5 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp dill pickle juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp celery salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
Instructions
- Prepare eggs: Hard-boil the eggs, peel them carefully, then separate the yolks from the whites. Reserve 3 whole eggs for garnish. Chop the egg whites into small chunks and place them aside.
- Cook pasta and bacon: While boiling eggs, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Cook the bacon until crisp, then chop it into small pieces.
- Make deviled egg dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add the reserved egg yolks. Mash them with a fork and combine with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the salad: Stir the dill pickle relish into the yolk mixture. Then add the chopped egg whites, cooled macaroni, and most of the chopped bacon (reserve some for garnish). Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and chill the macaroni salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the salad to firm up.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top with paprika. Garnish with the reserved chopped bacon, whole eggs, and chopped green onions if desired. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least one hour before serving.
- You can adjust the amount of Dijon mustard or pickle juice to taste depending on desired tanginess.
- Using freshly cooked and crispy bacon adds great texture and flavor contrast.
- Ensure pasta is rinsed well with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but is freshest the same day prepared.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg