Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs

Who doesn’t love a classic pasta salad, especially when it’s creamy, comforting, and full of little surprises in every bite? This Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs is the ultimate side dish or light meal, perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or just a cozy afternoon snack. With its rich and velvety dressing, crunchy veggies, and protein-packed eggs, it’s got everything you want in a pasta salad—and then some.

The creaminess of the dressing, paired with the slight tang from the mustard and the subtle crunch of veggies, makes this a truly satisfying dish. The hard-boiled eggs add a heartiness that balances everything out, making this pasta salad filling enough to enjoy on its own. Trust me, you’re going to want to make a big batch because it’s that good!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs

Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward and simple, which means you can whip it up even if you’re short on time. Toss everything together, chill, and you’ve got a dish that will wow your guests—or just keep you snacking happily all day long.

Versatile & Customizable

This pasta salad is super flexible. Add in extra veggies like bell peppers, olives, or peas if you like. Want to add a little protein? Toss in some shredded chicken or bacon for a more filling option. You can tweak this recipe based on your tastes and dietary needs.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, bringing something to a potluck, or just looking for a satisfying lunch, this pasta salad fits every occasion. It’s light, but it’ll still leave you feeling satisfied—and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Quick & Prep-Friendly

It takes just a little time to boil the eggs and cook the pasta, then the rest is just mixing! Plus, it stores really well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

• Rotini or elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta for holding onto that creamy dressing.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Sliced or chopped, these bring a delicious richness to the salad.
• Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and lightness.
• Red onion: Finely chopped for a mild bite.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved for a juicy pop of color and flavor.
• Pickles: Chopped for that tangy bite.
• Parsley: Chopped for a little extra freshness.

For the Creamy Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing that makes it rich and velvety.
• Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess with a tangy twist, balancing out the mayo.
• Dijon mustard: For a bit of tang and depth.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
• Sugar: A small amount to give the dressing a subtle sweetness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini (or elbow macaroni) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs:

2. Boil the Eggs: Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 9-10 minutes. Remove the eggs and cool them under cold running water. Once cooled, peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Dressing:

3. Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Salad:

4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, pickles, and parsley.
5. Add the Dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently until evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed (add a little more salt, pepper, or mustard if you like it tangier).

Chill and Serve:

6. Chill the Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling the pasta salad allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and it makes it extra refreshing.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give it one last gentle toss before serving. Garnish with a little extra parsley or some sliced hard-boiled eggs if you like.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (depending on your choice of pasta and dressing amounts)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)

How to Serve Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs

• As a Side Dish: This salad is the perfect complement to grilled meats, BBQ, or a hearty sandwich.
• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal that’s not too heavy but still packed with flavor.
• For Potlucks & Picnics: This pasta salad is always a hit when brought to parties, gatherings, or family dinners.
• Top with Protein: For a more filling meal, top it with grilled chicken, bacon bits, or even shrimp for added protein.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This pasta salad gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, so feel free to make it ahead of time. It keeps well for up to 3 days.
• Swap Ingredients: If you’re not a fan of certain veggies, feel free to swap them out for others—carrots, peas, or bell peppers would all be great options.
• Add Some Spice: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing to spice things up.
• Keep It Light: If you’re looking to reduce the calories, you can swap the mayo for a lighter version or use more Greek yogurt to make it creamier without the extra calories.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rotini, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta would all work well.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A2: Yes! It’s actually better when the flavors have time to mingle. You can make it up to 2-3 days ahead of time. Just keep it chilled in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this pasta salad?

A3: Absolutely! Add in peas, bell peppers, or even cucumbers for extra crunch and color.

Q4: How can I make this salad healthier?

A4: To lighten up the salad, you can use a lighter mayo, swap Greek yogurt for regular yogurt, or add more veggies to boost the nutrition.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great make-ahead dish for lunch or a snack.

Q6: Can I add cheese to this pasta salad?

A6: Definitely! Feta, mozzarella, or shredded cheddar would all be delicious additions to give the salad a little extra flavor.

Q7: Can I make this salad dairy-free?

A7: Yes! Use a dairy-free mayonnaise and swap the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) for a dairy-free version.

Q8: How can I make this salad a main dish?

A8: To make it a more filling main dish, consider adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon on top for extra protein.

Q9: Can I freeze this pasta salad?

A9: It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy dressing may separate when frozen. However, you can make the pasta and veggies ahead of time, then assemble the salad with fresh dressing when you’re ready to serve.

Q10: Can I use hard-boiled eggs from the store?

A10: Yes! If you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs from the store. Just be sure to chop them up once they’re peeled.

Conclusion

This Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and satisfying. It’s an easy-to-make, customizable dish that’s ideal for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a BBQ, prepping for the week, or just craving a simple, comforting meal. With its hearty eggs, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing, this pasta salad will become your new go-to recipe! Ready to dig in? You’ll love it!

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