Classic Amish Macaroni Salad: A Perfectly Tangy and Creamy Dish!

Photo byAngie Bright

Amish Macaroni Salad is a timeless dish that embodies comfort, tradition, and simplicity. This flavorful recipe, passed down through generations, is a favorite at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. With its creamy texture and perfect balance of sweet and tangy, Amish Macaroni Salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a staple in many homes.

What sets this recipe apart is its use of classic ingredients like hard-cooked eggs, celery, and dill pickle relish, all mixed together with a creamy dressing that has just the right amount of mustard, vinegar, and sugar. The Amish are known for their simple, wholesome, and homemade dishes, and this macaroni salad is no exception. It’s quick to make, uses pantry staples, and tastes even better after being chilled for a few hours, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.

The Unique Flavor of Amish Macaroni Salad

This dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The elbow macaroni provides a firm base that soaks up the dressing perfectly. The crunch from celery, the sweetness of bell pepper and carrots, and the tangy dill pickle relish create a balance of flavors that dance in every bite. The creamy dressing, with a hint of mustard and a touch of sugar, coats the ingredients, bringing everything together in a harmonious blend. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple yet full of character.

Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 small carrot, shredded
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
• 2 cups creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip)
• 2¼ teaspoons white vinegar
• White sugar to taste (1/3 – ¾ cup, depending on preference)
• 3 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon celery seed

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the macaroni in a pot of lightly salted water for about 10 minutes, or until tender. Rinse it under cold water, drain well, and set aside to cool.
2. Mix the vegetables and eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, celery, hard-cooked eggs, red bell pepper, carrot, and dill pickle relish. Stir in the cooled macaroni.
3. Prepare the dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the creamy salad dressing, white vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and celery seed. Adjust the sweetness by adding sugar to taste.
4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir everything until well-coated and thoroughly mixed.
5. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

For a heartier version, you can also mix in strips of ham or your favorite deli meat to add some protein and texture to the dish.

Why You'll Love It

This Amish Macaroni Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet, making it a great choice for almost any occasion. Whether you’re bringing it to a summer barbecue, serving it as a side for a casual dinner, or making it a part of your holiday spread, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different vegetables or add-ins like ham, making it adaptable to your family’s taste.

If you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying, and delicious salad that everyone will enjoy, this Amish Macaroni Salad is the way to go. Its timeless appeal and simple preparation make it a dish you’ll want to keep in your recipe box for years to come.

Amish Macaroni Salad is a well-loved dish known for its creamy, tangy, and sweet flavor profile. It’s a perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. The recipe typically combines tender elbow macaroni with crunchy vegetables like celery, onion, and bell pepper, plus the richness of hard-boiled eggs. The key to its distinct flavor is the creamy dressing, usually made with salad dressing (like Miracle Whip), yellow mustard, sugar, and vinegar, which adds a sweet and tangy touch.

One important tip to ensure your macaroni salad stays creamy is to keep some of the dressing aside and mix it in just before serving, as the pasta tends to absorb the moisture from the dressing while it sits in the fridge​(Allrecipes)​(Taste of Home). You can also customize the recipe by adding more veggies, protein like ham or chicken, or even different types of pasta​(Sweet Little Bluebird)​(Taste of Home).

If you’re planning to make it ahead of time, it's best prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to blend well. This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, but it’s essential to refrigerate it promptly after serving​(Amanda's Cookin')​(Taste of Home).