If you’re craving a creamy, tangy, and irresistibly comforting side dish, I cannot recommend this Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe enough. It’s a classic that has stood the test of time for good reason—each bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, from tender elbow macaroni and crunchy celery to the subtle zing of mustard and sweet notes of apple cider vinegar. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic, potluck, or just want to treat yourself at home, this salad hits all the right spots and quickly becomes a family favorite.

Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen right now. Each ingredient plays a starring role in contributing crunch, creaminess, tang, or sweetness, making the overall flavor balanced and truly delightful.

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni: The heart of the salad, providing a tender but firm base that holds onto the dressing beautifully.
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped: Adds richness and a subtle creaminess that complements the texture of the pasta.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings a mild sharpness and a little crunch for contrast.
3 celery ribs, finely chopped: Essential for a refreshing crisp bite that wakes up your palate.
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish: Imparts a tangy, slightly sweet pop that livens up the whole salad.
2 cups mayonnaise: The creamy binder that coats everything perfectly with luscious richness.
3 tablespoons yellow mustard: Gives the salad a distinctive, mild tang and a hint of spice.
3/4 cup white sugar: Balances the tanginess with a touch of sweetness, lifting the overall flavor profile.
2 1/4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity to cut through the creaminess.
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste: Adds a subtle layer of warmth and spice.
Paprika, for garnish: A pop of color and a hint of smoky flavor for the finishing touch.

How to Make Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water following the package instructions. This ensures your pasta is perfectly al dente and not mushy. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, which is essential for the salad’s texture.

Step 2: Combine the Vegetables and Eggs

In a large bowl, toss together the chopped hard-cooked eggs, onion, celery, green bell pepper, and dill pickle relish. This mix not only adds crunch and freshness but also layers of flavor that make the salad exciting in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until you have a perfectly smooth, creamy dressing. This dressing is what makes the Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe stand out with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

Step 4: Combine Macaroni and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture, then gently toss everything until well coated. It’s important to fold carefully so the pasta doesn’t break apart but still gets evenly coated for maximum flavor in every forkful.

Step 5: Chill for Flavor

Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill nicely, turning it into a refreshingly delicious side dish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle a bit of paprika over the top for a burst of color and a subtle smoky hint that complements the creamy salad beautifully.

How to Serve Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, the classic sprinkle of paprika is perfect, but you can also add chopped fresh parsley or dill for a fresh herbaceous note. A few pickle slices on the side can enhance the tangy flavors even more, making your presentation inviting and appetizing.

Side Dishes

This Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or even a hearty sandwich. It makes an excellent potluck addition or a picnic staple, offering a creamy contrast to smoky or spicy mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in individual mason jars for a charming portable option. Alternatively, create vibrant bowls topped with a few crunchy radish slices or thinly sliced cucumbers to add visual interest and extra freshness to your spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dish to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe because the mayonnaise and fresh veggies don’t hold up well once thawed. The texture and flavor can become unappealing after freezing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need for reheating. Simply give it a good stir after taking it out of the fridge to redistribute the dressing and flavors before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional in Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe, small shells, rotini, or even bow tie pasta can work well as long as they hold their shape and aren’t too large.

Is there a healthier way to make this salad?

You can lighten it up by substituting half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or using a low-fat mayo. Adding more celery and bell pepper can also boost the veggie content and nutrition.

Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?

Definitely! Some folks like tossing in shredded carrots, chopped pickles, or even a little cooked bacon for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure the additions complement the balance of this Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe.

What is the purpose of chilling the salad overnight?

Chilling allows the flavors to marry beautifully, giving the dressing time to soak into the pasta and veggies for a richer, more harmonious taste experience that makes this salad a standout.

How do I know when the eggs are hard-cooked perfectly?

Hard-cooked eggs should be boiled for about 9 to 12 minutes, then cooled rapidly in ice water to prevent overcooking. The yolks should be firm but not dry or greenish.

Final Thoughts

This Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe is truly one of those timeless dishes that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so easy to make, which makes it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover a new family favorite to cherish and share!

Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4 from 39 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Amish Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing made with mayonnaise, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Perfectly chilled and garnished with paprika, it is a crowd-pleaser ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish

Dressing

2 cups mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
3/4 cup white sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Garnish

Paprika, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it completely and stop the cooking process.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled macaroni, chopped hard-cooked eggs, finely chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, and dill pickle relish. Mix everything evenly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well incorporated.
Mix Dressing and Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill fully.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top of the salad with paprika for a pop of color and a mild smoky flavor.

Notes

The salad is best served chilled, so plan ahead to refrigerate it for several hours before serving.
You can adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts slightly to suit your preferred sweetness and tanginess levels.
For a lighter option, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor profile.
Make sure to drain and rinse the pasta thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming too mushy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American