Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad: A Sweet and Creamy Classic Made from Scratch

Amish Macaroni Salad is a beloved side dish known for its creamy texture, slightly sweet flavor, and satisfying crunch. Often served at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, this traditional salad stands out because of its balanced dressing—rich and tangy with a gentle sweetness that defines many Amish-style recipes.

Unlike many savory pasta salads, Amish Macaroni Salad leans slightly sweet, thanks to sugar and sweet pickle relish. Combined with tender elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a velvety dressing, it creates a comforting dish that tastes even better after chilling.

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to making authentic Amish Macaroni Salad from scratch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
• ½ cup onion, very finely minced
• ¾ cup sweet pickle relish

For the Dressing:

• 1½ cups mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (plus extra for garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni Properly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just tender (al dente).

Avoid overcooking—soft, mushy pasta will not hold up well once mixed with the dressing.

Once cooked:

• Drain the macaroni immediately.
• Rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process.
• Drain thoroughly and let it cool completely.

Tip: Spread the pasta on a baking sheet to cool faster and prevent clumping.

Step 2: Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs

If you haven’t prepared the eggs yet:

1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water.
2. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes.
4. Transfer to ice water to cool.
5. Peel and chop into small pieces.

Set aside.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

The key to great texture is uniform, small pieces. Finely dice:

• Celery for crunch
• Red bell pepper for sweetness and color
• Onion for subtle sharpness

Keep everything evenly sized so every bite contains a balanced mix.

Step 4: Make the Sweet Amish Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise
• Yellow mustard
• Sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Whisk until completely smooth and creamy.

The sugar may seem like a lot, but it’s essential for achieving that authentic Amish-style sweetness. The vinegar balances it with gentle tanginess.

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