Amish Macaroni Salad

Retire that tired potato salad you always take to summer BBQs and potluck dinners this year and replace it with Amish Macaroni Salad.

Yes, you could pick some up at Walmart Deli where it’s one of their signature dishes, but your own homemade Amish Macaroni Salad will be much more appreciated, and you’ll know exactly what’s in it.

It’s easy to make and portable when carried in a covered container. Be prepared and print out this Amish Macaroni Salad recipe. Friends and family are sure to ask for it.

Amish Macaroni Salad also makes a great side dish for summer suppers since it requires minimal cooking in a hot kitchen. 

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why I love Amish Macaroni Salad?

• Amish Macaroni Salad is easy to make.
• It’s full of sweet and savory flavors and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• It’s a dish that can be prepared ahead of time, so all you need to do is grab it and go on the day of your event. 
• It’s an inexpensive dish to make.
• Everyone of all ages likes it, from kids to adults. 

What’s the difference between Amish and regular macaroni?

Amish Macaroni Salad originated in Pennsylvania’s Amish community, a wholesome group of people known for their honesty and simplicity. The dressing is made with mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sugar, and vinegar, giving it a tangier and more flavorful taste than regular macaroni salad.  Amish Macaroni Salad must always include hard-boiled eggs, but they’re optional in other macaroni salad variations. 

How to serve Amish Macaroni Salad?

Serve Amish Macaroni Salad slightly chilled or at room temperature at backyard BBQs with hotdogs, hamburgers, steaks, or chicken. Guests can scoop it up from your covered dish and add it to their plates. It also makes a great side dish at home and goes with almost anything. Since hard-boiled eggs add protein, eat this dish alone for a healthy and convenient lunch. 

Cooking Tips:

• Cook pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta will make the salad mushy.
• Completely cool the pasta. Drain and rinse with cool water to keep it from sticking together.
• Pour the pasta into a baking dish so it can cool further.
• If made in advance, reserve 1/3 of the dressing and stir in before serving. 
• To save time, use a food processor to chop the veggies. Keep the peppers a little bigger. 
• Boil the eggs first so they have time to cool.
• If you have an Instapot, use it to cook the eggs. 

Variations:

• Top with slices of boiled eggs and sprinkle with paprika for a pretty garnish and to add a bit of a smoky flavor.
• Use regular mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip.
• Use a green or yellow bell pepper. 
• Add crunch with chopped carrots. 
• Reduce or eliminate the sugar and use sweet pickle relish instead of dill. 
• Substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar.  
• Instead of elbows, use a fun pasta shape like shells or wagon wheels.

Ingredients:

• Uncooked elbow macaroni
• Hard-cooked eggs
• Onion
• Stalks celery
• Small red bell pepper
• Dill pickle relish
• Creamy salad dressing
• Prepared yellow mustard
• White sugar
• White vinegar
• Salt
• Celery seed

How to make Amish Macaroni Salad:

Step 1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Drain, and set aside to cool.

Step 2. In a large bowl, stir together the eggs, onion, celery, red pepper, and relish.

Step 3. In a small bowl, stir together the salad dressing, mustard, white sugar, vinegar, salt, and celery seed. Pour over the vegetables, and stir in macaroni until well blended.

Step 4. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Enjoy!

SAVE this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

How to store Amish Macaroni Salad?

Store the macaroni salad in the fridge in a sealed, airtight container. If your bowl doesn’t have a lid, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. 

How to reheat Amish Macaroni Salad?

Amish Macaroni Salad tastes best when served slightly chilled or at room temperature. To bring the chilled macaroni salad to room temperature quickly, you can pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. 

How long does Amish Macaroni Salad last in the fridge?

You can store the macaroni salad in the fridge for up to five days as long as it’s in a sealed, airtight container. 

Can I make ahead Amish Macaroni Salad?

Yes, you can make Amish Macaroni Salad the day before your event. Simply stir it well and add a little reserved dressing. 

Related Recipes you Might Enjoy:

Amish-Style Onion Fritters – Crispy Amish-Style Onion Fritters make the perfect appetizer. Serve them with ketchup or your favorite dip. They also make a great side dish or even a sandwich wrap. 

Loaded Baked Potato Salad – Replace your usual potato salad with this recipe made famous by steakhouses. Onions, chives, crumbled bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese give them lots of crunch and flavor. 

Chicken Club Pasta Salad – Perfect for backyard BBQs or summer lunches, Chicken Club Pasta Salad is based on the same ingredients used for the classic sandwich filling.