What ingredients are used in traditional sweet Amish macaroni salad?

Traditional sweet Amish macaroni salad includes elbow macaroni, a dressing made primarily with Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sugar, vinegar, and sometimes diced onions or celery. The combination results in a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. The hard-boiled eggs add a rich texture, while the relish brings sweetness and a mild crunch.

How do I cook macaroni properly for Amish macaroni salad?

Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente, meaning the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite. This texture allows the macaroni to hold up well when mixed with the creamy dressing without becoming soggy. After cooking, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely before mixing with other salad ingredients.

Can I make Amish macaroni salad ahead of time, and how should I store it?

Yes, Amish macaroni salad can be made 24 to 72 hours in advance. Preparing it ahead allows the flavors to blend and improves taste. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir gently before serving. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent spoilage, especially because the salad contains eggs and dairy-based dressing.

What is a good substitute if I don’t have sweet pickle relish for the salad?

If sweet pickle relish is unavailable, finely chopped sweet pickles make a good replacement. To maintain the characteristic sweetness and tang, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the pickle juice or brine to the dressing. This adjustment keeps the balance of flavors similar to the original recipe without compromising the taste.

What meals pair well with sweet Amish macaroni salad?

Sweet Amish macaroni salad pairs nicely with grilled or barbecued meats like chicken, pork, and ribs. It also complements fried chicken, sandwiches, and picnic-style dishes. Because of its mild sweetness and creamy texture, it works well as a side dish in casual family meals or holiday gatherings, providing a refreshing contrast to savory main courses.

Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe with Creamy Tangy Flavor

Name: sweet amish macaroni salad
Prep time: PT-486621H3M23S
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-486622H48M23S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (about 2 cups) salad macaroni (elbow macaroni); 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped; 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup); 3 celery stalks, diced small; 1 small bell pepper, seeded and diced small (red or orange preferred for color, about 1 cup); 2 cups mayonnaise (preferably real mayonnaise, avoiding substitutes); 1/2 to 3/4 cup white sugar (adjustable for sweetness); 1/8 to 1/4 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 2 to 3 tablespoons dill pickle relish; 1 to 3 tablespoons prepared mustard (yellow or Dijon); 3/4 teaspoon celery seed; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional); Parsley for garnish (optional)

Description

🥗 Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad offers a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor perfect for comforting side dishes and gatherings.
🍝 This classic macaroni salad combines fresh vegetables with a rich dressing that melds beautifully when chilled, making it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (about 2 cups) salad macaroni (elbow macaroni)

4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)

3 celery stalks, diced small

1 small bell pepper, seeded and diced small (red or orange preferred for color, about 1 cup)

2 cups mayonnaise (preferably real mayonnaise, avoiding substitutes)

1/2 to 3/4 cup white sugar (adjustable for sweetness)

1/8 to 1/4 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

2 to 3 tablespoons dill pickle relish

1 to 3 tablespoons prepared mustard (yellow or Dijon)

3/4 teaspoon celery seed

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1-Cook macaroni: Boil 1 lb (about 2 cups) of elbow macaroni in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water for about 8 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain well and allow to cool. Avoid rinsing to help the dressing stick better.

2-Prepare dressing: In a bowl, mix 2 cups mayonnaise, 1/2 to 3/4 cup white sugar (adjust sweetness to taste), 1/8 to 1/4 cup white or apple cider vinegar, 2 to 3 tablespoons dill pickle relish, 1 to 3 tablespoons prepared mustard (yellow or Dijon), 3/4 teaspoon celery seed, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional). Whisk until smooth and well blended.

3-Chop vegetables and eggs: Finely dice 1 small onion (about 1 cup), 3 celery stalks, and 1 small red or orange bell pepper, and chop 4 hard-boiled eggs.

4-Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled macaroni with chopped eggs, onion, celery, and bell pepper.

5-Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly but gently to preserve texture.

6-Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich taste.

7-Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or additional sliced hard-boiled eggs if desired. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish perfect for gatherings or potlucks.

Notes

🥄 Use real mayonnaise for authentic flavor and creamy texture.
🍬 Adjust the sugar amount to suit your preferred sweetness level.
🌿 Incorporate celery seed for the distinctive classic taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour or overnight
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling and mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad, Creamy Pasta Salad, Tangy Dressings, Classic Side Dish