When it comes to classic side dishes, few can rival the comforting appeal of a well-made macaroni salad. This Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad takes the traditional recipe up a notch with its creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing that perfectly complements the tender pasta and crunchy vegetables. It’s a perfect addition to any picnic, barbecue, or family gathering and pairs well with everything from grilled meats to sandwiches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The dressing, made with light mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, and a hint of vinegar, brings a deliciously creamy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The addition of finely diced vegetables like celery, sweet pepper, and onion adds a delightful crunch and freshness to every bite. Hard-boiled eggs provide a satisfying richness that rounds out this hearty and satisfying salad.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for potlucks or as a make-ahead side dish for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb salad macaroni: Small elbow macaroni or salad macaroni works best for this recipe.
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped: Adds richness and protein to the salad.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Provides a sharp, savory flavor.
- 3 celery ribs, diced small: Adds crunch and freshness.
- 1 small sweet pepper (red or orange), seeded and diced small: Adds a pop of color and a sweet, crisp flavor.
For the Dressing:
- 2 cups light mayonnaise (do not use Miracle Whip): Forms the creamy base of the dressing.
- ½ cup sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the vinegar and mustard.
- ⅛ cup yellow mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor.
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet note and a bit of texture.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing.
- ¾ teaspoon celery seed: Adds a subtle, savory flavor that complements the vegetables.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
- Paprika (for garnish): Adds a touch of color and a mild, sweet flavor.
How to Make Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad
Follow these simple steps to create a creamy and delicious macaroni salad that’s perfect for any occasion:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the salad macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as you want it to hold up well in the salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the light mayonnaise, sugar, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, vinegar, celery seed, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Set the dressing aside.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced onion, celery, and sweet pepper. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are well mixed.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Start with about three-quarters of the dressing and gently fold it into the salad. Add more dressing as needed until the salad is well coated and creamy. Remember, the pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it chills, so it’s okay if it seems a little saucy at first.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill properly.
Step 6: Serve
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and sprinkle the top with a little paprika for color. Serve cold and enjoy the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors of this delicious Amish macaroni salad!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the salad ingredients.
- Medium-sized bowl: For mixing the dressing.
- Whisk: For mixing the dressing ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the vegetables and eggs.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For measuring the dressing ingredients.
