Introduction
This Amish Macaroni Salad is a beloved classic, known for its creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing that perfectly coats tender pasta and crisp vegetables. It’s a quintessential potluck dish that you can rely on for its crowd-pleasing flavor and satisfying texture. Once you try this version, you’ll understand why it’s a staple recipe.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups whipped salad dressing (like Miracle Whip)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 1/4 teaspoons white vinegar
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs (hard-boiled)
- 1 small white onion (chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 1 small red bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
Instructions
- Cook the 2 cups of elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
- While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of whipped salad dressing, 2 1/2 tablespoons of yellow mustard, 2 1/4 teaspoons of white vinegar, 3/4 cup of white sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Chop the 3 hard-boiled eggs, 1 small white onion, 2 stalks of celery, and 1 small red bell pepper. Add them to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the cooled macaroni and 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish to the bowl.
- Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir once more before serving.
Variations
- For a Creamier Salad: Let the dressed salad sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, stir, then chill. This allows the pasta to absorb some dressing, creating a richer texture.
- Chunky Style: Chop all the vegetables into a slightly larger dice for a more rustic, hearty bite in every forkful.
- Picnic-Friendly: Serve the salad in individual small mason jars for a portable, mess-free option at outdoor gatherings.
- Extra Savory: Use the brine from the sweet pickle relish (about 1 teaspoon) in place of an equal amount of white vinegar in the dressing.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your macaroni is thoroughly cooled before adding the dressing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
- For the best flavor, make this salad a day ahead. The resting time in the refrigerator is crucial for the sweetness to mellow and the flavors to combine fully.
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the pasta and vegetables. You can adjust the sweetness or tang by adding a tiny bit more sugar or vinegar to suit your preference.
- Dice the onion, celery, and bell pepper to a similar size for the most consistent texture and distribution throughout the salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is meant to be served cold and does not reheat well, as the creamy dressing will separate. Simply stir it well before serving again straight from the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use mayonnaise instead of whipped salad dressing?
You can, but the flavor profile will be very different. Whipped salad dressing (like Miracle Whip) has a distinct sweet and tangy taste that is traditional for this recipe. Mayonnaise will result in a less sweet, more savory salad.
How do I hard-boil the eggs perfectly?
Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water by an inch. Bring to a full boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10-12 minutes, then transfer to an ice water bath to cool completely before peeling.
My salad seems dry after chilling. What happened?
Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. You can stir in an extra tablespoon or two of whipped salad dressing before serving to refresh the creaminess.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta shape and cook according to that package’s directions.
Is it necessary to rinse the cooked macaroni?
Yes, rinsing stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which prevents the pasta from sticking together and helps the dressing cling better.
Can I freeze this macaroni salad?
Freezing is not recommended. The creamy dressing and vegetables will not thaw well, becoming watery and separating, resulting in a very poor texture.
