Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amish Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners. With a blend of tender macaroni, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing, this traditional recipe offers a delicious balance of textures and tastes. It’s easy to make ahead and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or sandwiches.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

elbow macaronihard-boiled eggsfinely chopped celeryfinely chopped onionfinely chopped red bell peppermayonnavinegar (white or apple cider)sugaryellow mustardcelery seedsalt and pepper

directions

Amish Macaroni Salad 10 Amish Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners. With a blend of tender macaroni, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing, this traditional recipe offers a delicious balance of textures and tastes. It’s easy to make ahead and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or sandwiches.

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled macaroni, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, and red bell pepper.

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently stir until well combined.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Stir again before serving, adjusting seasoning if needed.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesChill time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Add sweet pickle relish or chopped pickles for extra tang.

Use green bell pepper instead of red for a milder flavor.

Substitute part of the mayo with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Mix in shredded carrots or peas for added color and nutrition.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Stir well before serving cold—no reheating required.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

It’s traditionally served cold.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, small shells or ditalini work well too.

Is it very sweet?

It has a mild sweetness, but you can reduce the sugar to taste.

Can I freeze Amish Macaroni Salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture will change upon thawing.

What kind of vinegar is best?

White or apple cider vinegar both work well—choose based on preference.

How do I keep it from drying out?

If it thickens in the fridge, stir in a little more mayo or a splash of milk before serving.

Conclusion

Amish Macaroni Salad is a nostalgic and flavorful side dish that’s easy to make and always a hit. With its creamy texture, sweet-tangy dressing, and fresh crunch, it’s the perfect addition to any picnic table or dinner spread. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.