Short Description
Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish known for its creamy texture, tangy sweetness, and delightful crunch. Combining tender elbow macaroni with a flavorful dressing and crisp vegetables, this salad is a staple at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Balanced Flavors: The combination of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and sugar creates a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy.
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Textural Contrast: Crunchy celery and bell peppers complement the softness of the pasta and eggs.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors meld beautifully when prepared in advance, making it ideal for gatherings.Goût de Chez Nous
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Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups elbow macaroni
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
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1/3 cup finely chopped celery
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1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
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2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
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Paprika for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.Upstate Ramblings
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Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, red bell pepper, and onion to the dressing. Gently fold until all ingredients are well coated.
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Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
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Serve: Before serving, stir the salad and sprinkle with paprika for garnish, if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 6 servingsPinterest+3food.com+3Allrecipes+3
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Preparation Time: 15 minutesPinterest+7The Royal Cook+7Homemade In The Kitchen+7
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Cooking Time: 10 minutesHomemade In The Kitchen+2Tastes of Lizzy T+2The Suburban Soapbox+2
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Chilling Time: 1 hourTastes of Lizzy T
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Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutesTastes of Lizzy T
Variations
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Add Pickle Relish: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish for added sweetness and texture.thekitchenismyplayground.com
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Use Miracle Whip: For a tangier flavor, substitute mayonnaise with Miracle Whip.
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Include Cheese: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a richer taste.
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Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a subtle kick.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy dressing may separate upon thawing.
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Reheating: This salad is best served cold; reheating is not advised.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the salad a day in advance allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
What type of mayonnaise is best to use?
Regular full-fat mayonnaise provides a rich flavor, but low-fat versions can be used for a lighter option.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, other short pasta shapes like shells or rotini can be substituted.
How can I make the salad less sweet?
Reduce the amount of granulated sugar to 2 tablespoons or adjust to taste.
Print
Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This sweet Amish macaroni salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that’s full of crunchy veggies and rich egg flavor. A perfect potluck or picnic recipe, it brings traditional comfort with every spoonful and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
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2 cups elbow macaroni
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
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1/3 cup finely chopped celery
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1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
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2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
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Paprika, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Macaroni:
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Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
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Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool completely.
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Make the Dressing:
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In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Mix the Salad:
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Add cooled macaroni, chopped eggs, celery, red bell pepper, and onion to the bowl with the dressing.
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Stir gently until everything is well coated.
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Chill & Serve:
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
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Notes
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Letting the salad chill enhances the flavors.
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Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar to taste.
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Great made a day ahead—just stir before serving.
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