Every family has that one recipe that gets passed down from generation to generation, and in my family, it is the Amish Macaroni Salad. I remember growing up and helping my grandmother prepare this dish for family gatherings. The kitchen would be filled with the aroma of freshly chopped vegetables and the sweet tangy scent of the dressing. It was always a hit with both the adults and the kids, and I am excited to share this recipe with you today.
How to Prepare Amish Macaroni Salad
Ingredients for Amish Macaroni Salad
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 3 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 2 cups creamy salad dressing (e.g., Miracle Whip)
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 2 1/4 teaspoons white vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions for Amish Macaroni Salad
- In a large pot of lightly salted water, bring to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped eggs, onion, celery, bell pepper, and relish.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the salad dressing, sugar, mustard, vinegar, celery seed, and salt. Pour this dressing over the egg and vegetable mixture.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of creamy salad dressing?
Yes, you can use mayonnaise instead of creamy salad dressing. However, the taste will be slightly different as the salad dressing has a sweeter and tangier flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots or cucumbers to this salad. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the dressing if needed.
How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can use other small pasta shapes like shells or penne.
Is this salad gluten-free?
This salad is not gluten-free because it contains regular pasta. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Amish Macaroni Salad as much as I do. It is a wonderful dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories. Enjoy!
Amish Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 3 large hard-cooked eggs chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 2 cups creamy salad dressing e.g. Miracle Whip
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 2 1/4 teaspoons white vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Combine eggs, onion, celery, bell pepper, and relish in a large bowl.
- Stir together salad dressing, sugar, mustard, vinegar, celery seed, and salt in a small bowl. Pour over eggs and vegetables.
- Top with cooled macaroni; stir until well combined.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
