Name: Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound elbow macaroni (about 2 1/2 cups); 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon celery seed; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)

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Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad is the very definition of classic comfort food—creamy, sweet, tangy, and irresistibly nostalgic. This salad’s luscious dressing envelopes tender macaroni, crunchy celery, vibrant red pepper, and hearty eggs in a way that transforms a simple combination into something truly unforgettable. If you’ve ever wondered what to bring to a summer potluck or effortlessly wow your picnic crowd, this is your go-to recipe.

Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad lies in its handful of pantry staples and fresh crunch, each ingredient pulling its weight for flavor, color, and creamy bite. You probably have most of them already!

Elbow macaroni: The classic shape that soaks up the creamy dressing for the perfect bite every time.
Mayonnaise: This is the velvety base that makes the salad rich and smooth—use full-fat for best results.
Yellow mustard: Adds a bright tang and sunny color that shouts “homemade.”
Granulated sugar: Gives Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad its signature sweet flair without being overpowering.
Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with just the right hit of tang and depth.
Celery seed: A pinch delivers a subtle, aromatic crunch reminiscent of old-fashioned deli salads.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and a pretty dash of color to the finished salad.
Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out all the flavors—season to your liking!
Celery: Brings freshness and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Red bell pepper: Sweet, juicy, and colorful—this is your pop of fiesta in the bowl.
Onion: A little goes a long way, so finely chopped onion delivers just the right punch without overpowering.
Hard-boiled eggs: These give the salad richness, heft, and a touch of classic picnic charm.

How to Make Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Begin by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. You want a little bite to your noodles because they’ll absorb some dressing as they chill. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. This halts the cooking and cools them down, so your dressing stays creamy instead of turning gluey.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, celery seed, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whip these together until silky smooth—this is the creamy, tangy-sweet heart of your Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad. Taste and tweak the salt or vinegar if you wish; this is your chance to tune the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Eggs

Fold in the diced celery, red bell pepper, finely chopped onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. These mix-ins supply crunch, pops of color, and that “picnic salad” vibe. Gently combine everything so you don’t mush the eggs.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Tip in the cooled macaroni and use a big spoon or spatula to gently stir. Coat every nook and cranny of pasta and veggies in the luscious dressing, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned and creamy.

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Cover your bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!). As the Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad chills, all those sweet, tangy, and savory flavors meld together for that classic old-fashioned taste you can’t rush. Just before serving, give it a gentle stir and add a sprinkle of paprika or some extra sliced egg if you’d like.

How to Serve Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

Elevate your salad from humble to show-stopper with a sprinkle of paprika, a few slices of extra hard-boiled egg, or a scatter of finely chopped parsley. Not only do these garnishes add a nice visual pop, but they also hint at all those layered flavors within.

Side Dishes

Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad loves the company of classic summer fare! Pair it with smoky grilled chicken, crispy fried fish, barbecue ribs, or even a platter of salt and vinegar potato chips. It’s also the perfect cool companion alongside baked beans or a stack of buttery cornbread.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your presentation match your mood! Spoon the salad into pretty mason jars for portable picnics, or serve it family-style in a big vintage bowl for nostalgic charm. For parties, consider individual cups topped with a mini fork, or use lettuce leaves as “boats” for a fresh twist that’s as fun as it is practical.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad into an airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. In fact, the flavors may deepen and become even better over time!

Freezing

While it’s technically possible to freeze, the creamy dressing can separate and become watery after thawing, so it’s not recommended. For best results, just make what you’ll enjoy within a few days and skip the freezer for this one.

Reheating

Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat! If the salad thickens up after chilling, simply give it a gentle stir and, if desired, loosen the texture with a small spoonful of mayonnaise.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! Small shells or ditalini work well, though the classic elbow macaroni is a favorite for both texture and nostalgia. Just make sure to cook any pasta shape until al dente.

Is there a way to make it less sweet?

Definitely. If you prefer a tangier salad, try reducing the sugar to taste or increasing the apple cider vinegar slightly. You can also skip the sugar and add a spoonful of sweet pickle relish for a different kind of sweetness.

Can I make Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use a dairy-free or vegan mayonnaise, and either omit the hard-boiled eggs or use a suitable egg-free substitute for serving.

What onions work best for this salad?

Finely chopped yellow or red onions both work beautifully. If you want a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped onions in cold water for ten minutes before adding or use sweet onions instead.

How can I make it even more colorful?

Feel free to toss in extra diced veggies like carrots, green bell pepper, or even some sliced radishes. A handful of chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill) can also brighten up both the look and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad, it’s time to treat yourself (and your friends and family) to one of the most beloved picnic sides ever. There’s nothing quite like this blend of sweetness, crunch, and classic creamy dressing—once you bring it to the table, it’ll quickly become an in-demand favorite. Give it a whirl, taste, and get ready for rave reviews!

Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish that combines tender macaroni with a creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a simple side for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni Salad:

1/2 pound elbow macaroni (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, apple cider vinegar, celery seed, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, onion, and chopped eggs to the bowl. Gently stir to coat everything in the dressing.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors.