Welcome to a delightful journey into the heart of Amish cuisine. Today, I’m excited to share a cherished recipe that has been a family favorite for generations – Amish Macaroni Salad. This classic dish embodies the spirit of comfort food, featuring a creamy, tangy dressing, crisp vegetables, and tender macaroni. Let’s dive into the world of timeless flavors and create a side dish that will elevate any meal.
Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe
Amish Macaroni Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 3 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 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions
- Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil .add macaroni, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender . Drain, and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, stir together the eggs, onion, celery, red pepper, and relish .in a small bowl, stir together the salad dressing, mustard, white sugar, and vinegar, salt and celery seed .pour over the vegetables, and stir in macaroni until well blended .cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Instant Pot Amish Macaroni Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
Instructions:
- Start by boiling the eggs. In the Instant Pot, place the trivet or a steamer basket and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Carefully place the eggs on the trivet. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Sealing.” Cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release, and then a quick release. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool.
- In the same Instant Pot, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Pour enough water to submerge the macaroni, approximately 4 cups. Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 4 minutes, followed by a quick release. Drain the macaroni and rinse it with cold water. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
- While the macaroni is cooking, peel and chop the cooled eggs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of white sugar, 2 1/2 tablespoons of prepared yellow mustard, 1 1/2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Add the chopped eggs, chopped green bell pepper, chopped red bell pepper, chopped red onion, shredded carrots, and sweet pickle relish to the bowl with the macaroni.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently fold everything together until well combined.
- Chill the Instant Pot Amish Macaroni Salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and enjoy your Instant Pot version of this classic Amish Macaroni Salad!
Tips for making Amish Macaroni Salad
Cooking Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Macaroni: When cooking the macaroni in the Instant Pot, be sure not to overcook it. Follow the recommended cooking time to achieve that ideal al dente texture. Overcooked pasta can make your salad mushy.
- Quick Egg Tip: For perfectly boiled eggs, use eggs that are at room temperature, and be sure to cool them in an ice bath immediately after cooking. This prevents the greenish ring from forming around the yolk.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste your dressing before mixing it with the salad ingredients. Adjust the sweetness, acidity, and seasoning to your preference. A good balance of these flavors is key to a delicious macaroni salad.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best taste, refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and gives you a refreshingly cold salad.
- Avoid Overmixing: When folding the salad ingredients together, do it gently to prevent overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a mushy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Grilled Meats: Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs. The creamy, tangy salad complements smoky flavors perfectly.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing your macaroni salad with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill.
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: A crack of black pepper on top of each serving enhances the salad’s flavor and gives it a subtle kick.
- Cold Beverage: Enjoy this salad with a cold, crisp beverage like iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer on a warm day.
- Light and Refreshing Appetizer: Serve small portions as a starter for a summer gathering or barbecue. It’s a delightful way to kick off your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amish Macaroni Salad
- Can I make Amish Macaroni Salad in advance? Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and let the flavors meld for even better taste.
- How do I store leftovers? Leftover Amish Macaroni Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Can I make it healthier? Absolutely! You can use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt, or a lighter mayonnaise for a healthier version. Load it up with more vegetables for added nutrients.
- Can I add extra ingredients to customize the salad? Of course! Amish Macaroni Salad is versatile. Add extras like diced celery, bacon bits, or diced pickles to create your unique version.
- Can I make a vegan version? Yes, you can. Use vegan mayonnaise and skip the eggs to make a delicious vegan Amish Macaroni Salad.
Create a delicious Amish Macaroni Salad with our foolproof recipe. Perfectly balanced and creamy. Impress your guests tonight!
I'm James W Bobby, a skilled and creative male kitchen staff member. With a strong culinary background, I excel in various kitchen operations. My precision under pressure brings efficiency and attention to detail to every dish. My creativity shines through in innovative flavor combinations and techniques. Dedication and approachability define my leadership style, fostering a positive teamwork environment. My passion for cooking and commitment to excellence make me a valuable asset to any culinary team.
I have an undeniable passion for culinary arts. Constantly exploring new flavors and cooking techniques, I strive to create unique dining experiences. My commitment to using high-quality ingredients and supporting local producers reflects my deep love for food. Beyond my own growth, I am enthusiastic about mentoring others and sharing my knowledge, inspiring a similar passion for cuisine in those around me.