Homestyle Amish Macaroni Salad
This Amish Macaroni Salad is the ultimate summer side—creamy, sweet, and tangy all at once. Its signature flavor, reminiscent of traditional Amish deli counters and family gatherings, comes from the combination of Miracle Whip and a hint of celery seed, delivering that nostalgic, classic taste.
Amish Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
For the Base
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Uncooked elbow macaroni | 2 ½ cups |
| Hard-boiled eggs, chopped | 3 |
| Sweet onion, diced | ¼ cup |
| Celery, diced | 3 stalks |
| Red bell pepper, seeded and diced | 1 large |
For the Dressing
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Miracle Whip (see notes) | 2 cups |
| Dill pickle relish | 2 tbsp |
| Yellow mustard | 3 tbsp |
| Granulated sugar | ⅓ cup |
| White vinegar | 2 tsp |
| Celery seed | ¾ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
How to Make Amish Macaroni Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni and cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together Miracle Whip, dill pickle relish, mustard, sugar, vinegar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the dressing.
- Gently fold in chopped eggs, onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the eggs.
Step 4: Chill and Set
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- This step is key: it allows the macaroni to soak up the flavors and the dressing to thicken to its classic creamy consistency.
Notes on Substitutions
- Miracle Whip vs. Mayonnaise: Miracle Whip gives this salad its trademark tang. Using mayonnaise will make it richer but less zesty. To mimic the original flavor with mayo, try adding a splash of vinegar or a bit more sugar.
