Amish Macaroni Salad: A Classic Favorite for Potlucks and Family Gatherings
Amish Macaroni Salad is a deliciously creamy, sweet, and crunchy salad that’s always a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and picnics. It’s a dish that combines tender macaroni with crisp vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and a sweet and tangy dressing made with Miracle Whip, vinegar, sugar, and mustard. The flavors meld beautifully, especially when you give it time to sit overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead salad. If you’re looking for a refreshing and satisfying side dish that’s sure to please a crowd, Amish Macaroni Salad is your answer.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Macaroni (preferably elbow) | 1 lb | Cooked, drained, and cooled |
| Celery, chopped | 1/2 cup | Adds a refreshing crunch |
| Carrot, grated | 1/2 cup | Adds sweetness and color |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/4 cup | Adds mild flavor |
| Green pepper, optional, chopped | 1/4 cup | Optional, adds extra flavor and color |
| Hard-boiled eggs, chopped | 6 | Chopped into small pieces |
| Paprika | To garnish | Adds a pop of color and a slight spice |
| Miracle Whip (or mayo) | 2 cups | The base of the creamy dressing |
| Vinegar | 1/4 cup | Balances the sweetness |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup | Sweetens the dressing |
| Prepared mustard | 2 tbsp | Adds a tangy depth to the flavor |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200.4 kcal |
| Fat | 6.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 62.6 mg |
| Sodium | 251.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29.1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 11.1 g |
| Protein | 5.2 g |
Instructions
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Cook the macaroni: Begin by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, so it holds its shape well in the salad. Once done, drain the macaroni and set it aside to cool completely. You can also run it under cold water to speed up the cooling process.
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Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, vinegar, sugar, and mustard until smooth and well combined. The dressing should be creamy and slightly tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
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Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the chopped celery, grated carrot, finely chopped onion, and any optional green pepper if you’re adding it. Stir everything together gently.
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Fold in the dressing: Carefully fold the prepared dressing into the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Make sure everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing, but avoid over-mixing to keep the vegetables and macaroni intact.
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Garnish and refrigerate: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with the reserved chopped hard-boiled eggs and a light sprinkle of paprika for color. For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the salad has had time to chill, serve it chilled as a side dish at your next gathering. Its creamy texture, sweet flavor, and vibrant crunch from the vegetables will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Notes:
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Make-ahead: Amish Macaroni Salad is even better the next day after the flavors have had time to marry. If you’re preparing it for a gathering, try to make it at least a few hours in advance or overnight.
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Serving Size: This recipe yields a large amount of salad, perfect for large gatherings or potlucks. If you prefer to make a smaller batch, simply halve the ingredients, using only 3 eggs and adjusting the dressing ingredients accordingly.
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Customize It: While the recipe calls for celery, carrots, onions, and eggs, feel free to add your own twist. If you enjoy a bit of extra crunch, consider adding diced pickles, or if you prefer a bolder flavor, a little bit of mustard seed or chopped fresh herbs might be just the thing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Quick and Easy: Prep time is just 10 minutes, making it a quick side dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
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Perfect for Large Groups: Whether you’re making it for a potluck, picnic, or family BBQ, this recipe serves up to 20 people, making it ideal for large groups. It also halves easily for smaller gatherings.
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Sweet and Savory Flavor: The sweet dressing paired with the crunchy vegetables and creamy eggs is a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. It’s a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy a salad on the sweeter side.
Tips for the Best Amish Macaroni Salad:
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Use quality mayonnaise or Miracle Whip: The dressing is the star of this salad, so use a good-quality mayonnaise or Miracle Whip for the best flavor.
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Don’t skip the overnight rest: While you can eat the salad right away, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to develop and intensify. The macaroni absorbs some of the dressing, making every bite even more flavorful.
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Adjust the sweetness: Some people like their Amish Macaroni Salad a little sweeter than others. If you prefer a less sweet salad, start with the smaller amount of sugar and taste before adding more.
Amish Macaroni Salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings a touch of nostalgia to any table. With its creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables, it’s the perfect side for any summer gathering, holiday meal, or casual dinner. Enjoy it with your favorite grilled meats, alongside fresh fruit, or just on its own for a refreshing, hearty salad that everyone will love.
