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Classic Sweet & Creamy Amish Macaroni Salad

A close-up of creamy amish macaroni salad with elbow pasta and chopped celery served on a white plate.
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This recipe delivers the sweet, tangy, and ultra-creamy Amish Macaroni Salad you remember. It is a simple, make-ahead side dish perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Miracle Whip or similar dressing
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the hard-boiled eggs. Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes. Drain and cool the eggs in ice water. Peel and chop the eggs once cool.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, parsley, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
  4. Prepare the dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, sweet pickle juice, mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This creates the tangy pasta salad dressing base.
  5. Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Amish Macaroni Salad for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the pasta to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors, resulting in the best creamy potluck salad texture.
  7. Before serving at your next BBQ or picnic, stir the salad gently and check the seasoning. Add a small splash of milk or extra dressing if it seems too dry.

Notes

  • For the best flavor and texture, make this salad a day ahead of time. The chilling period is key for this comfort food salad classic.
  • If you prefer a less sweet macaroni salad, reduce the sugar in the dressing by 2 tablespoons and taste before adding the remainder.
  • Rinsing the pasta well after boiling prevents it from sticking together and helps the creamy dressing adhere better.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/amish-macaroni-salad-recipe-sweet-creamy/