![\"Ingredients](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PS_TOHD_24_266158_LauraScherb_1-scaled.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\")
Laura Scherb for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n- \n
- Macaroni:<\/b> This inexpensive pasta provides a hearty base for this salad and adds some protein too.<\/li>\n
- Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip:<\/b> Both options provide a creamy base for the salad\u2019s dressing, and some tang as well. Miracle Whip adds to the salad\u2019s sweetness; mayo helps keep it more neutral.<\/li>\n
- Sugar:<\/b> Sugar balances the tart and pungent flavors in the dressing. Amish macaroni salad leans deliberately to the sweet side\u2014that\u2019s what makes it distinctive\u2014but you can reduce the quantity of sugar if you prefer less sweetness (see Variations, below).<\/li>\n
- Pickle relish:<\/b> Relish brings color and a mildly tart flavor to the salad.<\/li>\n
- Mustard, vinegar, celery seed and salt:<\/strong> These flavoring ingredients pack some pungency and tang to balance the sugar. Mustard helps color the dressing as well, and the celery seed reinforces the flavor of the fresh celery ribs.<\/li>\n
- Celery, onion and sweet pepper:<\/b> These aromatic vegetables add crunch, color and bright flavors to the salad.<\/li>\n
- Eggs:<\/b> The chopped hard-boiled eggs add another texture to the salad and bring some concentrated protein as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Cook the pasta<\/h3>\n
![\"First](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PS_TOHD_24_266158_LauraScherb_11-scaled.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\")
Laura Scherb for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBring a large saucepan of water to a full rolling boil. Cook the macaroni according to the directions on the package (cooking times vary widely between brands). Drain the pasta, and rinse it with cold water. Cool the macaroni completely before proceeding.<\/p>\n
Step 2: Make the dressing<\/h3>\n
![\"Make](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PS_TOHD_24_266158_LauraScherb_2-scaled.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\")
Laura Scherb for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIn a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, sugar, relish, vinegar, mustard, celery seed and salt to form a dressing.<\/p>\n
Step 3: Assemble the salad<\/h3>\n
![\"Combine](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PS_TOHD_24_266158_LauraScherb_6-scaled.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\")
Laura Scherb for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIn a larger bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetables and chopped eggs. Add the dressing, and gently toss everything together until the macaroni is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until serving.<\/p>\n
![\"Amish](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PS_TOHD_24_266158_LauraScherb_8-scaled.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\")
Laura Scherb for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAmish Macaroni Salad Variations<\/h2>\n
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- Make a less-sweet version:<\/b> It\u2019s just not an authentic Amish macaroni salad recipe without the sugar, but if you aren\u2019t used to this style of pasta salad, it can be a bit much. Depending on your personal taste (and whether you use Miracle Whip, which is sweeter than mayo), you can take the sugar down to as little as 1\/4 cup. Start with that amount and taste the dressing, then add more until you\u2019re happy with the balance of sweet and tart flavors.<\/li>\n
- Swap out the pasta:<\/b> Elbow macaroni is the standard choice, but you can use another bite-sized pasta if you prefer. Cavatappi (\u201cscooby-doo\u201d), bowties and fusilli are all equally suitable options, and there are many more to choose from.<\/li>\n
- Bulk it up with protein:<\/b> Amish macaroni salad goes well with burgers, sausages, ribs and all your other summertime favorites. If you\u2019d like to skip the entree and make the salad into a whole meal in its own right, just jack up the protein. Cold chicken, turkey or leftover roast meats; canned tuna, salmon or crab; diced ham or crumbled bacon; and even diced or shredded cheese are all excellent choices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How to Store Amish Macaroni Salad<\/h2>\n
Any uneaten salad should be refrigerated as soon as possible. For overnight storage, the uneaten portion can be transferred to a smaller bowl and covered. If you plan to eat up the leftovers over a period of days, it\u2019s better to pack the salad into food-storage containers with airtight lids.<\/p>\n
How long does Amish macaroni salad last?<\/h3>\n
Amish macaroni salad will keep for four or five days in the refrigerator, if you refrigerate it immediately after it\u2019s made. If it was on the table throughout your meal, you should use it up within three to four days at most. If it sat outside on a hot day through your barbecue or block party for two hours or longer, the leftovers should be discarded.<\/p>\n
Can I make Amish macaroni salad ahead of time?<\/h3>\n
Yes, this is a sturdy salad, and it holds up well when prepared in advance (that\u2019s one reason for its popularity as a potluck dish). In fact, its flavors will mellow and deepen if it\u2019s made at least a day ahead. It will keep for up to five days if the bowl is in the coldest part of your fridge, though you may find that the peppers begin to soften. It\u2019s usually best to prep the salad no more than two days in advance, so the vegetables remain at their best.<\/p>\n
Amish Macaroni Salad Tips<\/h2>\n
![\"Amish](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PS_TOHD_24_266158_LauraScherb_9-scaled.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\")
- Swap out the pasta:<\/b> Elbow macaroni is the standard choice, but you can use another bite-sized pasta if you prefer. Cavatappi (\u201cscooby-doo\u201d), bowties and fusilli are all equally suitable options, and there are many more to choose from.<\/li>\n
- Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip:<\/b> Both options provide a creamy base for the salad\u2019s dressing, and some tang as well. Miracle Whip adds to the salad\u2019s sweetness; mayo helps keep it more neutral.<\/li>\n