This Amish Macaroni Salad is a classic summer favorite, known for its creamy texture and perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. A staple at family gatherings and reminiscent of Amish deli counters, its signature taste comes from the combination of Miracle Whip and a hint of celery seed. The result is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing salad that’s simple to make but impossible to forget.
Amish Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
For the Base
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Uncooked elbow macaroni | 2½ 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 | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Miracle Whip | 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 Macaroni
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and remove extra starch. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, sugar, vinegar, celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the cooled macaroni with the dressing. Gently fold in the chopped eggs, onion, celery, and red bell pepper, being careful to keep the eggs intact.
Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavor
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This resting time allows the macaroni to soak up the flavors and the dressing to thicken into its signature creamy consistency.
Notes on Substitutions
Miracle Whip vs. Mayonnaise: Miracle Whip gives the salad its distinctive tang. If you substitute with mayonnaise, the flavor will be milder and richer. To mimic the traditional taste using mayo, add a splash of vinegar or a touch more sugar.
