Description
A classic Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad combining tender elbow macaroni with a creamy, tangy, and sweet dressing, mixed with crisp vegetables for a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for picnics and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped hard-boiled eggs (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain and cool pasta: Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Allow it to drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Prepare dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Whisk until smooth and well blended to create a creamy, tangy, and sweet dressing.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni to the mixing bowl along with diced celery, bell pepper, onion, sweet pickle relish, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix salad: Stir everything together until the macaroni and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring balanced flavors throughout.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper as necessary to suit your preference.
- Chill: Transfer the macaroni salad to a refrigerator-safe bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate for flavor melding: Chill for at least 1 hour or up to overnight, allowing the flavors to blend and the salad to thicken slightly.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, optionally garnish the salad with chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra texture and richness.
Notes
- For best results, chill the salad overnight to enhance the flavor fusion.
- Adjust the sugar quantity if you prefer a less sweet or more tangy salad.
- You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar if desired.
- Hard-boiled eggs are optional but add a traditional touch and extra protein.
- Use fresh vegetables for crispness and vibrant color.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: American Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Amish macaroni salad, sweet macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, picnic side dish, classic American salad
