Description
A classic Amish macaroni salad that is creamy, tangy, and perfect for picnics and summer gatherings. This easy-to-make side dish combines tender elbow macaroni with crunchy vegetables and a flavorful dressing, delivering a deliciously satisfying pasta salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sweet onion, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
- Paprika for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked and cooled macaroni with the chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, red bell pepper, and sweet onion until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and celery seed if using, until well combined and smooth.
- Mix Together: Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top with paprika for a touch of color and added subtle flavor if desired.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.
- For extra tanginess, you can increase the amount of mustard or apple cider vinegar according to your taste preference.
- A classic variation includes adding sweet pickles or relish to the salad for an additional flavor dimension.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
