Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad 🍝🥗

Amish Macaroni Salad is a simple, creamy, and tangy dish, known for its smooth texture and comforting flavors. It’s a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any casual gathering. This classic recipe is loaded with vegetables, pasta, and a delicious, homemade dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped (green onions work well too)
• ¼ cup sweet relish (or chopped sweet pickles)
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder (optional for extra tang)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, black pepper, and mustard powder (if using). Whisk until the dressing is smooth and fully combined.

3. Combine the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped eggs, celery, red bell pepper, onion, and sweet relish.
   • Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir gently to combine everything. Be careful not to break the pasta or eggs.

4. Chill the Salad:

   • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together.

5. Serve:

   • Stir the salad before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (add more salt, pepper, or sugar to taste).

Tips:

• Make-Ahead: Amish Macaroni Salad is best when it’s had time to chill and the flavors can develop, so it’s perfect for preparing in advance.
• Add-ins: You can add chopped carrots, peas, or pickled onions for additional flavor and texture.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking if you prefer a sweeter or tangier salad.
• Vegan Version: You can substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayo and leave out the eggs for a vegan version of this salad.

This Amish Macaroni Salad is a delightful, creamy dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect for bringing to summer barbecues, potlucks, or just for a simple family meal. Enjoy! 🥗🍝