This Old Fashioned Amish Macaroni Salad is a cold macaroni salad recipe that brings back warm, nostalgic memories of family picnics, summer potlucks, and hearty midwestern supper ideas. Creamy mayonnaise mingles with tart dill pickle relish, hard cooked eggs, and a hint of paprika, giving it a gentle tang and a hint of sweetness. This classic macaroni salad recipe is refreshingly simple yet loaded with comforting flavors—perfect as a side to burgers, grilled meats, or as its own Amish pasta salad star.
Amish Macaroni Salad with Relish and Paprika
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander to drain and rinse pasta
Large Mixing Bowl for combining salad ingredients
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
Cutting board and sharp knife for hard cooked eggs and vegetables
- 2 cups elbow macaroni approximately 8 ounces, cooked to al dente, drained, and cooled
- ½ cup dill pickle relish sweet or dill, depending on preference
- 1 cup mayonnaise full‑fat gives traditional richness
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard adds mild tang
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar brightens the flavor
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar balances the tang for a sweet Amish macaroni salad vibe
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika plus extra for garnish
- 2 hard cooked eggs peeled and chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow or white onion
- ½ cup diced celery for crunch
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add elbow macaroni and cook for about 7–8 minutes until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water until pasta is completely cooled. This step ensures a cold macaroni salad recipe texture that's firm and prevents clumping.
Prep the Eggs and Veggies
Place eggs in a small saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to ice water, peel, and chop.
Finely chop the onion and dice the celery.
Mix the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.
Combine Salad Ingredients
Add the cooled macaroni, chopped hard cooked eggs, onion, celery, and the relish into the bowl.
Fold gently with a spatula or spoon until the pasta is well coated and ingredients are evenly distributed.
Season and Chill
Taste and season with salt and pepper. For a sweeter version, stir in a teaspoon of additional sugar.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir.
Finish and Garnish
Right before serving, sprinkle extra paprika over the top for color and a touch of smoky warmth.
Pairings
This Amish macaroni salad is delightfully versatile:
- Barbecue classics – Ideal alongside pulled pork, smoked ribs, or grilled chicken, creating a true Southern macaroni salad + BBQ match.
- Sandwiches & subs – Enjoy it with grilled cheese, ham and Swiss, or a cold turkey club for a hearty supper idea.
- Fried chicken – A perfect counterpart to crispy Southern fried chicken, balancing richness with creamy tang.
- Baked ham or pork loin – The sweetness and crisp veggies elevate simple roasted meats.
- Garden salad or slaw – Double up on veggies by adding a fresh green salad or crisp coleslaw for more texture.
- Fruit platter – Sweet melon, berries, or pineapple bring a refreshing contrast.
- Potluck spreads – Including dips, deviled eggs, and brownies for a communal meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast or turkey for extra protein?
This is meant to be a side dish rather than a main, so adding shredded chicken breast or chopped turkey will change its character—but it's absolutely delicious topped with grilled chicken or turkey on top if you want to turn it into a main dish.
2. Is macaroni salad amish always sweet?
Traditional Amish salad recipes often include some sweetness from sugar or sweet relish. If you prefer a tangier classic macaroni salad recipe, reduce sugar to 1 teaspoon and use dill relish.
3. Can I make this without hard cooked eggs?
Yes! While hard cooked eggs give richness and creaminess, you can omit them for a lighter, egg-free version. Add an extra ¼ cup relish or chopped pickles for texture.
4. What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is standard and perfect for old fashioned macaroni salad. However, small shells or gemelli also work well, especially if you want more surface area for the creamy dressing.
5. How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 4–5 days. Always give it a quick stir before serving since the dressing may settle.
