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Amish Macaroni Salad with Relish and paprika

Amish Macaroni Salad with Relish and Paprika

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 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

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Instructions
 

Cook and Cool the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add elbow macaroni and cook for about 7–8 minutes until al dente.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Finely chop the onion and dice the celery.

Mix the Dressing

  1. 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

  1. Add the cooled macaroni, chopped hard cooked eggs, onion, celery, and the relish into the bowl.
  2. Fold gently with a spatula or spoon until the pasta is well coated and ingredients are evenly distributed.

Season and Chill

  1. Taste and season with salt and pepper. For a sweeter version, stir in a teaspoon of additional sugar.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir.

Finish and Garnish

  1. Right before serving, sprinkle extra paprika over the top for color and a touch of smoky warmth.