A Delicious Twist on a Classic: Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe (2024)

Published: · Updated: by Kevin Williams | 8 Comments

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If you're a fan of classic macaroni salad, get ready to be charmed by this mouth-melting twist on a beloved summer staple. Introducing the Amish macaroni salad recipe - a dish that's bursting with flavors and textures that are sure to leave your taste buds dancing.

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  • 📜 My Amish Mac Salad History
  • 🥗 What is "Amish Macaroni Salad?"
  • 🥣 What Foods Pair Well With Amish Macaroni Salad?
  • 🙋 FAQ Amish Macaroni Salad
  • 🖨️ Full Recipe

A Delicious Twist on a Classic: Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe (1)

This recipe takes the traditional macaroni salad to the next level by blending the simple, just-right touches of an age-old Amish recipe. The result is a creamy and tangy salad that's perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or simply looking for a hearty side dish for your next meal. So, get ready to take a delicious journey with us as we explore the Amish macaroni salad recipe and all of its tasty secrets.

📜 My Amish Mac Salad History

I worked with Kroger back in the early 2000s to create an Amish-style mac salad. We produced several prototypes: potato salad, mac, slaw, but their mac salad creation was my favorite. They used this recipe and I love this classic Amish macaroni salad because it offers a bit of everything flavorwise: tang, crunch, sweetness. It's perfect (in my opinion).

The salads were made by a Kroger-owned commissary and Kroger even paid for the packaging, a sleek Amish Cook lid with the salads to be sold in small plastic tubs. The salads would be made at their commissary in Greensburg, Indiana and Amish Cook salads would soon be sold in Kroger stores all over the Midwest.

But it was not to be....and, you know, looking back at it I'm still not sure what happened. I mean, Kroger spent what had to be a fair amount of money on the packaging, their commissary tested the recipes and did a dynamite job with the recipes. The problem with projects like that that are being done by such a large organization is that you (in this case me) gradually lose control and depend on other people to finish the job and it just didn't happen. If memory serves me right, it just bogged down in a bunch of bureaucratic intertia and just ultimately got shelved.

In retrospect, I wish I had done more to ensure that the people did what they were supposed to do to get the product to market. But I was still very young at that time, probably in my late 20s, and I just don't think I knew how to work with a sprawling company like Kroger. Maybe if the project were repeated today, we'd get somewhere...hmmmmm...tempting to make a call or two.....Anyway, Kroger did a great job at making the salads.

🥗 What is "Amish Macaroni Salad?"

A lot of stores sell Amish macaroni salad. The Amish macaroni salad sold at Walmart is popular.

A Delicious Twist on a Classic: Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe (2)

Amish macaroni salad is a classic American side dish that is often served at picnics, potlucks, and other gatherings. It is made with cooked macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, vegetables, and a creamy dressing. This particular recipe calls for "salad dressing" which would be mayo or Miracle Whip. I would use Miracle Whip because the salad is supposed to be a sweeter version, but if you want to temper the sweet a bit, use mayo. Amish macaroni salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to your own taste. You can add or omit ingredients as you like.

🥣 What Foods Pair Well With Amish Macaroni Salad?

My answer: everything!

Seriously, it is a super side dish that you can't go wrong with. Since this salad is a little sweeter, savory stuff is a good balance. But here are some suggestions:

  • Grilled chicken or burgers
  • Hot dogs
  • Fish
  • Pulled pork
  • Steak
  • Ham sandwiches
A Delicious Twist on a Classic: Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe (3)

Amish macaroni salad is also a great dish to bring to a potluck or picnic. It is easy to make and transport, and it is sure to please a crowd.

Here are some additional tips for pairing Amish macaroni salad with other foods:

  • Consider the flavors of the other foods you are serving. Amish macaroni salad is a creamy dish with a slightly sweet flavor. Pair it with foods that have complementary flavors, such as grilled chicken or burgers.
  • Think about the texture of the other foods you are serving. Amish macaroni salad is a soft and creamy dish. Pair it with foods that have different textures, such as crunchy vegetables or a crispy salad.
  • Consider the occasion. If you are serving Amish macaroni salad at a formal event, you may want to pair it with more elegant foods, such as grilled salmon or roasted chicken. If you are serving it at a casual event, you can pair it with more casual foods, such as hot dogs or hamburgers.

🙋 FAQ Amish Macaroni Salad

Can you use another pasta in place of macaroni in macaroni salad?

Yes! Of course, then you have to call it Amish Rotini Salad or Amish Penne Salad, but it will work just fine. Spaghetti might be a little messy and harder to coat with the dressing.

Can a sugar substitute be used in Amish Macaroni Salad?

Yes, powdered substitutes like Splenda can be swapped for the sugar. Another option is to just cut back the amount of sugar in the recipe for a less sweet salad.

When do the Amish eat macaroni salad?

It is often served at picnics and potlucks, or barn-raisings. A great for summer lunches!

🖨️ Full Recipe

A Delicious Twist on a Classic: Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe (4)

Amish Macaroni Salad

A sweet twist on a summer classic, Amish mac salads tend towards sweet and simple.

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups uncooked macaroni
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ¼ cup chopped onion
  • 1 /4 cup salad dressing
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 /4 cup white vinegar
  • ¼ cup sugar

Instructions

  • Cook and drain macaroni.

  • Cool.

  • Add eggs, celery, and onion.

  • Mix salad dressing, mustard, vinegar, and sugar thoroughly, then add to macaroni mixture. Chill and serve.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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More Amish Main Dishes

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  • Lydia Miller's Amish Leftover Turkey Casserole
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  • Here Are 11 Amazing Amish Recipes Using Wonderful Rice!
A Delicious Twist on a Classic: Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe (9)

About Kevin Williams

Hi, my name is Kevin Williams and I am owner of Oasis Newsfeatures and editor of The Amish Cook newspaper column.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ms. Catherine Melba Alston Hardy

    I like

    Reply

  2. Linda Smith

    Thank you for your site!

    Reply

    • Kevin Williams

      Thank you for coming to the site!

      Reply

  3. Linda Smith

    I am 73 and really enjoy seeing plain and simple recipes.

    Reply

  4. Earl

    What type salad dressing is used for this recipe?

    Reply

    • Kevin Williams

      Miracle Whip if you want a sweeter salad, mayo if you want a less sweet salad!

      Reply

  5. Marie Mangus

    I love Picalilly and had to order it immediately, so hard to find in our part of Michigan (had to add Turkey Jerkey for our fur baby also). Enjoy your column and your perspective on various topics. Thank you Kevin.

    Reply

    • Kevin Williams

      Thanks, Marie, I hope you like the Picalilly!

      Reply

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A Delicious Twist on a Classic: Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between Amish macaroni salad and original? ›

The difference between Amish macaroni salad and regular macaroni salad is in the dressing. What is this? Both versions use cooked pasta, hard boiled eggs, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. However, Amish macaroni salad has a sweet and tangy dressing thanks to the yellow mustard and vinegar added to it.

What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pasta Salad
  • Using the wrong pasta. The wrong pasta type or size can make pasta salad soggy, slimy, or just plain hard to eat. ...
  • Salting only once, at the end. ...
  • Too many raw ingredients! ...
  • Overdressing or underdressing the salad. ...
  • Not seasoning again just before serving.

Why is my macaroni salad bland? ›

Not seasoning the pasta enough.

The last thing you want is a bland pasta salad. → Follow this tip: To make sure your pasta salad is well-seasoned and flavorful, it's best to start seasoning early. The best time to do this is right out of the gate when you're cooking the pasta.

What sets Amish macaroni salad apart from all the others? ›

What Makes Amish Macaroni Salad Different From All The Others? The main characteristic of Amish macaroni salad that sets it apart is its dressing, which has a sweet and acidic flavor thanks to the addition of sugar and vinegar. The pasta salad is also deliciously addicting because of its creamy texture.

What brand is Amish macaroni salad? ›

A regional favorite, Reser's Amish Style Macaroni Salad highlights classic flavors of the Northeast with supple elbow macaroni, hard-cooked egg, and crunchy pieces of carrot in a sweet and creamy dressing.

Why do Hawaiians love macaroni salad? ›

Macaroni salad is believed to have been influenced by the Portuguese and Japanese immigrants who introduced pasta and mayonnaise to the islands. The Portuguese influence can be seen in the use of mayonnaise, as the Portuguese immigrants were known for their love of mayonnaise-based salads.

Why is it called Russian salad? ›

Russian salad was originally called Oliver salad based on the Moscow-based Belgian chef who invented it. During the 20th century, the dish spread throughout Europe and adopted the name Russian salad.

Should you rinse macaroni when making macaroni salad? ›

Moral of the story: Regardless of whether the dish you're making is going to be served warm or you're making a cold pasta salad, do not rinse your pasta. Your final dish will be that much more delicious, and you won't be undoing the flavors and texture that you've worked to build during the cooking process.

Should I rinse pasta when making pasta salad? ›

If you're making a dish that will be served chilled or at room temp—think cold soba, rice noodles, pasta salad—you do want to rinse so that you get toothsome (sorry) individual strands rather than one big gummy clump. Certain types of noodles benefit from a rinse in almost all applications.

What is the best olive oil for pasta salad? ›

If you prefer an oil-based pasta salad over a mayo-based pasta salad, using quality, flavorful oil is key. You can't go wrong with California Olive Ranch's extra virgin olive oil.

What makes macaroni taste better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

What goes bad in macaroni salad? ›

Generally, when stored correctly in the refrigerator in an airtight container, macaroni salad can last between 3 to 5 days. The presence of dairy products, mayonnaise, and other perishable ingredients in the salad means that it is susceptible to spoilage.

What is the aftertaste in macaroni salad? ›

Vinegar and other acidic ingredients do strange things to the flavor of pasta when used in salad-level amounts. Ever notice an irritating acerbic aftertaste just about every time you've eaten pasta salad? That's the vinegar announcing itself, and it's not pleasant.

What was the original salad? ›

The ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were known to consume mixed greens with a combination of salt, oil and vinegar. These early salads were often made with ingredients like lettuce, celery, radishes, and onions, which were considered beneficial for digestion and overall health.

What is the difference between macaroni salad and pasta salad? ›

Pasta salad and macaroni salads are very similar as they often can contain many of the same ingredients. The main difference between the two is in the way they are dressed. Macaroni salad is usually dressed with mayonnaise, while pasta salad is usually dressed with vinaigrette.

How much nutrition is in giant Amish macaroni salad? ›

Per 3/4 Cup: 320 calories, 3 g sat fat (16%DV), 440 mg sodium (19%DV), 17 g total sugars. No high fructose corn syrup. No synthetic colors. Contains bioengineered food ingredients.

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