Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad

Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad is a classic old-fashioned side dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table.

With a creamy, tangy-sweet dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta, it’s a beloved staple at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners across generations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for gatherings – This salad feeds a crowd and is always a hit at BBQs and reunions.

Sweet and tangy flavor – The signature sweet dressing is balanced with vinegar and mustard for irresistible flavor.

Rich, creamy texture – Hard-boiled eggs and Miracle Whip create that silky, nostalgic dressing you know and love.

Quick and easy to prepare – Just a few simple steps and no special cooking skills required

Key Ingredients

Elbow macaroni: The base of the salad, providing bite and body.

Hard-boiled eggs: Add richness and a satisfying texture.

Celery, onion, and bell pepper: Provide a crunchy contrast and fresh flavor.

Miracle Whip + yellow mustard: Create the creamy, sweet-tangy dressing.

Sugar and vinegar: Give the dish its signature Amish-style sweetness.

Sweet pickle relish: Brings a pop of acidity and zest.

Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

3 large eggs, hard boiled

3 sticks celery, chopped

1 onion, chopped or diced

2 tbsp sweet pickle relish

3 tbsp yellow mustard

1 small red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped

2 cups Miracle Whip salad dressing

¾ cup white sugar

2 ¼ tsp white vinegar

½ tsp celery seed

Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside to cool.

Prep the Veggies and Eggs:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, red bell pepper, onion, sweet pickle relish, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Make the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, yellow mustard, white sugar, white vinegar, celery seed, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the vegetable and egg mixture. Add the cooled macaroni and gently stir until everything is well coated.

Chill and Serve:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Give it a quick stir before serving and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

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Cook the pasta just until tender (not mushy), then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.

Let the macaroni and filling cool before mixing in the dressing to prevent separation.

Use Miracle Whip, not mayonnaise, for authentic Amish-style sweetness and tang.

The salad tastes even better after sitting overnight.

Dice your vegetables finely for the best texture and even distribution.

Nutrition Information

(Per Serving, ~8 servings total)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large pot (for cooking pasta)

Strainer or colander

Mixing bowls (one large, one small)

Whisk or fork (for the dressing)

Knife and cutting board

Spoon or spatula for mixing

Plastic wrap or lid for refrigerating

Recipe Swaps and Variations

Swap Miracle Whip: Use mayo + 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp vinegar as a substitute.

Add protein: Mix in diced ham, shredded chicken, or canned tuna.

Change the pasta: Shells, rotini, or bowtie pasta work well too.

Lower sugar option: Use 1/3 cup sugar or honey for a lighter touch.

Add-ins: Try shredded carrots, peas, or cheddar cubes for extra variety.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.

Make-ahead tip: It’s even better when made a day ahead.

Freezing: Not recommended—dairy-based dressings can separate when thawed.

Food and Drink Pairings

Main dishes: Perfect with BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, pulled pork, or fried fish.

Drinks: Pairs well with lemonade, sweet tea, or crisp white wine.

Side suggestions: Serve alongside baked beans, corn on the cob, or deviled eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use mayo instead of Miracle Whip?
Yes, but Miracle Whip gives it the signature sweet and tangy flavor. You can mimic it by adding a bit of sugar and vinegar to mayo.

Is this salad supposed to be sweet?
Yes—this is a classic sweet macaroni salad. You can adjust the sugar to your preference.

Can I make it the night before?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.

How long does it last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for 4–5 days when stored properly in a sealed container.

Is this safe for outdoor picnics?
Yes, but be sure to keep it chilled or serve over ice, as the dressing contains eggs.

Do I have to rinse the pasta?
Yes, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Shells, rotini, or ditalini are great alternatives.

Should the eggs be chopped small or large?
Chop them medium-small for the best texture and even distribution.

Can I make this with a store-bought dressing?
It’s best homemade, but you can use a pre-made sweet salad dressing in a pinch.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it’s easy to scale up—just double all ingredients and use a larger mixing bowl.