There’s nothing quite like a chilled macaroni salad at a picnic or family barbecue. This Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad is a traditional favorite that stands out for its creamy texture and perfectly sweet and tangy dressing. Packed with crisp vegetables, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and a rich, flavorful dressing, this salad is the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout, potluck, or holiday table, this Amish-style macaroni salad is a nostalgic and reliable crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and delivers a harmonious mix of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad

Classic & Comforting – A nostalgic taste that brings back memories of family gatherings.
Sweet & Tangy Dressing – Perfectly balanced with mayo, mustard, sugar, and vinegar.

Great Make-Ahead Dish – Even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a no-fuss recipe.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, and holiday meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped

1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup onion, chopped
2/3 cup sweet pickle relish

For the Dressing:

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/4 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Boil elbow macaroni according to package directions until tender but not mushy. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and prevent overcooking.

Step 2: Chop the Add-Ins

Chop the hard-boiled eggs, celery, red bell pepper, and onion. The combination of these ingredients adds crunch, flavor, and color to the salad.

Step 3: Mix the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped vegetables, eggs, and sweet pickle relish. Toss lightly to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Make the Sweet and Tangy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. The dressing should be creamy and smooth with a bright flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir until everything is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld together for the best taste.

Step 6: Serve Cold

Serve chilled as a side dish. Give it a quick stir before serving, and if needed, add a touch more mayo to loosen the texture.

Tips for the Best Amish Macaroni Salad

Chill Before Serving: This salad tastes best after it has been refrigerated for a few hours.

Use Good Mayo: A rich, quality mayonnaise makes a big difference in flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness: You can increase or reduce the sugar depending on your preference.
Dice Ingredients Evenly: Uniform pieces make for a better texture and presentation.

Double for a Crowd: This recipe easily scales up for large gatherings or meal prep.

Possible Add-Ins and Variations

You can easily customize this salad to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

Add Crunch:

Chopped pickles or dill pickle relish (instead of sweet)
Diced cucumber
Shredded carrots

Make It Protein-Packed:

Chopped ham
Diced cooked chicken
Tuna for a twist on tuna macaroni salad

Spice It Up:

A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper
Diced jalapeños
A spoonful of horseradish for kick

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and creamy macaroni salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Grilled Meats: Serve alongside burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or BBQ chicken.

Fried Chicken: A fantastic cool contrast to crispy fried food.
Sandwiches: Great with deli sandwiches, pulled pork sliders, or BLTs.
Holiday Meals: It’s an excellent make-ahead option for Easter, the 4th of July, or Thanksgiving.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Make-Ahead: You can make this salad a day in advance. In fact, the flavor improves after a night in the fridge.
Refreshing Before Serving: If the salad becomes too thick after chilling, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or mayo to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze macaroni salad?

Macaroni salad is not ideal for freezing. The mayo-based dressing and veggies tend to separate and become watery after thawing.

What type of mayonnaise should I use?

Use a good-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor. You can also try a light version, but avoid fat-free options for best texture.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small shell pasta or ditalini work just as well.

How do I make it less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar or replace sweet relish with dill relish for a more savory version.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad is a tried-and-true classic for good reason. It’s creamy, colorful, and full of sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Whether you’re making it for a backyard barbecue, a church potluck, or a simple family dinner, it delivers comfort in every spoonful. The best part? It’s easy to make, travels well, and keeps beautifully in the fridge. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite across generations.

Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad

Author: Diana Carrozza

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet classic side dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family dinners. This Amish-inspired macaroni salad is packed with flavor and texture!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup onion, chopped
2/3 cup sweet pickle relish
Dressing:
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/4 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped eggs, celery, red bell pepper, onion, and sweet pickle relish.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled as a side dish at picnics, barbecues, or alongside your favorite entrées. This sweet Amish macaroni salad is known for its creamy texture and delightful sweetness.

Notes

Make Ahead Friendly: Best when chilled for a few hours or overnight so the flavors can fully meld.
Customizable Veggies: Feel free to add shredded carrots or diced pickles for extra crunch and color.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to taste—reduce slightly if you prefer a less sweet version.

Serving Tip: Sprinkle with paprika or fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.
Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.