Sweet and tangy, and super creamy, this Amish macaroni salad is the perfect potluck take-along. This salad is easy to make and always a crowd pleaser.
Why this recipe works
Its creamy, crunchy texture is the perfect combination and will have people asking for the recipe. If you’ve ever had and enjoyed Walmart deli’s Amish macaroni salad, you’ll definitely want to give this one a try.
RELATED: you might also like this recipe – Egg Salad
When carried in a covered container, this pasta salad is very portable, so it’s perfect for picnics, backyard barbecues, and even as a holiday side dish. You’ll find it super easy to make and store as well!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
DRESSING – I’m a mayonnaise fan, but this particular recipe uses Miracle Whip for its sweet, tangy flavor. If you simply can’t get past the idea of using Miracle Whip, you can substitute mayonnaise but you may have to adjust the flavor by changing the sugar measurement.
EGGS – Amish macaroni salad always includes hard cooked eggs, so don’t leave them out! You can use your air fryer to make hard boiled eggs!
VEGETABLES – The Amish keep it fairly simple. The only veggies in this salad are bell pepper, onion and celery, with a little sweet pickle relish thrown in.
How to Make Amish Macaroni Salad
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Cook elbow macaroni in a large saucepan to al dente (refer to instructions on packaging).
- Drain in a colander and rinse the pasta with cold water.
- Pour cooled macaroni into a large baking pan or sheet and set aside to dry.
- In a large bowl whisk together the Miracle Whip salad dressing, mustard, sugar, vinegar and salt.
- Add the boiled eggs, onion, celery, red pepper, and sweet pickle relish.
- Move macaroni to a large bowl and add the dressing and vegetables.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, overnight is best.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
You can store your Amish macaroni salad in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
In order to keep pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing, be sure your pasta has completely cooled first. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Rinsing with cold water will also keep your pasta from sticking together. Pour the drained pasta into a large casserole dish or baking pan. This will give your cooked macaroni more area to “dry out” and cool even more. Be sure that any leftovers are stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
If you’ve ever had the Amish macaroni salad sold in the Walmart deli, they will tell you that their recipe was inspired by one that originates from Amish country. We just know it’s delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Amish Macaroni Salad
Pasta salads of all kinds are perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and outdoor parties. We love it with anything on the grill, as a second side dish with Grilled Corn on the Cob or Air Fryer Carrots, or with Homemade Baked Beans.
If you’re looking for a crunchy, creamy, sweet and tangy recipe to take to your next gathering, this Amish Macaroni Salad is a tasty choice. Just be sure to print several copies for when friends ask for the recipe!
More Pasta Salad Recipes
- Nana’s Macaroni Salad
- Mom’s Potato Salad
- Summer Pasta Salad
- Tuna Pasta Salad
- Taco Pasta Salad
- Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
- Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad
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Amish Macaroni Salad
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Dressing
- 2 cups whipped salad dressing like Miracle Whip
- 2 ½ tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 ¼ teaspoons white vinegar
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add Ins
- 3 large eggs hard-boiled
- 1 small white onion chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- This recipe uses Miracle Whip for its sweet, tangy flavor. If you simply can’t get past the idea of using Miracle Whip, you can substitute mayonnaise but you may have to adjust the flavor by changing the sugar measurement.
- You can store your Amish macaroni salad in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Instructions
Prepare Macaroni
- Cook elbow macaroni to al dente (refer to instructions on packaging).
- Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water.
- Pour cooled macaroni into a large baking pan or sheet and set aside to dry.
Vegetables and Dressing
- In a large bowl whisk together the Miracle Whip salad dressing, mustard, sugar, vinegar and salt.
- Add the boiled eggs, onion, celery, red pepper, and sweet pickle relish.
- Move macaroni to a large bowl and add the dressing and vegetables.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, overnight is best for peak flavor.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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Jota says
Excellent recipe, just cut all the ingredients by half except the pasta. You’ll be glad you did!
Laura T says
My family and everyone who’s tried it loved it. Only thing I change is using flakes Dukes mayo and omit the pepper. 10/10 every time
Hatfield says
I use dill pickle relish in it. little more bite!
K T says
Made this allergy friendly for my highly allergic extended family. It is perfect. Tastes exactly like store bought, even with gluten free pasta and dairy and nut free mayo!
Lou T says
Can Hellman’s Mayo be used instead of Miracle Whip?
Amanda Formaro says
For this potato salad to be true to its flavor, Miracle Whip is used. However, we do understand that some prefer mayo, so yes you can if you prefer.
Sarah says
It’s a good basis for a recipe but unless you want instant cavities I’d alter it some. Between the miracle whip which is already sweeter than mayo, sugar, and relish, it’s WAY too sweet. I used an eighth cup of sugar and swapped out the relish for finely chopped dill pickles and it’s still more than sweet enough. Next time I may just forgo the sugar altogether and use cider vinegar instead of white. Grated carrot is also a good veggie to add
Bill says
Absolutely awesome recipe, I’m a trucker who does pretty much 95% of my own cooking in my truck, it says this is modeled from Walmart recipe I beg to differ Walmart don’t have the diced up vegetables in it, I have purchased Walmart while it’s delicious as well its not your regular Amish Mac Salad I’m use too, I grew up in PA a and loved around the Amish community this recipe does take me back to the days of eating a real Amish Made Mac Salad, this is my new go to recipe.
Wendy says
I’m a PA girl currently in TN, I think it’s very much spot on to the Amish macaroni salad I use to get up there❤️❤️
Debbie Reer says
I love this recipe! So for a graduation party that is on a Saturday, would it be ok to make this on the Thursday before the party? Or would that be early? Trying to save steps and time. And also, we will have two kinds of meat and hashbrown casserole, fruit, green beans and baked beans, chips and veggies with dip. We will be inviting about 450 people. Can you help me to estimate how much macaroni salad to make? Thank you so much!!
Amanda Formaro says
HI Debbie. Was that a typo? 450 people? That’s a LOT of people! :) Yes, you can make the macaroni salad two days ahead.
Cookie says
This is dessert. Way too much sugar.
Becky says
This has way too much sugar in it for what I am used to for Amish Macaroni salad. I’d suggest adding a 1/4c, tasting and going from there.
Leisa Rudy says
Loved it. Perfect fresh Amish macaroni salad. So much better than Walmart and a lot less expensive. My husband loved it and he has high expectations for his macaroni salad.
Pam says
The best I’ve ever made. My go to from now on!
arleen krebs says
whenever I make this salad I like to smash the yolks into the Mayo/dressing………..spreads out the yolk flavor much better…….
Judy Backlund says
I made this salad last night to be eaten today. I love Miracle Whip so always use it in salads. I also love sweet things. The salad was delicious! I have been making an Amish caramels recipe during the past year, so had to make the salad, too. Both are delicious!
Eileen5 says
I always buy the Amish macaroni salad, potato salad, & coleslaw from Walmart in small container. Will certainly try this if I need a large amount.