Amish Pasta Salad

Every time I bring this Amish pasta salad to parties, the bowl comes comes home empty with my friends asking for the recipe! I swear the creamy dressing with crunchy veggies and pasta is so yummy it will vanish quick.

Amish Pasta Salad Recipe

A pasta salad is the perfect side dish for family gatherings, summer parties, or holiday potlucks. But this isn’t your regular macaroni salad here… This hails from Amish country!

I don’t know about you but I’ve never had a bad Amish recipe. From broccoli salad to these brown sugar dumplings for dessert, I will always choose a recipe from their cookbooks. And this one is no different.

A delicious twist on the classic pasta salad recipe, this combines simple, easy-to-find ingredients and tosses them in a creamy sweet yet tangy dressing that will be a hit with everyone in attendance!

Serving Suggestions

​I could eat this all by itself and call it a meal, but I usually have to share it so it becomes a side dish. Next to burgers, fried chicken, pork chops, or even a glazed ham, this pasta salad tastes amazing!

Ingredients Needed

Pasta – Bow tie or elbow macaroni are traditionally used or substitute your favorite, including gluten free.

Onion – Yellow or sweet onion like Vidalia, are best. Or add red onion for color.

Bell Pepper – I prefer a red bell pepper for sweetness and color or use your favorite.

Eggs –  Hard-boiled eggs, feel free to buy them already cooked at the store.

Mayonnaise – Duke’s Real Mayonnaise is my favorite because it’s extra creamy. Sub your favorite brand, but not Miracle Whip.

Mustard – Dijon is best or substitute yellow mustard in a pinch.

Relish – Sweet pickle relish or substitute dill pickle relish.

Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar or sub white vinegar.

Spices – Celery seed, salt, black pepper.

Pantry staples – Celery, garlic, white sugar, Worcestershire sauce.

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How to make Amish Pasta Salad

First: Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain, and rinse under cold water for 1-minute.

Second: In a large bowl, add the cooked macaroni pasta, eggs, onion, celery, and pepper. Toss to combine.

Third: In a medium bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients and stir until sugar has dissolved and sauce is creamy. 

Fourth: Pour over pasta and toss with the dressing until combined. Enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long does it last?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5-days. Store in an airtight container and give it a stir before serving again.

Is it better to make pasta salad the night before?

It depends on the dressing. A creamy, mayo based dressing is better the night before. If you are using an olive oil based or vinaigrette dressing, I like to make it just a few hours ahead of time so it doesn’t get too mushy.

What’s the best brand of mayo to use?

Any time a recipe calls for the use of mayo, I always grab a bottle of Duke’s Mayonnaise as I prefer the flavor of this real mayonnaise.

However, feel free to use Miracle Whip or your favorite brand of regular mayo.

Can I add any protein?

Of course! Feel free to add chicken, tuna, ham, or shrimp to this Amish pasta salad for a heartier more complete dish! I did that with this chicken macaroni salad and it is a staple for lunches in our house now.

Tips for No Leftovers

• Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
• You can use celery salt instead of celery seed if you don’t have it.
• Switch out the red pepper for pimentos or roasted red peppers
• Use stevia or another sugar substitute if desired.
• I love mine with Dukes mayo. But you can use Miracle Whip or regular mayo.
• Mix the salad dressing ingredients in a separate bowl before adding to the other ingredients to make sure it is fully mixed.
• This Amish macaroni salad tastes best after it has set up for at least 24 hours.
• Cut back on calories with low fat, reduced fat, or fat free versions of mayo. Or use Greek yogurt or sour cream.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This fun-twist on the creamy amish macaroni salad recipe is the ultimate potluck dish that is not only affordable but is ready in 20-minutes!

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