Amish Pasta Salad
Amish Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy classic side dish that combines tender elbow macaroni with fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and a rich, flavorful dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this refreshing pasta salad is easy to prepare, customizable, and tastes even better after chilling. It offers a vibrant blend of textures and flavors with a heartwarming simplicity characteristic of Amish cuisine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking (aside from boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: American Amish
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be made vegan or gluten-free with substitutions)
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 chopped hard-boiled eggs
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the signature creamy-tangy base of the salad.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooled pasta with chopped celery, diced onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until every bite is evenly coated.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The salad tastes even better after resting, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.
Notes
- Use al dente pasta to prevent mushiness after refrigeration.
- Chill the salad thoroughly to enhance flavor and texture.
- Dice ingredients uniformly for balanced flavors and crunch in every bite.
- Add vinegar gradually to avoid overpowering the tanginess.
- Make the salad a day ahead for improved flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Amish pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, tangy pasta salad, side dish, potluck salad, picnic recipe, easy pasta salad
Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/amish-pasta-salad/
