Amish Pasta Salad

If you have a penchant for sweet flavors, then Amish Pasta Salad is your go-to dish. While it shares common ingredients with traditional creamy pasta salads—like mayo and celery—it also boasts a few unique touches that make it truly special. This salad is creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is a delight for several reasons. The combination of creamy and crunchy textures is perfectly balanced. The addition of sweet ingredients like sugary relish and pimentos adds a unique twist that is well complemented by the tang of apple cider vinegar and mustard. It’s a refreshing take on a classic dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Chopping board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz) package medium shell pasta
• 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1/2 small sweet onion, chopped
• 1 (2 oz) jar pimentos, drained
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse it under cold water and drain well.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet pickle relish, garlic powder, celery seed, mayonnaise, sour cream, granulated sugar, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
3. Add the cooked pasta, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, sweet onion, pimentos, and green bell pepper to the bowl. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious Amish Pasta Salad!

Tips for Success

Ensure the pasta is properly rinsed and drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery. For enhanced flavor, let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving, allowing the ingredients to meld together.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to customize this salad by adding cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor or diced cheese for extra richness. You can also substitute the green bell pepper with red or yellow for a sweeter taste.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This salad offers a balance of carbohydrates and proteins from the pasta and eggs, plus a dose of healthy fats from the mayo and sour cream. It’s a satisfying dish that can be served as a main or side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.

How long will it last in the fridge?

Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Macaroni or rotini also work well in this recipe.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a distinctive and delicious pasta salad, this Amish Pasta Salad is a must-try. Its unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors will surely make it a favorite at your table. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your culinary creations and feedback in the comments below!