Amish Pasta Salad is a classic, hearty dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any gathering. This salad is known for its creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables, making it both satisfying and refreshing. The recipe often includes a combination of pasta, vegetables, cheese, and a flavorful dressing, and it can be customized with additional ingredients to suit your taste.
Here’s a traditional recipe for Amish Pasta Salad:
Amish Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound (16 oz) pasta (such as rotini, elbow macaroni, or penne)
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 cup diced ham or cooked bacon (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed (or fresh peas if available)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain thoroughly.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, dried dill, dried parsley (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cheddar cheese, diced ham or bacon (if using), cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, black olives (if using), and thawed peas.
- Add Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill just before serving if desired.
Tips:
- Pasta: Choose a pasta shape that holds up well in salads and can capture the dressing and other ingredients, like rotini or penne.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots, or substitute the cheese and meat with your favorite varieties.
- Dressing Variations: For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or mix half mayo and half yogurt.
Amish Pasta Salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a great addition to any meal or gathering!
