Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. And what better way to elevate your Thanksgiving feast than with a dish steeped in tradition and bursting with flavor? Let me introduce you to Amish Thanksgiving Must-Have. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a quick, healthy, and utterly flavorful addition to your table. Imagine a dish that saves you time without compromising on taste, offering wholesome goodness that even the pickiest eaters will love. Years ago, I tasted a similar dish at a small Amish market and was instantly captivated. After some digging and tweaking, I’ve crafted this recipe to bring that same authentic, comforting taste to your home—a recipe I know you’ll cherish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother always said, “The best memories are made around the table.” For me, Thanksgiving wasn’t just about the turkey; it was about the communal preparation of the dishes, the shared laughs, and the anticipation of flavors that only came once a year. One particular Thanksgiving, a neighbor brought a dish similar to Amish Thanksgiving Must-Have. The unexpected burst of freshness and subtle sweetness cut through the richness of the traditional fare, and instantly became a family favorite. After countless attempts, I’ve finally recreated that magic in this recipe, reminding me of those cherished moments and bringing a touch of old-fashioned goodness to my modern Thanksgiving table. I hope it brings similar joy to your family!
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
Combine: In a large bowl, gently mix the chopped apples, celery, walnuts or pecans, and raisins or dried cranberries.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar (or honey), salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
Mix it All: Pour the dressing over the apple mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until the apples and other ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
Serve: Before serving, give the Amish Thanksgiving Must-Have a gentle stir. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside your Thanksgiving feast.

Amish Thanksgiving Must-Have
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, gently mix the chopped apples, celery, walnuts or pecans, and raisins or dried cranberries.4 cups peeled and chopped apples, 1 cup chopped celery, ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar (or honey), salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey), ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until the apples and other ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
- Before serving, give the Amish Thanksgiving Must-Have a gentle stir. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside your Thanksgiving feast.