This easy classic Vegan Macaroni Salad is perfect for potlucks and parties because it can be served at room temperature.
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This Vegan Macaroni Salad came about because I had a major craving for it. It came out of nowhere and for no reason, and I knew I just had to make it.
I am so glad that I did. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
Macaroni salad is the quintessential Summer salad. I don’t even remember the last time that I had macaroni salad. It’s probably been 10 years or more.
So before Summer is over, do yourself a favor and make this Vegan Macaroni Salad. You’ll be glad you did.
It’s perfect for a picnic, potluck, BBQ, or party. It can be served at room temperature, which is a host’s dream come true. Eat it for lunch or as a vegan side dish for dinner.
Jump to:
- ❤️ Why You’ll Love It
- 🧾 Ingredients
- 📖 Variations / Additions
- 🔪 Instructions
- 💭 Tips
- Other Vegan Pasta Salads
- 📋 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
- It has a balance of flavors.
- It is perfect for a potluck or party because it can be served at room temperature.
- It’s a great side dish for summer.
🧾 Ingredients
- Vegan mayonnaise: Adds a rich creamy flavor. You could use vegan sour cream or vegan yogurt, but it won’t be as rich tasting as vegan mayo.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor. You could use red wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness. You could also use maple syrup or agave syrup.
- Dijon mustard: I like Dijon mustard, but you could also use yellow mustard or even a small amount of mustard powder.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances flavors and adds flavor. I like to use sea salt.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunchy flavor. You could also use a green bell pepper.
- Celery: Adds crunch. It’s a classic ingredient in macaroni salad.
- Red onion: Adds a pungent flavor. You could also use green onion.
- Elbow macaroni noodles: Hence the name of the pasta salad. I used brown rice gluten-free pasta. You could use chickpea elbow noodles or your favorite pasta. I used chickpea pasta when I updated the ingredient and process shots. Both taste great.
To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
📖 Variations / Additions
Customize this to your liking!
- Sweet pickles or dill pickles
- Sweet pickle relish or dill pickle relish
- Parsley
- Carrots
- Paprika
- Dill
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🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Add dressing ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook pasta according to the directions. Make sure to salt the water. I like to add a splash of olive oil when I cook brown rice pasta. Drain water.
Step 4: Add cooked pasta and chopped veggies to the dressing.
Step 5: Toss to coat.
💭 Tips
- Taste as you go. Taste the dressing, taste the salad ingredients, and taste the final product. You may want more or less sugar, red onion, etc.
- Salt your pasta water! I’ve noticed that most pasta products fail to mention this on their directions for cooking the pasta, but it’s very important. Pasta soaks up the salt as it cooks. It’s important to season at every step in cooking.
- I also add a splash of olive oil to my pasta, because brown rice pasta loves to stick together. That’s purely optional, but I find that it helps.
Other Vegan Pasta Salads
If you tried this Vegan Macaroni Salad Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Before Summer ends, make some vegan pasta salad for that last picnic or potluck!
📋 Recipe
Vegan Macaroni Salad
This easy classic Vegan Macaroni Salad is perfect for potlucks and parties because it can be served at room temperature.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 399kcal
Instructions
-
Make pasta according to directions. Make sure to add a large pinch of salt when water is boiling. Optional: add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Mix dressing ingredients. Add cooked pasta and chopped vegetables. Add more salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
This macaroni salad will last 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
*If you are using gluten free noodles and have leftovers you can heat the salad in the microwave to soften the noodles up.
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Nutrition
Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 230mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 715IU | Vitamin C: 25.3mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.8mg
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
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