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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    July 29, 2020 26 Comments

    Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad

    7.1K shares
    Jump to Recipe

    This is the best and easiest Vegan Macaroni Salad. That colour, that flavour, that crunch, that creaminess, that macaroni yumminess, that's what I call a delicious pasta salad! My Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad is super-easy to make with just 10 ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. It is the perfect side dish for your BBQ, picnic, or potluck!

    Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad! 10 ingredients and 20 minutes to make, this pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any BBQ, picnic, or potluck. Gluten-free and oil-free options. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #veganrecipes

    There are three keys to making the best vegan macaroni salad:

    1. Chop those veggies small! To make sure that each bite has a mix of flavours and texture, I like to finely chop all the veggies. This makes every bite equally delicious (no large random chunks of celery)!
    2. Don't use too much mayo. I love vegan mayonnaise, but the worst is when a macaroni salad is dripping in way too much of the stuff. I use about half the amount of mayo as a traditional recipe, which is the perfect amount to get creamy noodles, while still keeping the dish light and fresh tasting.
    3. Sweet gherkins. The final touch of flavour in this macaroni salad is using sweet gherkins and a splash of the gherkin juice. This adds the perfect amount of tang and sweetness that takes this macaroni salad to the next level without adding any sugar.

    Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad! 10 ingredients and 20 minutes to make, this pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any BBQ, picnic, or potluck. Gluten-free and oil-free options. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #veganrecipes

    Now that you know the secrets you can make the best vegan macaroni salad ever! This pasta salad can also be made gluten-free (just use gluten-free pasta noodles), and can be made oil-free too (see the recipe notes).

    Now on to making this delicious side dish!

    To Make Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad:

    Mix the dressing in the bowl then add all of the salad ingredients

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and rinse well with cold water.
    In a large bowl mix together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sweet gherkin juice, dijon mustard, and garlic powder. (I like to mix the dressing directly in the salad bowl to save dirtying an extra dish, but if you are preparing this recipe ahead of time then you might want to mix it in a separate small bowl, see notes).

    Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad! 10 ingredients and 20 minutes to make, this pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any BBQ, picnic, or potluck. Gluten-free and oil-free options. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #veganrecipes

    Add the cooled macaroni noodles along with the red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and gherkins. Toss well to combine. Garnish with black pepper and parsley if desired. Serve fresh.

    I love this easy vegan macaroni salad as a side dish along with my vegan seitan steaks, seitan burgers, or crispy breaded tofu steaks.

    Common Questions:

    Can Vegan Macaroni Salad be made ahead of time?

    Yes, although the dressing can get absorbed by the pasta if it rests for a while, so for the creamiest noodles prepare the dressing separately, then toss with the pasta and vegetables up to an hour before serving.

    Can I freeze Vegan Macaroni Salad?

    Yes, you can. Freezing is best if you just freeze the dressing and then thaw the dressing when ready and make the noodles fresh, then blend. If the salad has already been tossed/blended and you wish to freeze it, freeze in an air-tight container and it should last for up to 4 months if stored properly. When thawing, do so in your refrigerator. Do not thaw on the counter/at room temperature or in the microwave.

    Bon appetegan!

    Sam Turnbull.

    Print Recipe
    5 from 17 votes

    Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad

    10 ingredients and 20 minutes to make, this pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any BBQ, picnic, or potluck. Gluten-free and oil-free options.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Pasta, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    ingredient tag: bell peppers, noodles & pasta
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 247kcal
    Author: Sam Turnbull • It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups elbow macaroni, (gluten-free if preferred)
    • ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
    • 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon sweet gherkin juice
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
    • 1 rib celery, finely chopped
    • ¼ of a red onion (¼ cup), finely chopped
    • 6 sweet gherkins, finely chopped
    • black pepper and chopped parsley, (optional for garnish)
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    Instructions

    • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and rinse well with cold water.
    • In a large bowl mix together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sweet gherkin juice, dijon mustard, and garlic powder. (I like to mix the dressing directly in the salad bowl to save dirtying an extra dish, but if you are preparing this recipe ahead of time then you might want to mix it in a separate small bowl, see notes).
    • Add the cooled macaroni noodles along with the red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and gherkins to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to combine. Garnish with black pepper and parsley if desired. Serve fresh. (See recipe notes if you plan on making this ahead of time). 

    Notes

    Make-ahead tips: The dressing can get absorbed by the pasta if it rests for a while, so for the creamiest noodles prepare the dressing separately, then toss with the pasta and vegetables up to an hour before serving. 
    Vegan Mayonnaise: for a lower fat or oil-free version, sub the mayonnaise for ½ cup plain plant-based yogurt or ½ cup of my vegan sour cream recipe from Fuss-Free Vegan (page 207).
    Egg flavor: traditional macaroni salad often contains hard-boiled eggs. While I don't miss this flavour in this macaroni salad, if you would like to add it, simply add a pinch of black salt (also called kala namak) which has an eggy taste.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving (recipe makes 8 servings) | Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 631IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rehoboth says

      November 07, 2022 at 1:10 am

      5 stars
      Wonderful recipe

      Reply
    2. Karen Ackerman says

      August 07, 2021 at 1:17 am

      I thoroughly enjoy your recipes. I messed up and asked you the following question under "comments" while viewing your salad dressing recipe---I did make your Vegan Macaroni Salad tonight---I made the entire recipe---I should have halved it. It is incredible. I simply would appreciate knowing how long this will last in the refrigerator. I am sure you did mention that time frame,but I did not see it. Please respond. I would appreciate it and thank you.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        August 19, 2021 at 10:25 am

        It will keep for about 4 days.

        Reply
    3. Patricia Giannelia says

      June 25, 2021 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      Hi;

      Haven't tried it yet, but it looks amazing. One tip to pass on to everyone - when I make pasta salads, I use baby shells pasta - it looks nice, and stays on the fork easier than the elbow macaroni, in my experience. Larger shells work, too, but the baby ones are the best.

      Reply
    4. Candi Mastroianni says

      June 25, 2021 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      I make both this recipe and your potato salad recipe for every backyard BBQ! Outstanding flavors and textures! It's everyone's favorite and both dishes disappear so fast! Kudos to you, Sam!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        June 28, 2021 at 4:10 pm

        Haha! That's wonderful! So happy you love them Candi!

        Reply
    5. Melanie F says

      April 27, 2021 at 9:33 pm

      5 stars
      This vegan macaroni salad recipe is amazing and my whole family loved it. It's a keeper! Thank you!

      Reply
    6. Lovethescents says

      April 18, 2021 at 8:07 am

      5 stars
      This is such a great recipe. Making this for the 3rd week in a row for the children's school lunches. I double the recipe, add other veg too like this week, I don't have celery so I added chopped carrots and cabbage. I also throw in TVP because m children are SO active. Everyone loves it. Thank you!

      Reply
    7. Yvonne says

      March 01, 2021 at 1:42 am

      Dear Sam,

      I would love to try this recipe but I do not have access to gherkins or store bought jarred pickles at the moment. Anything you can suggest I make at home as substitutions please? Many thanks

      Reply
      • Jenny says

        May 21, 2021 at 8:35 pm

        Perhaps jalapeño juice from the jar??

        Reply
    8. Pam Waldeck says

      September 03, 2020 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      Fantastic! My family loved this recipe and we will make it a staple from now on and it goes into the "binder"! Your very creative and smart on your recipes and I appreciate it!
      I bought some soy curls and can't wait to get going on your recipes with that 🙂 Hoping you will come up with a burrito with soy curls. Blessings

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 03, 2020 at 12:06 pm

        Oh I love that idea!! Thank you so much, Pam! Thrilled you're enjoying my recipes so much 🙂

        Reply
    9. Des says

      August 10, 2020 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      Love this! And I never liked macaroni salad before going vegan. I swapped sweet pickles for regular and added a touch of maple syrup the second time i made it but both ways are amazing! 10/10

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        August 14, 2020 at 11:49 am

        So happy you enjoyed!

        Reply
    10. Rochelle says

      August 07, 2020 at 9:47 am

      5 stars
      This was so good and easy to put together! I thought the dressing stayed nice without soaking in for a few days in the fridge.

      Reply
    11. Kate says

      August 02, 2020 at 6:02 pm

      5 stars
      OMG so yummy ! Thank you for such a flavourful salad. It was so easy to make. This will definitely be my go to macaroni salad.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        August 07, 2020 at 5:42 pm

        Wonderful!! SO thrilled you loved it, Kate 🙂

        Reply
    12. Karen Ackerman says

      July 31, 2020 at 12:56 am

      Maria,
      Thank you so much for your timely response. That was kind and professional of you. I assure you I had no intention that you provide me with advice on a "local situation". I attempted to say that I have difficulty finding vegan products in my area; I have, in fact, researched ad nauseam. I was simply asking (based on your expertise in vegan foods) if you might know of any easily obtainable, commonly known vegan pasta brands with which I am not aware---again, based on your expertise. I did not intend for you to supply information on a local situation. The comment on my limited resources is my problem. I was not asking you to solve that issue; rather, if you might know of a commonly known, easily obtainable product (not what area it might be found}.Another example where syntax in the written form does not definitively reflect the true meaning intended vs the verbal intonation. I must end with the fact I thoroughly enjoy your recipes (your vegan mozzarella to name one)

      Reply
      • Maria says

        July 31, 2020 at 11:40 am

        5 stars
        Hi Karen, I'm not associated with the website, sorry if that wasn't clear. I'm just another fan of the site!

        Reply
    13. Dottie says

      July 30, 2020 at 10:25 pm

      5 stars
      This was so good and so nostalgic! My mother always put either sweet pickles or sweet relish in her mac salad. YUM!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        July 31, 2020 at 3:25 pm

        Wonderful! So happy you loved it, Dottie 🙂

        Reply
    14. jaxs says

      July 30, 2020 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      This will be my go to for pot luck! And for home. Thank you..Loved it..

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        July 31, 2020 at 3:24 pm

        Yay! SO happy to hear that 🙂

        Reply
    15. Karen Ackerman says

      July 29, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      I do like your recipes;however, I have noted that some are not vegan (based on my understanding of vegan ingredients). I would like to make the "Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad", but macaroni shells are not vegan (egg ingredient making the shells). Please advise. I do ask that if you suggest vegan macaroni brands that may be bought in stores...I no longer live in a large city; rather, it is a podunk area which provides no "special" products. The closest possible city that might have vegan selections is a one hour one way drive. Please respond.

      Reply
      • Maria says

        July 30, 2020 at 7:35 pm

        Hi Karen, it's great you're wanting to make sure that your ingredients are vegan. I don't think it's fair to expect a recipe creator to have answers for your local situation though. Sometimes we just have to do our own research to be sure that what we make using recipes meets our personal standards. In my experience, egg ingredients are not used in most pastas but one does definitely have to watch labels as sometimes they are!

        Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        July 31, 2020 at 3:23 pm

        Hi Karen, I've been vegan for 7 years and have written vegan recipes for about 6 years, so you can trust that my recipes are vegan. 🙂 Most dried pasta is vegan and doesn't contain eggs, just check the ingredients to be sure. (It's always a good idea to check the ingredients of anything you purchase as brands and ingredients of all food can vary). But you don't need to buy any kind of special brand of pasta. Almost all brands will be vegan. Hope that helps!

        Reply

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