This is one recipe that has received nothing but fantastic feedback from everyone who’s tried it. The flavor combination is incredible and it’s packed with variety of nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied and satiated. I’m confident after trying this zesty vegan macaroni salad you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought kind. Prep this ahead of time for an easy snack or lunch during the week or make for a side dish for a barbeque or potluck. However you choose to enjoy this recipe, it’s sure to be a huge hit!
Below is a step-by-step guide to making this zesty mac salad, with a full recipe summary and measurements at the bottom of the page.
Here’s an informational list of the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this vegan mac salad:
- Celery: This crunchy vegetable is also rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C, which have amazing anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
- Carrots: This common vegetable is a great source of vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K, calcium and beta-carotene, which is found in many orange fruits and vegetables and supports immune health and eye health.
- Green onions: Just like any other onion, green onions are rich in nutrients like quercetin, that boost your immune system and that help to fight against cancer, reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol and heart health.
- Red onion: Any time I’m using raw onion for salads or other uncooked meals, red onion is my favorite type to use. Onions are very rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that help to fight against disease and cancer.
- Red bell pepper: Some major health benefits of bell peppers are their high concentration of vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, B6, K, and E, and potassium and fiber.
- Corn: In it’s purest form, corn is an excellent source of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, such as Vitamins A, C, and B6, and helps to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- Green peas: These delightful legumes contain carotenoids that support eye health and decrease the risk of disease. They are packed with lots of vitamins and antioxidants, as well as fiber to support digestion and blood sugar.
- Pickles: Pickles can be a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, however, most of the normal store-bought ones are very high in sodium so be sure not to eat too many! I will sometimes rinse mine with water to remove some of the salt when I am trying to limit my intake.
- Vegan Mayo: I typically use store-bought because I am lazy and it lasts longer in the fridge since I don’t use mayo very often… BUT if you are looking for a healthier version, you can whip up your own vegan mayo from scratch! Just blend a block of tofu with 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp each of Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and white vinegar.
- Mustard: Plain old yellow mustard for some delicious tang and acidity!
- Pickle juice: A strange but essential component to this macaroni salad. The salty and acidic liquid brightens the flavor and helps stimulate your taste buds.
- Maple syrup: Just a hint of sweetness to contrast the salty, sour and spicy flavor combination. You may be surprised to hear that maple syrup actually contains lots of antioxidants and other nutrients and is on of the best options when it comes to plant-based sweeteners.
- Whole grain elbow pasta: Whole grain pasta, as opposed to enriched pasta, retains important nutrients including complex carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which help to contribute to decreased risk of disease. Just make sure to look for “100% Whole Grain” or the whole grain stamp to be sure you’re not being tricked by the food companies!
- Garlic powder, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes salt & pepper: In addition to their amazing taste, there are added benefits when it comes to including spices in this salad. According to NutritonFacts.org, spices offer a wide range of benefits and are known to improve health issues such as cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and they can even be mood boosters! Therefore, it’s important to include at least a small amount of herbs and spices in your daily diet.
Pro tip: I always try to buy my produce and herbs from the local farmer’s market because the quality of flavor makes a huge difference! Plus I love to support my community and the environment, and you can’t beat the piece of mind of knowing exactly where your food comes from. I encourage you to check out your local farms (if you haven’t already) and see what they have to offer!
Not pictured: 1 lb. box whole grain macaroni noodles
Step 1:
Cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Then drain and rinse with cold water to cool down the noodles.
Step 2:
Gather your ingredients and chop chop chop. You’ll need to dice up the celery, carrots, red bell pepper, pickles, red onion and thinly slice the green onions.
Step 3:
Add noodles, along with all other ingredients to a large bowl and mix well.
That’s all there is to this recipe! You can store this macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. If you try this recipe and enjoy it, share it with a friend and comment down below. I always love to hear your feedback!
Zesty Vegan Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1 lb. box whole grain elbows
- 1 cup vegan mayo
- 3 tbsp mustard
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 pickles diced
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook macaroni noodles according to package, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Add noodles to a bowl along with all remaining ingredients and mix well.
