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Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad

  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A refreshing classic Macaroni Salad featuring tender elbow macaroni, crisp celery, diced red bell pepper, and sweet green peas tossed in a creamy plant-based dressing made with plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard (natural). This easy-to-make salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a versatile weeknight side dish that offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni

Vegetables

  • 1 cup crunchy celery, diced
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or thawed if frozen)

Dressing

  • 3/4 cup plant-based mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling elbow macaroni in salted water until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking together.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, dice the celery and red bell pepper, and prepare the peas. Use fresh or thaw frozen peas before mixing.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Stir in freshly chopped herbs for added flavor.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta with the diced vegetables and the dressing until everything is evenly coated and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain firm texture after chilling.
  • Use cold pasta when mixing to prevent watery dressing.
  • Chill macaroni salad for a few hours for best flavor.
  • Adjust creaminess by adding more plant-based mayonnaise or a splash of grape juice (natural) to lighten the texture.
  • Fresh herbs brighten the flavor, so include them if possible.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: macaroni salad, plant-based, creamy salad, picnic salad, vegan side dish, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://homedishideas.com/macaroni-salad/