Macaroni Salad (Vegan)
A healthy, vegan macaroni salad made with gluten-free noodles, fresh vegetables, and an oil-free, creamy dressing. Perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Details
- Author: CuisineSavvy
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Salad
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Diet: Vegan
- Tags: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Healthy
Nutritional Values
This vegan macaroni salad is packed with fresh vegetables, whole grains, and a creamy oil-free dressing made from white beans and cashew butter. It's high in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients while keeping the calorie and fat content moderate.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal | -- |
| Total Fat | 10 g | -- |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | -- |
| Monounsaturated Fat | -- | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | -- | |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | -- |
| Sodium | 400 mg | -- |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50 g | -- |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g | -- |
| Total Sugars | 6 g | -- |
| Protein | 12 g | -- |
Ingredients
Salad: - 8.8 oz (250 g) macaroni noodles (gluten-free if needed) - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 tomatoes, diced - 2 cups broiled kale with olive oil and pumpkin seeds - 1/2 cup (70 g) chopped dill pickles - 1/4 cup (45 g) olives Oil-Free Dressing: - 1 (425 g/15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed - 2/3 cup (160 ml) plant-based milk - 3 Tbsp cashew butter or tahini - 2-3 garlic cloves - 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard - 1 Tbsp lemon juice - 1 Tbsp white vinegar - 3/4 tsp salt - Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions, minus 1-2 minutes for al dente noodles. Drain and set aside to cool. Speed up cooling by spreading the macaroni across a wide tray. 2. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pause to scrape down the sides as needed. 3. Rinse and finely chop all the vegetables (bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, dill pickles, and olives) and add them to a large bowl with the cooled macaroni. 4. Pour in the dressing and toss to combine, then taste and adjust any of the seasonings. 5. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
External Recipes
- Macaroni Salad (Health Score: 85)
Allergens
None
HealthScore: 90
The high health score is due to the use of whole, plant-based ingredients, including a variety of fresh vegetables and a protein-rich, oil-free dressing. The inclusion of kale and pumpkin seeds adds extra nutrients, making this a balanced and nutritious meal.