Simple Vegan Macaroni Salad

Name: Simple Vegan Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta; 1 red bell pepper (diced); 1/4 red onion (diced); 2 celery ribs (diced); 1 large carrot (diced); 1 cup peas; 1 cup vegan mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons pickle juice; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper (to taste)

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This quick and easy vegan macaroni salad recipe comes together with fresh colorful veggies and a creamy egg free mayonnaise base.

It's been ages since I enjoyed macaroni salad! I missed the summer time staple dish so much, I made it myself using classic vegetables and vegan mayo.

Since I've made this egg free and dairy free side dish, I haven't been able to stop snacking on it!

If you have an upcoming bbq, picnic, or potluck coming up, you have to give this quick and easy macaroni salad a try. It's perfect for any summer celebration!

How to Make Egg Free Macaroni Salad

My macaroni salad recipe is packed full of crunchy veggies and really comes together with the veganized macaroni salad dressing!

It takes just 15 minutes to come together and is the ultimate crowd pleasing appetizer.

Here's what you'll need:

Macaroni pasta
Red bell pepper
Red onion
Celery
Carrots
Peas

Simple chop or dice vegetables then set aside to cook pasta and prepare dressing.

Homemade Vegan Mayonnaise Macaroni Salad Dressing

You can definitely use store bought vegan mayo without egg, or you can make your own vegan mayonnaise at home! Here's how:

¼ cup aquafaba
1 tablespoon agave nectar or other sweetener of choice
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon mustard
1 cup canola oil or other neutral oil

Add aquafaba, agave, apple cider vinegar, salt, and dijon mustard to a tall glass. Using an immersion blender, blend on high. While blending, slowly pour oil in, moving the immersion blender up and down to help mixture become thick and creamy. Continue pouring in remaining oil and blending until vegan mayo forms! This generally takes about 1-2 minutes.

If you're wanting to pick up eggless mayo at the store, I recommend veganaise!

Easy Macaroni Salad Dressing Recipe

Alright, now that you've got your base, simple whisk these ingredients together for the best creamiest pasta salad dressing!

1 cup vegan mayonnaise
2 tablespoons pickle juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, if desired

Vegan Macaroni Salad FAQ

Do I have to use macaroni noodles?

This iconic summer side dish has its name for a reason... But no, you don't have to use macaroni noodles. Macaroni elbow pasta shape makes the dressing easy to coat the pasta but you can opt for ditalini or penne instead.

Can I prep macaroni salad ahead of time?

Of course! Macaroni salad is actually tastier served cold or room temp, in my opinion. Simply meal prep and place in the fridge covered until you're ready to serve.

Is this macaroni salad gluten free?

This recipe can easily be made gluten free by using GF friendly pasta!

How do I keep macaroni from absorbing mayonnaise?

If you have extra time, chill your pasta before folding in the mayo. That will help slow the absorption of mayonnaise.

Can I half the recipe?

You can easily half or double this recipe!

More Macaroni Salad Tips

Don’t overcook the noodles
Rinse the al dente pasta with cold water to stop them from cooking
Make this macaroni salad your own by adding your favorite veggies
Chop the veggies small to ensure each bite is packed with bursting flavors

Want more allergy friendly recipes? Check these out next:

I hope you enjoy this easy vegan macaroni pasta salad as much as we do! It's quick, kid friendly, and the ultimate party snack. If you give it a try, please share a photo with me over on Instagram.