Macaroni Salad
Veg Macaroni Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that caters to vegetarians and can be easily adapted to suit vegan preferences. This chilled pasta salad features cooked macaroni combined with an assortment of colorful vegetables, creating a medley of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cup uncooked macaroni pasta (whole-grain or gluten-free, as desired)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup Chopped bell peppers (in various colors).
- 1/2 cup chopped red onions
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds (optional, for added crunch)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup vegetarian or vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey, if not vegan)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: Ina small bowl, whisk together the vegetarian or vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Customize the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
- Mixthe Ingredients: Ina large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled macaroni with the diced carrots, bell peppers, red onions, peas, celery, fresh parsley, black olives(if using), and roasted sunflower seeds (if using). Carefully mix the ingredients to achieve an even distribution.
- Add the Dressing:Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to thoroughly coat the ingredients with the dressing. Be gentle to avoid breaking the macaroni.
- Chilland Marinate:Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the veg macaroni salad for at least 1 hour (or longer) to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the salad a final stir before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy the refreshing and flavorful veg macaroni salad!
Notes
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences and seasonal availability. Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli florets can be great additions.
- Protein Boost: To enhance the protein content, consider adding cooked chickpeas, kidney beans, or diced tofu to the salad.
- Texture and Crunch: The addition of roasted sunflower seeds or toasted pine nuts can provide a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Veg macaroni salad is perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings and picnics. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
- Adjust Dressing: The dressing can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar. To enhance sweetness, include additional maple syrup.
- Serve Chilled: Veg macaroni salad is best served chilled for a refreshing and delightful experience.