Healthy Vegan Macaroni Salad Recipe

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It was a sunny afternoon when Lauren and Cassidy decided to host a small backyard gathering for their close friends. Wanting to prepare something light yet satisfying, they reminisced about the classic macaroni salad their mother used to make during family picnics. Determined to recreate that nostalgic dish with a vegan twist, they headed to the kitchen. As they chopped fresh vegetables and mixed the creamy dressing, the familiar aromas brought back cherished memories of their childhood summers.

Now, this vegan macaroni salad has become a staple at their gatherings. Lauren enjoys the crunch of fresh celery, while Cassidy loves the tangy kick from the sweet pickles. It's a dish that not only delights their guests but also brings a sense of comfort and tradition to their table.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

8 ounces elbow macaroni noodles
2 ribs celery, minced
½ medium red bell pepper, minced
¼ small red onion, minced
¼ cup chopped sweet pickles or sweet pickle relish
¼ cup minced fresh dill

For the Creamy Dressing:

1 cup vegan mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons mustard (yellow or Dijon)
¼ teaspoon salt
A few shakes of black pepper
A tiny pinch of garlic powder

Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Prepare the Base:

Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions.
Once cooked, drain and rinse them well with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Transfer the noodles to a large bowl, drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil, and stir gently to prevent sticking.
Finely chop the celery, red bell pepper, red onion, sweet pickles, and fresh dill.
Add these chopped vegetables to the bowl with the noodles, mixing them together to combine.

Prepare the Dressing and Combine:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, sweet pickle juice, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture.
Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to refresh the flavors.

Preparing this vegan macaroni salad has become more than just making a dish; it's a way for us to connect with our past and share a piece of our family traditions with our friends. The combination of creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables brings a delightful texture and flavor that everyone enjoys.

We hope this salad brings as much joy to your gatherings as it does to ours. Whether it's a picnic, a potluck, or a simple family dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that evokes warm memories and creates new ones.