Vegan Summer Macaroni Pasta Salad (no-mayo option)

This Vegan Summer Macaroni Salad is loaded with classic flavors like tomatoes, red onion, olives, and fresh parsley.  It can be made the night before and is delicious served room temperature, so it's perfect for picnics.  This summertime gluten-free side is full of fresh, incredible flavor and will be the crowd favorite at any gathering!

It isn't summer without a really good macaroni salad, is it? This is one of those dishes that gluten-free or vegan friends often have to miss out on, but not with this version! Two simple substitutions make this Vegan Summer Macaroni Salad both vegan and gluten-free so everyone gets to dig in and enjoy.

This is a really yummy plant-based meal to bring on a picnic or even to make and have on hand for lunches or a dinner side. As it rests in the refrigerator the flavors really soak in and become even better.

Ingredients in Vegan Summer Macaroni Salad

A lot of the ingredients in this pasta salad will look familiar. It's a really classic summertime flavor that you'll want to bring to picnics, potlucks, and barbecues.

1. grape tomatoes
2. red onion
3. Kalamata olives
4. green onions
5. vegan mayo or vegan sour cream
6. white vinegar
7. fresh parsley
8. pure maple syrup
9. salt and pepper
10. garlic powder

Health Benefits of Kalamata Olives

I love tangy Kalamata olives for serving in this Vegan Summer Macaroni Salad. They add a meaty yet buttery texture and addictive briny flavor to the dish.  They're low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fat. Kalamata olives are also high in iron, vitamin E, copper, and calcium.

Gluten-Free Pasta for Pasta Salad

For this Vegan Summer Macaroni Salad, use 8 ounces of your favorite gluten-free pasta cooked according to the package instructions. My absolute favorite gluten-free pasta brand is Jovial.  I love their brown rice variety as well as their new grain-free cassava flour variety.

The Best Vegan Mayo

Since this is a classic summer macaroni salad, you'll want mayonnaise in there for classic creaminess and flavor. Since I don't eat eggs, I have a few vegan mayonnaise options I love. I always recommend Sir Kensington's Classic Fabanaise or Primal Kitchen Vegan Mayo (made with avocado oil). You can usually find these in the health food section of your grocery store or with other condiments.  I get mine at Whole Foods or direct from their website.

Oftentimes I substitute my homemade vegan sour cream for mayo and no one can tell the difference.  It is a nutrient-dense swap that works very well in this recipe.

More Gluten-Free Pastas and Salads to Love

Here are a couple more pastas and salads to love! These recipes are gluten-free, vegan, and all SO delicious.

Pasta Fresca

Creamy Broccoli & Zucchini Pasta Salad (no-mayo)

Vegan Mediterranean Pasta Salad (no-mayo)

Mediterranean Zucchini Pasta Salad (no-mayo)

Vegan Tzatziki Potato Salad (no-mayo)

@eatingbyelaine Macaroni pasta salad #summerrecipes #picnicfood #veganpastasalad #macaronisalad #easyrecipes #foodtiktok #pastasaladrecipe ♬ Soak Up The Sun - Sheryl Crow

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