A modern take on the classic to healthify your summer. Magically grain-free & gluten-free macaroni mixed with fresh summer veggies and a creamy vegan veggie based puree to kick the mayo to the side!
I am so excited to share this macaroni salad with you! After my success with my reinvention of the Italian pasta salad, I knew macaroni had to be done before season’s end. The only major problem I had was finding something to take the place of all that mayo and creaminess that is used. Macaroni salad was never my number 1 summer side dish. Sometimes I would find a perfect macaroni salad, other times they would just be too mayo-y and sweet. The pasta wouldn’t be cooked enough or it would be cooked to mush. Now with not having eaten macaroni salad in too many years to count, I was at a stand-still.
I needed it to not only be gluten-free, but soy, egg, and dairy-free as well. I wanted it to be healthy and homemade. So what to use for the creamy goodness associated with the mac salad? After some serious thinking, I walked down to my kitchen for some ideas. I didn’t want this sauce to be calorie dense, so my go-to “mayo” of tahini and some non-dairy milk was out. Then I though a veggie puree. But what veggie was unique enough, light enough, bendable enough, and colorless enough for a creamy white sauce?
Then it hit me! Sitting right there on the table, in the produce basket, next to some Japanese Sweet Potatoes (no, I didn’t use potato), was my recent food love, celeriac root! Ding, ding, ding, jackpot! This was it, this was the answer to all my food requirements. From that moment, I knew this macaroni salad was going to be a star, but my searching for the right ingredients was not over yet.
The pasta! Low and behold, I finally got my hands on a pasta I had wanted to try for awhile now. Banza! (Before I continue, no, this is NOT sponsored). The perfect macaroni for my “modern” macaroni salad. Banza is made with JUST chickpeas, that’s it! Which means this pasta is 100% grain-free! How cool and how “modern” 😉 I’d say it was the perfect fit for this reinvention of the mac salad.  So I crossed my fingers and hoped it would taste and hold-up as good and it sounded.
Let me tell you right now, this pasta was a success! I was just as pleased with it as my other favorite pasta. The excitement and the glory of finding a good gluten-free pasta (which also happened to be grain-free). Creative small food companies like Banza, make my heart sing with joy. Feed us allergy-full foodies, feed us good food from the heart! My mission to not let this pasta down by putting it in a failure of a recipe was the next task at hand.
Modern Macaroni Salad
- 1 8oz Box of Banza Macaroni (or favorite gluten-free macaroni)
- Sauce:
- 1 Medium Celeriac Root
- 2 TB Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or non-dairy milk)
- ¼ Cup Reserved Pasta Water
- ½ Tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tsp Pickle Juice
- ½ Tsp Minced Garlic
- ¼ Tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ Tsp Paprika
- Salad Add-Ins:
- 1 Cup Chopped Celery (about 2 stalks)
- 1 Cup Shredded Carrots
- ½ Cup Diced Red Onion
- ½ Cup Sliced Sweet Pimentos
- ¼ Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
- Boil a large pot of water, peel and cube the celeriac in to big chunks, and boil for about 30 minutes, until the root is soft.
- In the mean time, cook the pasta according to directions, drain (reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water, rinse the pasta, and set aside to cool.
- Now, take your celeriac chunks, add them to a food processor, along with the other sauce ingredients. Blend until you get a smooth puree.
- Once the sauce and pasta are done, make sure your veggies are all prepped (I did this during the boiling of the celeriac), and first add the pasta, then veggies, and finally the sauce to the bowl.
- Mix everything together until fully coated and combined.
- Refrigerate before serving (at least an hour) and enjoy! This is a great make-ahead and leftovers dish too! Trust me, it hold up!
No failures here! I’m pretty sure I made this macaroni proud. This is one macaroni salad you can feel good about scooping seconds and thirds on to your plate! Veggie packed and full of plant-based bean protein. The king bean does it again! I enjoyed this macaroni salad much more than anything (that I remember) from the store. I’m telling you folks, making allergy-free and healthy recipes CAN taste delicious and even more so than the old classics; I promise!
So tell me:
+ Macaroni salad fan? Think this modern take will convert you if not? I’m pretty sure I used to put some ketchup on macaroni salad as well. I know 😛
+ Have you tried Banza?
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeOfTheWeek,#StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays,Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays!*
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Love Banza pasta in pasta salads. This looks great.
Bethany recently posted…Gluten Free Donut Muffins
Holds up great!
I love how fresh this Modern Macaroni Salad is! It definitely is much more appealing than traditional macaroni salad. Also, I have to try that pasta. I’ve seen it, but haven’t tried it yet.
Brianna @Flippin’ Delicious recently posted…Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie Bowl| Savoring Saturdays
Thank you! And totally buy some next time you see it! So worth it!
I love that pasta! Great idea to use it for a salad. 🙂
Raia recently posted…Creamy Parmesan Coleslaw
Isn’t it awesome!
This looks absolutely delish! Thanks so much for sharing your yummy recipe!
Pauline Molinari recently posted…Easy Personalized Notebooks for School or Office
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Chickpea noodles! YES!!! This salad looks so good. So potluck worthy. Yumtastic =)
kimmythevegan recently posted…Swiss Eats – Eating Vegan in Zürich
Haha, it is potluck-worthy!
This is looking delicious????
skd recently posted…Cookies ‘n Fruits – No cook quick dessert
Thank you!
I love the idea of using chickpea macaroni!
Deborah Davis recently posted…Live It Up at the Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Blog Hop #79
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What an amazing looking pasta salad! You’ve made me want to try the chickpea noodles! I am sharing your post today on my Recipes to try Board and FB page! Have a great week!
Best,
Kim
Kim~madeinaday recently posted…DIY Fall Decor Pillow Wrap
Thanks Kim!
I will have to keep my eye out for this Banza pasta next time I am at store – and pinning your recipe as I have yet to make a macaroni salad this summer to accompany the bbq dinners we enjoy.
Joann recently posted…My Challenge to KIND Snacks
I hope you find it!! It’s so good and the perfect “macaroni” for macaroni salad 😉 Haha!
Oh love the sound of this, we are mostly gluten-free here too!
Well it’s grain-free as well 😉
Hi Rebecca,
Sounds like a delicious, tasty recipe and I would really like to try the Banza pasta -sounds like a great grain free alternative.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #100 – A Wealth of Health
Thank you! Yes it is!
Thanks for sharing!
Elaine Hodges recently posted…Please Mom, May I Have S’Mores? {Recipe Roundup}
Sure!
You found a good gluten free pasta???? I must try it! And I seem to remember several recipes in David Lebovitz’s book that use celeriac root. Need to try that, too. I always learn something new on your blog.
Christine recently posted…Saucy Saturdays No 6
Don’t know who he is, but thank you!
Looks delicious! I love macaroni Salad 🙂
Thank you! Now there’s even more reasons to love it!
Chickpea pasta — haha. When you said on facebook this pasta is gluten and grain-free I drew a blank for a second {it’s getting late over here 😉 }, but it all makes total sense now 🙂 This looks yummy!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker recently posted…Raw No Churn Sachertorte Ice Cream {aka Chocolate Apricot}
Secret bean magic 😉 Thanks so much Audrey!
1) I have never had chickpea pasta and am intrigued.
2) your photography is on point! Awesome job. You should do a post on your photo tips!
3) it wasn’t my intention to comment as a list, but I’m finding it hard to stop.
4) bye!
casey recently posted…Michigan City Beachwalk Resort
You should!
Haha, thanks, but now! I know nothing about food photography!
This looks amazing!
Stephanie recently posted…Flashback Friday
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I was never a fan of macaroni salad. Too creamy and mushy. This modern version though, looks great. I love all the color and healthiness! And that pasta! Chickpeas!?! Just plain awesome ????
Melissa @ vegan doesitm recently posted…Lemon Ice Cream Pie with Blueberry Sauce
This one is NO MUSH! I promise! You will love it 😉
This looks divine! I am a huge pasta fan, and so are the boys. I am definitely going to put it on the list to try.
laura | dairyfreekids recently posted…Free From Fridays Link Up
This will change your pasta world!
I recently tried Banza pasta, as well, and I loved it. This salad looks great.
Bethany recently posted…Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Cookies
It rocks!
This pasta looks perfect for a summer meal in the garden. Delicious! x #recipeoftheweek
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins recently posted…Moussaka Style Cottage Pie
Haha, totally!
This looks really great – love your photos too!
Dawn recently posted…Smoked Mackerel Pate
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Now that’s a pasta salad I could get on board with! I don’t like the usual ones because even pre-vegan/lacto-vegetarian I thought mayonnaise was gross. Just thinking of the scent alone … no way!
And you know my take on celeriac yet I’d have never thought of using it as the main ingredient of a dressing – clever! If only chickpea pasta was sold [and at an acceptable price] around here …
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Let’s talk about Instagram.
Hahaha, I think mayo is something people either love or hate!
Celeriac is like my best friend now, haha!
You’ll just have to use “normal” pasta :/
Thank you dear!
Thank you for sharing this fabulous Modern Macaroni Salad!
Kathy recently posted…Recipe Swap #8
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This looks so good! This makes me want to go on a picnic!
Hahaha, right? 😉
Yum! I’m so happy all these new healthier pastas are coming out! I just got a bag of black bean pasta and edamame pasta and I’m so excited to try it! I’ll have to keep my eyes open for chickpea next time!
Deanna @ The Live Fit Girls recently posted…Skinny Smoked Salmon Bites!
Yes! Bean pastas are rockin’ the world!
I don’t have any diet restrictions, but this sounds interesting. Not sure whether I would like celeriac or not, as I hate celery apart from in soup #TastyTuesdays
Yet Another Blogging Mummy recently posted…Summer recipes with Lee Kum Kee Chinese sauces
Celeriac only have a slight celery taste, nothing like an actual piece of celery. Give it a try!
I love that you used a veggie puree instead of mayo! I love creamy pasta salad, but I’m so creeped out by mayo – vegan or otherwise. Yum yum!
Hannah recently posted…Frozen Candy Cane Fluff – Merry Christmas in July!
Haha, same here Hannah! This one will knock you socks off though! XOXO
Celeriac root? Wow, I would have NEVER thought of that….mainly, because I’ve NEVER tried it. LOL! Very creative. I will definitely have to try this sometime. Looks so creamy and delicious!
Jenn recently posted…Baked Zucchini Amaranth Patties
Jenn, you will love celeriac!!!
Yum, yum YUM! This looks so good, girl!
Kristy @ Southern In-Law recently posted…Recipe: Healthy Strawberry Peanut Butter Protein Bread
Haha, thank you Kristy!
I can’t wait to try this recipe out!!
Cynthia @craftoflaughter recently posted…Christmas Planning: Task #5
I hope you do!
Ooo, macaroni made of chickpeas?! This is so awesome! 😀 I’m a fan of macaroni salad, but not so much on the mayo. I love this alternative! :]
The perfect dish for you Farrah! XOXO
This looks amazing!
Thanks!
I heard so much about Banza. I need to order some, too. Great recipe!
Ila@ilkasblog recently posted…My Weekly NYC Marathon Training Log 7/27 – 8/2
Yes! You won’t be disappointed!
I make a lot of gluten free pastas and I have never heard of this brand before. Usually I use heartland, mostly rice and corn, but I want to try this one! I love a macaroni salad and somethings you can’t fake with spaghetti squash!
Jennifer Stewart recently posted…Saucy Saturdays Link Party [#5] #Saucy Saturdays
This one is much more nutritious than that refined pasta! Haha! You’ll love Banza!
Can’t wait!
Jennifer Stewart recently posted…Saucy Saturdays [#6] Link Party #Saucy Saturdays
For what?
This maccaroni salad looks awsome… I must try this… Thanks Rebecca !
I hope you do!
That pasta looks awesome! My kids actually like gluten free pasta more than regular lately and like experimenting with different kinds, they think it’s fun 🙂 I’d love to try this one. Love the ACV in there too.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…NYC Marathon Training Week 3 Recap
I know your kids will like this chickpea pasta for sure 😉 and Drew will like ketchup on it too….so good 😉
A delectable alternative to the usual summer salads. Loving all the salad add-ins: great way to sneak some veggies in for the kids and of course macaroni always gets the thumbs up!
I’ve never heard of a macaroni salad without the veggies! Mine just has a lot more than the usual!
I’ve never used a chickpea pasta, but I sure like my regular mac and cheese!
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige recently posted…Know Your Priorities to Know When to Say ‘No’
I dare you to give Banza a try then! You can’t tell!
ive never been a macaroni salad fan, but if this version were served at a bbq, I’d definitely be giving it a try! I have been wanting to try the Banza pasta too. Need to get some!
Get some Banza and make this then! I bet I can get you to love the “modern” take 😉
This looks amazing! All of the flavours sound so delicious and I love macaroni salad! The chickpea macaroni sounds amazing too, I definitely need to try it!!
Harriet Emily recently posted…CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT ICE CREAM
You do! It’s such a stellar pasta option!
Yum! I’m going to have to give this a try! My mom use to make huge batches of pasta salad in the summer growing up and my husband and I would live off it when we got married too but than I couldn’t eat it. We than use to do big jumbo batches of quinoa salad (with avocado not mayo) and did that for years but than one of the girls stopped eating it and I think I got a little bored and over did it. I was just thinking about making some the other day but I think we will have to give this a try.
Sarah recently posted…Raspberry Ribbon Watermelon Popsicles
I think this one will be an all around crowd pleaser! You will not be bored with this one! (But an avocado quinoa salad sounds really yummy to me right now!)
How on earth do they make pasta from chickpeas?!? I’m going to have to show this to a friend of mine who has recently been diagnosed with Chron’s (sp?) disease and now needs to eat gluten free.
Lemonade Wise recently posted…Monday Motivation #5 – Should I Workout Today?
Crohns 😉 It is one fabulous pasta! Just chickpea flour, water, and some xanthum gum I believe! Pretty stellar! The fact that it held up to this crazy salad still amazes me!
Oh my! This looks so delish. I just came online to look for some snack ideas, and I see this! Yummy!
Kam Kay recently posted…Flash Friday: Exciting Flash Sale Event with Cents of Style
Haha, a little more than a snack 😉
Now this is my kind of pasta salad. I can’t stand mayo so of course I’m in love with what you’ve done here!
Megan @ Skinny Fitlaicious recently posted…Kale Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie &
Haha, thanks Megan! Mayo is pretty gross…I just never understood what it WAS. Just like hot dogs…ew. One of those foods that just does not make sense 😛
Your macaroni salad looks so fresh, I love all the different colors in it……………I think pretty things just taste better. 🙂 I’ve never heard of Banza, so now I’m going to go in search of it!
Kalee @ The Crowded Table recently posted…Carne Asada Tostadas
Haha, pretty things do taste good 😉 Pleasing to the eye and tummy!
Yum! I love Banza 🙂 Love the idea of using a veggie sauce… I HATE mayo (it grosses me out) but this looks like a macaroni salad I’d actually love to eat!
Liz recently posted…Beach Bag Essentials
Haha, yea, mayo is nasty 😛
I think you’ll love it too 😉 XOXO
This looks so yummy! Definitely trying this out!
lauren recently posted…Airbrushed legsÂ
I hope so! Thanks!
Such a creative and delicious looking recipe Rebecca! I’ve never been a big Macaroni Salad eater either {cole slaw or potato salad? yes, please!}, but this looks to good to pass up! And, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that Banza pasta too 🙂 Can’t wait to make this!
EA-The Spicy RD recently posted…Lovely Lentil Salad with Kale, Cherry Tomatoes, Almonds & Lemon Vinaigrette
I think you will love this one! But I’m with you when it comes to potato salad! O yes please!
This is a seriously modern macaroni salad! I love your take on it 🙂 And I think it’s awesome how inventive companies are with creating pasta alternatives <3
Kat | curlsnchard.com recently posted…Cardamom Chia Pudding with Plum Sauce (vegan, gluten-free)
I know, it’s so awesome to find these cool products! Ultra-modern and trendy 😉 Haha! Thanks dear!
When I think back to when I started to change my diet towards “healthy”, it was hard to even find whole-wheat pasta! And now, there are tons of different kinds 😀
Kat | curlsnchard.com recently posted…Cardamom Chia Pudding with Plum Sauce (vegan, gluten-free)
Every day, the possibilities and options grow!
This reminds me of the pasta salad that my mom makes. It looks so good! I love that you used celeriac root, genius!
Thanks Linda!
Pasta made from CHICKPEAS?! SAY WHAT! I love macaroni salad so I need to find these noodles. This NEEDS to be my lunch TODAY.
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness recently posted…Spicy Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Avocado Salsa and Turkey Sausage {Gluten Free + Super Simple}
Hahahaha, grocery run NOW!!! Thanks Taylor 😉
Wow! That’s interesting pasta made with chickpeas. I wonder how it taste. Looks delicious!
Ilona’s Passion recently posted…Basil Buttermilk Dressing
It tastes like pasta, haha!
this looks delicious! xx, kenz
Thanks!
I love macaroni salad but I haven’t had it in forever! This would be good with a little salad for lunch or a veggie burger for dinner 🙂
Rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…Gluten-free Blueberry Muffin Peach Cobbler
Totally 😉 Now you must make it!
A mayo free mac salad? Oh Lordie, I need this in my belly right now. This isn’t fluff… my mouth is watering!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted…A Weekend in Virginia Wine Country and a recipe for Chocolate Dipped Pineapple Cherry Frozen Yogurt Pops
Hahahaha, MUST make it this week! I know you’ll love it, Lisa!
Now this is a recipe for Macaroni Salad without the guilt. Love that I can serve this to my GF friends and also those that wouldn’t know the difference. Looks delish!
No one will know 😉 Thanks Ali!
That pasta salad looks perfect Rebecca! I’ve had lentil and black bean pastas and liked them both, I’ll have to be on the lookout for this chickpea one!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free recently posted…German Chocolate Frozen Bananas
Well then I’m sure you’ll love this one too! Bean pastas rock!
That sauce is awesome!!!!!! As soon as you said veggie puree I was thinking of something that started with a C, but celeriac root was not it 😉 So creative! And with the mustard and pickle juice tang it sounds amazing! And macaroni elbows are my favorite pasta shape, so I just love everything going on here <3 You are a pasta salad pro this summer! xoxo
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Apple Upside Down Cake (Everything-Free)
Maybe I should have made a banana sauce 😛 Ew no….that’s gag worthy! Hahahahaha!
You know what my favorite pasta shape is and one that I have never seen a GF version of, orecchiette!
Thank you so much Natalie! XOXOXOXOXO
I’ve never had that pasta shape, but they’re named after ears and that is awesome! Kinda remind me of the shape of a dried apricot 😀 haha
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Apple Upside Down Cake (Everything-Free)
I just think they are so pretty 😉 Maybe I have an ear fetish 😛
Bahahahaha 😀
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Apple Upside Down Cake (Everything-Free)
I love that this is not only a modern take on classic macaroni salad, but healthier, too! Can’t wait to try this!
Jessica H. recently posted…DIY Marble Coasters
The ultimate healthy redux!
I really can’t wait to try this salad. I hated macaroni salad when I was a kid, but have come to love it as an adult. I’m happy you’ve created a healthier version.
Debbie recently posted…I’m Traveling to Kentucky for Meatless Monday!
I hope you do!!! The ultimate healthy and delish recipe, I promise 😉
What a great idea to use celeraic for the sauce. I really love this recipe.
Christie recently posted…Superfood Crunch Salad #SundaySupper
Thank you! Celeriac always comes in handy 😉
This looks fantastic! Definitely have to give it a try! 🙂
Annmarie recently posted…Meatless Monday: Honey & Hemp Peaches ‘N Cream on Toast
Thank you Annmarie!
Macaroni salad is one of my favorite summer time classics, this sounds like a delicious variation!
Marye recently posted…Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar
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That looks insanely good! Oh how I miss pasta salad! I’ve heard of that new chickpea pasta! I’m going to have to buy some this week 🙂 Thanks for the recipe..I might have to try it for my Labor Day picnic!
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run recently posted…Goji Cashew Date Balls
I really hope you do! You will love it!
This looks so so yummy! My husband is supposed to be gluten free (but it’s hard to get him to do it) but if I make him things like this, I know it’ll be easier! Thanks for sharing!
Chelsie recently posted…August Goals
I’m sure he will love this!
Fun recipe! I’ll have to look for that pasta.
Coco recently posted…Respecting Fear
It’s pretty cool!