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Healthy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Healthy Macaroni Salad Recipe
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This Healthy Macaroni Salad Recipe is a creamy, nutrient-packed dish perfect for any occasion—from picnics to potlucks or quick weeknight dinners. Made with chickpea pasta, it’s gluten-free and provides an excellent source of protein and fiber. The dressing combines whipped cottage cheese and mayo, offering a light yet satisfying flavor that’s elevated by fresh veggies and a zesty vinegar kick. Not only is this salad easy to whip up in under an hour, but it’s also customizable with your favorite ingredients, ensuring that every bite is tailored to your taste. Make it ahead of time for convenient meal prep or serve it chilled for a refreshing side dish any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces chickpea pasta
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup cottage cheese (whipped)
  • 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 splash pickle juice
  • 1/4 cup diced pickles
  • 1 bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 3/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
  • 1 stalk celery (finely diced)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by one minute. Drain and rinse under cold water before transferring it to an ice bath. Let cool completely.
  2. In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth; you should have about 1/3 cup of whipped cottage cheese.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whipped cottage cheese, mayonnaise, vinegar (start with 3 tablespoons), salt, sugar, and pickle juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Finely dice the vegetables while the pasta cools. If desired, soak red onion in ice water for five minutes to mellow its flavor.
  5. Combine cooled pasta and diced veggies with dressing in the bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://myrecipesbook.com/healthy-macaroni-salad-recipe-2/

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