Top 9-Free Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

Pasta salad may seem like a no-brainer for a summer picnic, but gluten-free pasta can get tough after a few hours, and allergy-friendly mayo isn’t always easy to locate. Luckily, in this allergy-friendly Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad, I’ve got a few recipe tricks up my sleeve to tackle both of these issues.

Makes: 4 to 6 servings
Free of: gluten and all top allergens

Ingredients

8 oz (230 g) gluten-free elbow macaroni pasta (e.g. Tinkyada brown rice with rice bran)
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (150 mL) soy-free vegan mayonnaise (store-bought or my Rice Milk Mayonnaise)
1 large garlic clove, minced or crushed
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard [optional, if allergic to]
2 tbsp gluten-free sweet relish
2 tbsp plain rice milk
1/2 cup (120 mL) minced celery
1/2 cup (120 mL) minced red bell pepper
2 tbsp minced yellow onion
salt and freshly ground pepper
curly parsley, for garnish

Instructions for Macaroni Salad

Cook pasta in salted water until tender (do not stop at al dente). Drain but don’t rinse. Spread in a single layer on a baking tray to let cool and dry.
Combine mayonnaise, garlic, sugar, vinegar, mustard (if using) and relish in a medium bowl. Whisk in the rice milk until smooth.
Toss pasta in a large bowl with celery, bell pepper and onion. Sprinkle with salt and a few turns of freshly ground pepper. Add dressing, and stir gently to coat.
To let flavors meld, cover pasta tightly and chill in refrigerator at least 1 hour.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley. Salad will last up to 24 hours.

Cybele Pascal is the author of three cookbooks, including the new Allergy-Free and Easy Cooking and The Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook. Visit her at http://cybelesfreetoeat.com.