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Macaroni Salad with Greek Yogurt Recipe (High Protein)

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This Macaroni Salad with Greek Yogurt is a lighter take on classic macaroni salad, by giving it a high protein twist! Substitute traditional mayo for a non-fat Greek yogurt to make this mac salad extra creamy. You won’t notice the difference, the flavor is amazing.

This light mac salad is a fantastic way to get extra protein in your diet by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Serve this easy macaroni salad at your next barbecue, gathering, or as a side dish for grilling season.

macaroni salad with greek yogurt carrots celery mac noodles pickles and parsley healthy mac salad vegetarian or vegan

Classic macaroni salad gets a modern low calorie makeover with Greek yogurt and fresh vegetables!  This BBQ approved side dish is great for a party.  It’s vegetarian, and can be made vegan or gluten-free for any audience! Great as a side dish for a cookout, this easy crowd pleaser recipe is great to serve with burgers, veggie dogs, or brats on the grill.

This Classic Macaroni Salad gets a bit of a modern twist from using Greek Yogurt in the dressing – it lightens the recipe and adds a nice creaminess without the fat. I also love the crunch from all the veggies in the dish as well, the celery, carrots, and bell pepper are a must!

This Greek Yogurt Macaroni Salad Recipe Is

  • Packed with flavor
  • Creamy
  • Herby
  • Savory
  • Made with Greek Yogurt
  • Mayo-free, no mayonnaise used at all!
  • Vegetarian, and can be made gluten free or vegan!
healthy macaroni salad yogurt no mayo mac salad without mayonnaise creamy yogurt macaroni salad recipe

Is Macaroni Salad High in Protein?

This recipe uses Greek Yogurt in the dressing instead of classic mayonnaise. By using a non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt, you can cut down on the total fat in this pasta salad, and add in some great vegetarian protein.

This macaroni salad also has chopped carrots, celery, and fresh herbs for added fiber and nutrients.

Greek Yogurt Macaroni Salad for the Win!

The Midwesterner in me LOVES summer salads like these: macaroni salad, coleslaw, kidney bean salad, chickpea salad (and the list could go on and on), I love ‘em all. They remind me of summer BBQs on a humid day, the grill going in the background, and sitting in the sunshine with a cool drink.

Now that we have a wonderful homestead, we love to host summer BBQs and bring out a nice variety of food for guests. I love making easy, foolproof dishes like these. They are called Classics for a reason, can be made ahead, and really compliment any main dish.

What’s In This Greek Yogurt Mac Salad Recipe?

See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and recipe instructions!

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Make Greek Yogurt Mac Salad Vegetarian

This vegetarian mac salad with Greek Yogurt is a simple way to get extra veggies in your diet. I’m all about making recipes plant-based when I can. Vegetarian cooking does NOT have to be bland, boring, or flavorless… It’s quite the opposite when done right. By building meals around vegetarian pantry staples and swapping in a few plant-based ingredients you can make better meals for you and your family.

I made a list of my 125 favorite vegan pantry ingredients that we use on a weekly basis, and check out all my vegetarian recipes here that are on The Herbeevore. These easy and tasty recipes are fantastic meatless meals for your table.

macaroni salad with greek yogurt high protein low fat with carrots celery and parsley

30 Minute Side Dishes for Entertaining

This pesto tortellini is what I call an Easy Entertaining Recipe – which is on your table in about 30 minutes.  These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those last-minute potluck invites, or when you just want a home cooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I have a whole section of The Herbeevore dedicated to Easy Weeknight Meals, that are great for the whole family.

From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – an easy meal can be on your table in no time.  Just as fast as grabbing a quick prepared side dish from the store (and way more impressive too)!  If you’re heading to a party, potluck, or BBQ, check out my list of top host gifts for summer entertaining for that next-level gift your host will love!

I love to serve this low fat macaroni salad with Marinated Veggie Kabobs, my dad’s famous Coleslaw Recipe, and Life-Changing Greek Pasta Salad. A real trifecta of crowd-pleasing recipes. I love that this can be made ahead of time. When you are hosting (or getting ready to go to a BBQ) this dish can be easily brought out and enjoyed.

More High Protein Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love!

Avocado Black Bean Salad Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe (Vegetarian, Holiday Side Dish)

Apple Walnut Salad Recipe with Dijon Vinaigrette (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Carrot Hummus without Tahini Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Chickpea Tabbouleh Recipe (Grain Free, Gluten Free, Vegan)

greek yogurt macaroni salad without mayonnaise recipe vegetarian gluten free mac salad with yogurt recipe

Share this Greek Yogurt Mac Salad Recipe!

As always, if you make this vegetarian macaroni salad with Greek Yogurt recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me @theherbeevore on Instagram so I can feature you.  I love seeing all your photos of my recipes!

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Macaroni Salad with Greek Yogurt

Kelly Jensen
Macaroni salad with Greek yogurt gets a modern makeover with Greek yogurt and fresh vegetables!  High in protein and easy to make.
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, For Entertaining, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Classic
Servings 8
Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16 ounce box macaroni use gluten free if desired
  • 2 stalks celery diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 large carrots diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 bell pepper diced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/4 cup sweet onion chopped
  • 2 sweet pickle spears diced, or use relish
  • 1 cup greek yogurt plain nonfat
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper
  • Fresh parsley to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook to package directions. Rinse the macaroni noodles under cold water, drain, and set aside until cooled.
  • In a large bowl add the cooled macaroni and the rest of the ingredients to the bowl. Stir well to combine. Taste for flavor and add any additional spices, salt, or pepper as needed. Garnish with parsley if desired.
  • Refrigerate overnight in an airtight container. Remove from fridge right before serving, enjoy! Leftovers will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 12gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 24mgPotassium: 111mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2826IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a rating and comment below, let us know what you loved about it!

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Posted in American, Favorites, For Entertaining, Holiday Recipes, Lunches, Make Ahead, Meal Prep, Pasta Salad, Pastas, Salads, Side Dishes, The Herbeevore Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes

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