Coleslaw Macaroni Salad Recipe (Vegetarian, Gluten Free Option)

This coleslaw macaroni salad combines everything great about a summer backyard BBQ side dish! Creamy, tangy, sweet, and something everyone at your table will love! Perfect for Memorial Day Cookout, backyard BBQ, or 4th of July potluck!  The flavors of summer in one easy side dish.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Herbeevore and our beehives!

This coleslaw pasta salad is an absolutely delicious hybrid of my two favorite dishes for a summer BBQ: pasta salad and classic coleslaw. I love hosting big summer backyard bashes, and I always have pasta salad and coleslaw on the table for everyone to enjoy – and now it can be made in one easy side!

I joked with my family that this is probably the most Midwestern thing I’ve ever made. As a midwestern-er I grew up eating ALL the creamy salads, and loving every one: pasta salads, bean salads, cucumber salad, egg salad, the list really goes on & on!  This is a new twist on two classics, and it couldn’t be easier to make.

This Coleslaw Macaroni Salad Recipe Is:

• Creamy
• Tangy
• Crunchy
• Sweet & Salty
• Packed with flavor
• Great to Make Ahead!  It tastes better if it sits overnight in the fridge.

30 Minute Side Dishes for Entertaining

This coleslaw macaroni salad 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 healthy home cooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I have a whole section of The Herbeevore dedicated to Easy Meals, that are great for the whole family.

From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – a healthy 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!

What’s In This Pasta Salad?

• Macaroni Noodles: to make this gluten free, these awesome GF macaroni pasta noodles work perfect in this recipe.  If you aren’t gluten free, then you can use normal macaroni, whole wheat, or a veggie pasta.
• Coleslaw Mix: I find this in the produce section and it usually contains green cabbage, carrots, and sometimes red cabbage.  Use any slaw mix you’d like, they have some fun ones with broccoli an Brussles sprouts nowadays.  You can also skip the mix and shred your own cabbage instead.
• White Balsamic Vinegar – this may seem like a very specific addition to my pantry but it is my FAVORITE vinegar! It’s the secret to the perfect coleslaw or kidney bean salad. When I can find this on sale, I stock up!  I usually buy Colavita.
• Classic Mayonnaise: I like to use this classic mayo to keep this recipe plant-based, but you can use whatever mayo that you would normally use in recipes. If you don’t normally like mayo, try my homemade dairy-free version… it’s creamy but still plant based.
• Garlic Powder: Also a major pantry staple ingredient that gets used in our house daily! I love this garlic powder and add it to a lot of recipes that I would use fresh garlic in too.
• Onion Powder: adds a delicious and savory flavor to this dish as well, and the onion powder pairs nicely with the raw onion in the salad.

Inexpensive and Affordable Pasta Salad Recipes For Everyone

I love how inexpensive pasta salads are to make! This recipe uses a lot of ingredients you would have in your fridge or cupboards – most of which you probably have on hand. Keeping a well-stocked pantry makes it easy to come up with delicious and healthy meals using a few staples you can rotate.  I made a list of my Top 125 Plant-Based Pantry Staples that always keep stocked. And you can check out all my favorite pantry staple ingredients in my Amazon shop here.  By stocking up on healthy whole ingredients you can cook delicious recipes without a trip to the store!

How Do I Make This Macaroni Salad with Coleslaw Mix?

First Step
Cook the Pasta according to packaging instructions. Drain, set aside, and allow to Cool

Second Step
Mix all other ingredients in a bowl!  Cover and allow to sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for the flavors to mix… but preferably overnight as it only gets better the second day.

Fun Pasta Salad Recipes in No Time!

This coleslaw macaroni salad is what I call an Easy Weeknight Meal – which is on your table in about 30 minutes.  These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those nights when you want a healthy homecooked 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 – a healthy meal can be on your table in no time.  Even faster than ordering takeout!

More Vegetarian BBQ Side Dishes You’ll Love!

Dairy Free Artichoke Dip Recipe (Vegetarian, Gluten Free)

Pot Luck Greek Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette (Vegan, Gluten Free, Party Recipe)

Rainbow Quinoa Salad (Vegan, Gluten Free)

White Fence Farm Kidney Bean Salad: Copy Cat Recipe (Vegetarian, Vegan Option)

The Absolute BEST Greek Pasta Salad (Vegan, Gluten Free Options)

Get the Same Ingredients for this Coleslaw Macaroni Salad Recipe

I get all the fresh produce for my recipes from my garden and from Misfits Market – they sell all organic produce at a super discounted price, and it’s purchased direct from the farmers. We get Misfit Market boxes every other week and love picking out our favorite seasonal produce for delivery.  You can get $10 off your first $30 box by clicking here! 

If you think organic produce is too expensive… think again, and give Misfits Market a look!

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

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This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Herbeevore and our beehives!