Gluten-Free Vegan Macaroni Salad

Note, the 1 hour of cook time is actually chill time - which should be at least 1 hour. The cook time happens during the 30 min prep time. The brand names that I use are brands that I like and work well with this recipe. There is such a wide range of flavor, texture, and quality when it comes to dairy free and gluten free that I can't guarantee the success of the recipe if you use a different brand. But if it is a brand you are familiar with and like, then it will probably be perfect for you!

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2 (5 ounce) boxes  , pamela's gluten free vegan mac
• 6  cups water
• 2  tablespoons vegan butter, alternative
• 1⁄3 cup  violife original cream cheese
• 1⁄2 cup  diced red bell pepper (more or less)
• 1  tablespoon water
• 1⁄2 cup  diced celery (more or less)
• 1⁄4 cup  diced  onion tops (or green onions or scallions or chives, more or less)
• 2 -4  teaspoons lemon juice
•  ground black pepper (to taste) (optional)
• 1 -2  teaspoon milk, alternative (optional)

Directions

1. Bring 6 cups water to boil in a med. sized saucepan.
2. Stir in pasta and cook for 10 to 12 min., stirring occasionally. Do not over cook. Al dente is best for this recipe.
3. While pasta is cooking, chop the produce.
4. (Optional) Put bell peppers and 1 tablespoon of water in a small microwave safe bowl. Cover loosely and microwave for 1 - 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and leave covered to continue cooking. I do this because they are easier for me to digest if slightly cooked. I cook them until they are just starting to soften, not limp or mushy.
5. When pasta has reached desired texture, drain and set aside.
6. In the same saucepan, heat butter, cream cheese, and packet of Pamela's sauce mix on med. low heat. Stir continuously until melted and mixed. Remove from heat.
7. Add pasta and mix slightly.
8. Drain water off of peppers and add to pasta along with celery, onion tops, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and pepper. Mix well. Taste to determine if you want to add more pepper or lemon juice.
9. If you want a thinner sauce, stir in milk alternative a small amount at a time.
10. Chill for at least one hour.
11. If serving at a picnic, practice safe food handling: keep chilled until ready to serve, if it will be sitting out for more than an hour, place dish on a cold pack to help it stay fresh during the event. Return leftovers to refrigeration as soon as possible.
12. Please let me know if you enjoyed this recipe! I am open to suggestions and your thoughts. : ).