Vegan Avocado Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6 Servings
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Calories
379 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Vegan Avocado Mac and Cheese
Description
This Vegan Avocado Mac and Cheese replaces traditional dairy components with a prepared sauce that blends avocado, soaked or raw cashews, plant-based milk, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, smoked paprika, vegan butter or oil, and sea salt. The pasta is cooked al dente, drained, and then mixed with the blended creamy sauce for a uniform coating.
The sauce's avocado base lends natural creaminess and subtle flavor while the cashews add body and richness. Nutritional yeast contributes a savory, cheese-like note, and the lemon juice balances with brightness. Smoked paprika and garlic powder add gentle warmth and aromatic hints.
This dish works well as a vegan main or side dish. It can be garnished with vegan parmesan cheese, slices of avocado, and fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for additional flavor and texture contrast.
To maintain texture and flavor, it’s best to cook pasta al dente and serve promptly. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently, adding some plant milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cashew nuts raw
- 1 avocado peel & pit removed, large ripe
- 1.5 cups cashew milk or plant milk of choice, unsweetened
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice approx. 1 small lemon or half large
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1.5 teaspoons salt sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter optional, or avocado oil
- 450 grams macaroni pasta gluten free if preferred
Optional Garnishes
- vegan parmesan cheese highly recommended
- avocado slices
- parsley or chives or dill, fresh
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, and cook pasta according to package directions for al dente pasta. Drain and return to the pot.
- Meanwhile, add all your ingredients (except the pasta) to a high speed blender and process until smooth. Pour the sauce over your pasta and mix well.
- Serve with your choice of garnish and enjoy.
Notes
- If no high-speed blender is available, soak cashews in boiling water for 30 minutes before blending.
- Salt pasta water well for optimal pasta flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid a mushy texture in the final dish.
- Reheat leftovers with added plant milk, water, or broth to restore creaminess.
- Leftovers keep refrigerated 2-3 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 379 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 379cal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 630mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 423mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 213IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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