Vegan Broccoli Quinoa Mac & Cheese

If you’re craving a cozy bowl of comfort food but want to keep things healthy & plant-based, this Vegan Broccoli Quinoa Mac & Cheese recipe is about to be your weeknight go-to. It’s ultra-creamy, loaded with plant protein & fiber, & packed with nutrient-rich veggies. It’s completely dairy-free, gluten-free, & ready in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for meal prep & totally family-friendly!

Everything you love about the classic mac & cheese—without any dairy, gluten, or guilt. This Vegan Broccoli Quinoa Mac & Cheese is comforting, creamy, & created with feel-good ingredients that the whole family will love!

While it’s a tad untraditional, it’s delicious in its own right. It still embodies that nostalgic flavor & heartiness, just in a healthier, plant-based form. Imagine fluffy quinoa instead of pasta, nutrient-rich broccoli, & a cashew cheese sauce that’s so dreamy, you’ll want to lick the spoon!

The best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes & makes excellent leftovers—perfect for quick dinners all week long!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Quinoa Mac & Cheese Recipe

• Comforting without the Discomfort: Creamy, cheesy, & cozy, without the dairy, bloating, or heaviness.
• 30 Minute Meal: The ultimate weeknight dinner when you want something healthy, hearty, & hassle-free.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe stores beautifully in the fridge & tastes just as good the next day. Ideal for leftovers or make-ahead dinners.

Ingredients

• Organic Quinoa: Instead of traditional pasta, this recipe uses hearty quinoa for a boost of plant-based protein & fiber. Any color that you have on hand works—white, red, or multi-color.
• Organic Yellow Onion: Adds depth & natural sweetness.
• Organic Broccoli: Loaded with fiber, antioxidants, & vitamins. Frozen broccoli works best for convenience, but fresh (steamed or roasted) works too.
• Organic Baby Spinach: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color & nutrients, without overpowering the dish.
• Organic Garlic: Fresh is best for bold aromatic flavor.
• Organic Cashew Cheese: Creamy, dreamy, & dairy-free. This homemade cashew cheese brings that beloved “cheesy” vibe that every mac & cheese recipe needs.
• Organic Macadamia Nut Oil: It’s a great choice for high-heat cooking & adds a nice rich buttery flavor to the base. You can substitute with organic avocado oil if needed, though.

How to Make

1. Quinoa. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Cashew Cheese. To a high-speed blender, add all of the cashew cheese ingredients. Blend until smooth & creamy. If needed, add more spring water to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Sauté the Veggies. Warm a skillet over medium-high heat with the macadamia nut oil. Add the chopped onion & sauté for 3–5 minutes, until soft & translucent. Stir in the garlic for another minute until fragrant.
4. Combine the Main Ingredients. Next, add the cooked quinoa, prepared or frozen broccoli, & cashew cheese to the skillet. Mix until well combined & heated through.
5. Spinach. Stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.
6. Serve. Divide the quinoa mac & cheese between bowls. Serve warm & enjoy! 

Tips for Making This Vegan Mac & Cheese Recipe Perfectly

• Soak Cashews: Be sure to soak your organic raw cashews in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften. This ensures that the cashew cheese sauce is creamy & smooth.
• Consistency: If your cashew cheese is too thick, add a splash of spring water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your ideal creaminess.
• Organic Broccoli: Frozen broccoli works best for convenience, but fresh (steamed or roasted) works too.

Storing & Reheating

This Vegan Broccoli Quinoa Mac & Cheese is the perfect vegan recipe for healthy leftovers & meal prep!

Storing. Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating. To reheat, warm your portion on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick or dry, add a splash of spring water to loosen it up.

More Healthy Quinoa Recipes You’ll Love

• Roasted Cauliflower & Baby Potato Quinoa Bowl with Spicy Honey Mustard
• White Bean & Quinoa Kale Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
• Black Bean & Sweet Potato Quinoa Enchilada Bake
• Red Kidney Bean & Japanese Sweet Potato Quinoa Buddha Bowl
• Portobello Steak & Quinoa Fajita Bowl

Sharing Is Caring!

If you make this Vegan Broccoli Quinoa Mac & Cheese recipe, please leave a review & rating below. I love hearing from you, & it helps others learn more about the blog as well. Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, & TikTok for even more healthy content!

Xoxo.

CMG.

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