Vegan Pumpkin Quinoa Mac & Cheese

Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by Christin Gillespie

This Vegan Pumpkin Quinoa Mac & Cheese is the perfect healthy comfort food recipe to make this fall. It’s so creamy, thanks to the cashew cheese, and just requires a few pantry staples to have this plant-based mac and cheese on the table in 30 minutes!

Cozy and creamy, nothing can compare to a comforting bowl of mac and cheese on a chilly evening! However, this fall-infused Vegan Pumpkin Quinoa Mac & Cheese takes it to the next level.

While it’s untraditional, to say the least, given the fact that there is absolutely no pasta or cheese involved, it’s without question delicious in its own special way. Fluffy quinoa replaces the pasta and gets coated in a creamy dairy-free cashew sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Regardless if you enjoy a big batch of this plant-based mac and cheese as a quick main dish or serve it as a healthy side at your next gathering, it will be a fall favorite!

The Perfect Fall Quinoa Mac & Cheese Recipe

• Enjoy with Ease: This plant-based mac and cheese is super cheesy but won’t leave you feeling bloated or heavy.
• Ready in No Time: All it takes is about 30 minutes to whip up this weeknight dinner or holiday side dish to impress everyone at the table.
• Meal Prep Approved: Make a big batch and save for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Organic Quinoa: The hearty base that replaces typical macaroni pasta noodles. This healthy swap amps up the protein and fiber, so you will actually feel full but not uncomfortable.
• Organic Pumpkin Puree: Go for organic pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) to ensure that your plant-based mac and cheese is free of added sugars or preservatives. Farmers Market Foods is a solid brand.
• Organic Cashew Cheese: This easy dairy-free cheese sauce just requires a few pantry staples to achieve that iconic cheesy flavor that every mac and cheese recipe requires.
• Organic Pumpkin Seeds: To sprinkle over the top before digging in!

How to Make

1. Quinoa. Prepare the quinoa according to the package instructions. Once it’s nice and fluffy, remove it from the heat with the lid on and set it aside.
2. Pumpkin Cashew Cheese. Add all of the cheese ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend until totally smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of spring water to achieve a creamy consistency.
3. Mix. Next, pour the pumpkin cashew cheese into the cooked quinoa saucepan. Stir until the quinoa is fully coated.
4. Serve. Divide the quinoa mac and cheese between bowls. Garnish with the pumpkin seeds and enjoy!

Master this Plant-Based Mac & Cheese

• Organic Pumpkin Puree: Double-check to make sure that you use organic pumpkin puree, as opposed to pumpkin pie filling. Farmers Market Foods is my go-to clean brand.
• Soak the Cashews: Don’t skip soaking the cashews, as this ensures that the pumpkin cheese sauce is super creamy.
• Nutrition Boost: To level up the nutrients, stir in baby spinach and/or steamed cauliflower florets.

Storing & Reheating

As mentioned above, this gluten-free mac and cheese is a great meal prep recipe to enjoy throughout the week!

Storing: Transfer the cooled quinoa mac and cheese to an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, transfer your portion to a saucepan and heat until warmed through. If it appears too thick, add a splash of water to bring the creaminess back to life.

Even More Vegan Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love

• Cheesy Vegan Pumpkin Quinoa Enchilada Bake
• Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Chickpea Chili
• Pumpkin White Bean Curry
• Vegan Marry Me Pumpkin Chickpeas
• Vegan Black Bean Purple Sweet Potato Enchilada Bake with Pumpkin Cashew Queso

Spread the Word & Stay Connect

If you made this Vegan Pumpkin Quinoa Mac & Cheese, please leave a rating and a review below! I love hearing from you, and it helps others discover the blog as well. If you’re not already, be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok for even more healthy content!

Xoxo.

CMG.

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