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Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe

Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Spicy mexican macaroni salad brings zesty flavors from traditional Mexican cuisine. Creamy pasta with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing provides a perfect summer side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (237 ml) corn kernels
  • 1 cup (237 ml) black beans
  • 1 cup (237 ml) cherry tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • ½ cup (118 ml) red onion
  • ¼ cup (59 ml) fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup (118 ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (59 ml) sour cream
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 avocado (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Cook macaroni in heavily salted water until perfectly al dente, then rapidly cool under cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Drain thoroughly.
  2. Flavor Foundation: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne into a vibrant, zesty dressing. Adjust seasonings to taste for optimal flavor balance.
  3. Ingredient Symphony: In a spacious mixing bowl, unite cooled pasta with corn kernels, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. This colorful medley creates a robust Mexican-inspired base.
  4. Dressing Integration: Gently cascade prepared dressing over the pasta mixture, folding carefully to ensure each ingredient is evenly and luxuriously coated with the spicy-creamy sauce.
  5. Flavor Maturation: Refrigerate salad for at least one hour, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Before serving, garnish with diced avocado and execute a final, delicate toss to distribute the creamy element.

Notes

  • Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a firm texture that holds up against creamy dressing.
  • Flavor Balancing: Adjust spice levels by gradually adding cayenne and chili powder, tasting as you go to create a personalized heat profile.
  • Chill for Depth: Refrigerate salad for at least an hour to allow spices and ingredients to meld, intensifying the Mexican-inspired flavor complexity.
  • Avoid Watery Disaster: Drain vegetables and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from diluting the rich, creamy dressing’s bold taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg