Description
Enjoy a festive twist on a classic side dish with this Mexican Macaroni Salad Fiesta. Packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this creamy pasta salad is a perfect addition to any summer gathering or potluck.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Salad:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup canned corn (drained) or grilled corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or cotija cheese (optional)
- juice of 1 lime
- salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Main Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled macaroni, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, and cheese if using.
- For the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne if using.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo and sour cream.
- You can also add diced jalapeño for extra heat or toss in grilled chicken for a heartier salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
