Description
This Mexican Macaroni Salad Fiesta is a vibrant and creamy side dish perfect for gatherings and everyday meals. Featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed in a zesty dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice, it’s enhanced with chili powder for a subtle kick. The addition of sweet corn, crunchy red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro adds refreshing texture and flavor, making it an irresistibly festive salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Base and Dressing: In a large bowl, mix the cooked and drained elbow macaroni with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder. Stir until all ingredients are evenly blended, creating a creamy and flavorful dressing coating the macaroni.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Fold in the corn kernels, chopped red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro. Mix thoroughly to distribute the vegetables and herbs evenly throughout the salad for a colorful and crisp texture.
- Season and Chill: Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for several hours or overnight.
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dressing.
- Add diced avocado or black beans for extra creaminess and protein.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
