Description
This vibrant Mexican Macaroni Salad combines tender elbow macaroni with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a zesty, creamy dressing infused with lime juice and spices. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for summer gatherings or a colorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, corn kernels, black beans, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined to create the flavorful dressing.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients well with the dressing.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to fully meld and the salad to chill nicely.
- Serve: Serve the Mexican Macaroni Salad chilled. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lime juice for the dressing to enhance the flavor.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with a lighter yogurt-based dressing for a healthier version.
- This salad can be made a day ahead for convenience and better flavor infusion.
- Adjust the chili powder quantity to control the heat level according to your taste.
- Make sure to rinse cooked macaroni under cold water to prevent it from sticking and to cool it quickly before mixing.
