This Mexican macaroni salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining the creaminess of the mayo, the heat of the spices, and the freshness of the vegetables. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course, and it's great for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks. Prepare it in just 30 minutes and impress your guests with this mouthwatering Mexican twist on a classic pasta salad.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
Directions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the bowl and toss to coat it evenly with the dressing.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, corn kernels, black beans, cilantro, and jalapeno to the bowl. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and garnish with extra cilantro, if desired.
- Enjoy this delicious and spicy Mexican macaroni salad!
Interesting Facts
Macaroni salads are a popular dish in Mexican cuisine and are often served as a side dish for grilled meats or Mexican-inspired meals.
The addition of lime juice adds a refreshing tang to the salad and complements the spices perfectly.
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and adds a fresh and aromatic flavor to the salad.
This salad can be customized to your taste by adding other ingredients such as avocado, diced jalapenos, or shredded cheese.