Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe
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Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe

ByLily Carter
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This Mexican Macaroni Salad recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining vibrant flavors and textures in every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make and is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  1. Bursting with fresh and zesty flavors.
  2. Quick and simple prep time.
  3. Ideal for meal prep and stays fresh for days in the fridge.

Ingredient Notes:

Macaroni Salad:

  • Elbow macaroni (gluten-free if needed)
  • Ears of fresh corn (canned or frozen and thawed work)
  • Black beans, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, fresh cilantro, jalapeño
    Dressing:
  • Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic, kosher salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
  2. Grill corn until lightly charred; cut kernels off the cob.
  3. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, corn, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix dressing ingredients.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Helpful Tips:

  • Add avocado for extra creaminess.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  2. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño.
  3. Allow the salad to sit for a few hours for the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Mexican Macaroni Salad with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or alongside a refreshing agua fresca for a complete meal.

Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store, cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
  2. Can I use canned corn instead of fresh? Yes, just make sure to drain it well.
  3. Is this recipe spicy? You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño used.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to this salad? Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies.

Conclusion:

Give this Mexican Macaroni Salad a try for a flavorful and satisfying dish that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy the delicious flavors of this easy-to-make salad!

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Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe

Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Salads
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This Mexican Macaroni Salad is a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional macaroni salad. Packed with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a zesty yogurt-based dressing, it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Macaroni Salad

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni (gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 ears (1 cup) fresh corn (canned or frozen and thawed work)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced

Dressing

  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 lime, juiced (3 Tablespoons), plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Cook Macaroni: Boil macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, corn, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
  3. Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and salt.
  4. Combine: Pour dressing over the macaroni salad and toss until well coated. Adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt if needed.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • You can customize this salad by adding avocado, grilled chicken, or shrimp for extra protein.
  • This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
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