Mexican Macaroni Salad
Mexican Macaroni Salad is a colorful, flavorful dish that combines creamy pasta with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a delightful side at any gathering, this salad bursts with flavors in every bite. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, it can be made ahead of time for added convenience. Enjoy this vibrant dish that will surely impress your friends and family!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Side
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper; whisk until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled macaroni with cherry tomatoes, corn, bell peppers, and optional cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - For added protein, consider mixing in black beans or grilled chicken. - To enhance crunchiness, top with crushed tortilla chips just before serving. - Experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini or jalapeños for varied flavors.