Go Back
–+ servings
Mexican Macaroni Salad

Creamy Mexican Macaroni Salad That's Perfect for Any Gathering

This Flavor-Packed Mexican Macaroni Salad is a vibrant and creamy dish, perfect for gatherings and customizable to suit dietary preferences.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 3 cups Elbow Macaroni Can substitute with rotini or small shells.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Consider using dairy-free mayonnaise for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Use dairy-free sour cream if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Fresh lime juice offers the best taste.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Adjust to your heat preference.
  • Salt & Black Pepper To taste.
For the Salad Mix
  • 1 can Black Beans Drained and rinsed.
  • 1 cup Sweet Corn Thawed if frozen.
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Diced.
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper Diced.
  • ½ cup Red Onion Diced.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded, try dairy-free cheese or omit if making it dairy-free.
  • ¼ cup Cilantro Can be omitted for those who aren't fans.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Step 1: Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente for 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni, black beans, sweet corn, diced peppers, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Toss gently.
  4. Step 4: Combine and Coat: Pour the dressing over the salad mix and gently stir to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Step 5: Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Step 6: Final Touches Before Serving: Stir before serving, adding more mayo or lime juice if necessary, and adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 10gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Cool the pasta completely before mixing with dressing for the best texture. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving, and keep it fresh by adding more mayo if it appears dry after chilling.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!