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Mexican Macaroni Salad – Quick, Creamy, and Flavor-Packed

Mexican macaroni salad with creamy dressing and veggies
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If you’re a fan of Mexican flavors, you’ve got to try this Mexican macaroni salad for summer BBQs and cookouts. It takes a classic macaroni salad and adds Mexican flair with roasted corn, black beans, bell peppers, and a creamy, flavorful dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni Salad:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni (gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 ears (1 cup) fresh corn (or canned/frozen and thawed)
  • 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 (about 3 tablespoons), plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. Heat a grill or oven to high. Brush corn with oil and grill for a few minutes on each side, or roast at 425°F for 12–15 minutes. Let cool, then cut kernels off the cob.

3. While pasta cooks, mix all dressing ingredients in a bowl or blender until smooth.

4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.

5. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.

6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes if time allows, or serve at room temperature.

7. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed. Garnish with extra cilantro and sliced jalapeño before serving.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

To save time, use canned corn or frozen corn that’s been thawed and roasted quickly in a pan.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or hot sauce to the dressing.

This salad is great for meal prep and can be made a day ahead.

Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/mexican-macaroni-salad/