This vibrant Mexican Macaroni Salad brings together the best of Mexican flavors in a refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for any occasion. With its colorful mix of fresh vegetables, zesty lime dressing, and bold spices, this Mexican Macaroni Salad transforms ordinary pasta salad into an extraordinary side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mexican Macaroni Salad is the perfect fusion of comfort food and bold Mexican flavors. The creamy, tangy dressing made with Greek yogurt and lime juice perfectly complements the fresh corn, black beans, and crisp vegetables. It’s incredibly versatile – serve it as a side dish at barbecues, bring it to potlucks, or enjoy it as a light lunch. The recipe is also easily customizable to accommodate dietary preferences, including gluten-free options. Best of all, this Mexican Macaroni Salad actually gets better as it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy schedules.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
How to Make Mexican Macaroni Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn If using fresh corn, remove kernels from the cob using a sharp knife. If using frozen corn, make sure it’s completely thawed and drained. If using canned corn, drain and rinse thoroughly.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables While the pasta cools, dice the green bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, quarter the cherry tomatoes, and finely dice the jalapeño (removing seeds for less heat). Rinse and drain the black beans, and finely chop the fresh cilantro.
Step 4: Make the Dressing In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), sour cream, fresh lime juice, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, and kosher salt until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad Add the corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill and Serve Cover the Mexican Macaroni Salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Give it a final stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Helpful Tips
For the best Mexican Macaroni Salad, make sure your pasta is completely cooled before adding the dressing to prevent it from becoming soggy. When preparing fresh corn, you can grill or roast the ears first for added smoky flavor. If you prefer a spicier salad, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt instead of mixing it with mayonnaise. The salad tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings: 8-10 servings
Difficulty: Easy
This Mexican Macaroni Salad is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and omitting the sour cream or substituting with vegan sour cream. The recipe is also gluten-free when made with gluten-free pasta.
Notes
- The salad can be made up to 2 days in advance and actually improves in flavor as it sits
- If the salad seems dry after chilling, add a splash of lime juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving
- For extra protein, consider adding diced avocado, grilled chicken, or crumbled queso fresco just before serving
- Fresh corn is preferred for the best texture and flavor, but frozen or canned corn works in a pinch
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño, or try using poblano peppers for a milder flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Mexican Macaroni Salad ahead of time? Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. It can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve over time.
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt in the dressing? Absolutely. You can use all mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt, or try using Mexican crema for an authentic touch. Vegan mayonnaise works well for plant-based diets.
How can I make this salad spicier? To increase the heat, leave seeds in the jalapeño, add a diced serrano pepper, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the dressing. You can also add hot sauce to taste.
What other vegetables can I add to this Mexican Macaroni Salad? Great additions include diced avocado (add just before serving), roasted red peppers, diced cucumber, or radishes for extra crunch.
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, when made with gluten-free pasta. Many brands make excellent gluten-free elbow macaroni that works perfectly in this recipe.
Storage Instructions
Store your Mexican Macaroni Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The salad may absorb some of the dressing as it sits, so you might need to add a little extra lime juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving leftovers. Always use clean utensils when serving to maintain freshness. This salad is not suitable for freezing as the vegetables and dressing will not maintain their texture when thawed.
Conclusion
This Mexican Macaroni Salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that will brighten any meal. The combination of creamy dressing, fresh vegetables, and zesty lime creates a perfect balance that makes this salad irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a delicious make-ahead meal, this Mexican Macaroni Salad delivers on all fronts. The recipe is forgiving, customizable, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and watch as it becomes the star of your next gathering!