Description
Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic side dish, perfect for potlucks or weeknight meals. This recipe uses Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (gluten-free option if needed)
- 2 ears fresh corn (about 1 cup kernels)
- 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
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 lime juiced (about 3 Tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Brush the corn with oil. Grill over high heat until browned on all sides, or roast at 425F for 12-15 minutes. Cool the corn and cut the kernels off the cobs.
- Combine the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and salt in a small bowl or blender. Mix until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, corn kernels, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or serve at room temperature. Taste before serving and add more salt or lime juice if desired. Garnish with extra cilantro and sliced jalapeño.
Notes
- For the corn, roasting at 425F is a good oven alternative to grilling.
- Rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents sticking.
- You can prepare the dressing ahead of time.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, leave some seeds in the jalapeño.
- This salad tastes best after chilling for a short period.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing/Chilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American