Every summer, as the sun blankets our backyard and the grill fires up, one dish always brings smiles to our family table: my grandmother’s Mexican Macaroni Salad. She learned it from a Tex-Mex neighbour decades ago and gave it her colourful twist. This recipe is a staple in our summer gatherings — cool, creamy, and bursting with vibrant flavours like cilantro, corn, and chilli. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast, so make sure you get a bowl before it’s gone!
🕒 Quick Facts:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
📝 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and finely diced (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced (add right before serving)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🥄 Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the macaroni, vegetables, and cilantro.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Fold in diced avocado just before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
🔄 Variations & Tips:
- Spice it up: Add hot sauce or chipotle in adobo.
- Make it lighter: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Make ahead: Keeps well for 3 days in the fridge.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Mexican Macaroni Salad
This salad is a balance of creamy and tangy, packed with fresh veggies and summer vibes. It’s perfect for BBQS, potlucks, or even a simple lunch at home.
🔗 Related Summer Recipes:
- Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
- Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing
- Chilli Lime Grilled Chicken
💬 Share Your Twist!
Did you try this Mexican Macaroni Salad? Maybe you added grilled chicken or mango? I’d love to hear how you made it your own—leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @SarahCooks!