Mexican Macaroni Salad
This Mexican Macaroni Salad is a vibrant mix of pasta, grilled corn, black beans, tomatoes, and a creamy salsa dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a flavorful side dish.
12 Servings
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni cooked according to package instructions, drained, and rinsed with cold water
- 2 ears fresh corn husks and silks removed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives
- 6 Roma tomatoes or 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion finely diced
- Chopped cilantro optional
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup jarred salsa spicy preferred
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic minced or pressed
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 2 limes optional
Instructions
Prepare the Corn:
- Grill the corn on a grill pan or place it in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until the kernels develop a light char, rotating occasionally. Once done, set aside to cool slightly. When cool, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.
Make the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, combine the salsa, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, cumin, and lime juice (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Combine the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled macaroni, grilled corn, black beans, black olives, tomatoes, green onions, red onion, and cilantro (if desired). Pour three-quarters of the prepared dressing over the top and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Chill the Salad:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, evaluate if additional dressing is needed and stir in the reserved portion if desired.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the salad with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a fresh touch. Serve chilled as a side dish or main course accompaniment.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the regular elbow macaroni with certified gluten-free pasta. Ensure that the salsa, mayonnaise, and sour cream are also gluten-free by checking the ingredient labels for hidden gluten sources.