Go Back
–+ servings
A bowl of Mexican macaroni salad garnished with a lime and cilantro.
Print Pin

Mexican-Inspired Macaroni Salad

This Mexican Macaroni Salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with bold, south-of-the-border flavor. Easy to toss together for summer potlucks, BBQs, or a fun twist for taco night!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 -8 servings
Calories 293kcal

Ingredients

Salad:

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shape
  • 1 cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • ½ cup red onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños chopped
  • 1 8.75-ounce can corn or 1 heaping cup thawed frozen corn
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Creamy Dressing:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt preferably full-fat
  • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking.
    8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shape
  • In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with salt, and pepper to taste.
    ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Add cooled pasta to the dressing along with red bell pepper, onion, jalapeños, corn, and cilantro. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
    1 cup red bell pepper, ½ cup red onion, 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, 1 8.75-ounce can corn, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • For best flavor, let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow everything to meld. Taste again after chilling and add more salt, pepper, cilantro or lemon juice to taste.
  • Garnish with a little extra cilantro, lime zest, or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients.
  • If making ahead, reserve some of the dressing to mix in right before serving. The pasta can soak it up as it chills, but this method keeps it creamy.
  • Customize your mix-ins by tossing in black beans, diced avocado, or even vegan swaps for a fun and flexible twist. You can also use roasted or grilled corn, peppers, and onions for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 190mg | Potassium: 206mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 960IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg