Bold, Creamy, and Bursting with Southwestern Flavor

Take your classic macaroni salad on a vibrant culinary adventure with this Mexican Macaroni Salad. Creamy and zesty with a little crunch and spice, this recipe is a fiesta of textures and flavors in every bite. Packed with colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and a tangy, smoky dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, cookouts, or Taco Tuesday.

Whether you're prepping for a summer picnic or adding something bold to a weekday dinner, this easy salad will quickly become your go-to favorite.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t your average macaroni salad—and here’s why:

Southwestern Twist
Inspired by classic Mexican ingredients like lime, cilantro, cumin, and jalapeños.

Creamy with a Kick
The tangy mayo-lime dressing has just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.

Hearty Yet Fresh
Balanced with protein-packed beans, crisp veggies, and tender pasta.

Great for a Crowd
It’s easy to make ahead and perfect for feeding a group.

Customizable
Swap out veggies or adjust the spice to suit your taste.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni – Cooked and cooled

  • 1 cup canned corn – Drained

  • 1 cup black beans – Rinsed and drained

  • ½ cup red bell pepper – Diced

  • ½ cup green bell pepper – Diced

  • ½ cup red onion – Finely chopped

  • 1–2 jalapeños – Seeded and finely diced (optional, for heat)

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes – Halved

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro – Chopped

For the Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema

  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

  • 1 tsp lime zest

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

💡 Pro Tip: Use Mexican crema for a tangier, silkier finish—or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Chop all the vegetables and herbs. If using jalapeños, remove seeds for a milder salad.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, zest, and all the spices. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with corn, beans, peppers, onion, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro.

Step 5: Add Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until everything is evenly coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

🔄 Variations to Try

Make it your own with these easy twists:

  • Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chorizo for a complete meal.

  • Make it Vegan: Use plant-based mayo and sour cream.

  • Cheesy Option: Add crumbled cotija or shredded pepper jack cheese.

  • Extra Crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas before serving.

  • Taco-Style: Use leftover taco meat and season the dressing with taco seasoning.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

This salad is bold enough to shine on its own but pairs beautifully with:

Grilled Mains

  • Carne asada

  • BBQ chicken

  • Grilled shrimp skewers

Potluck Favorites

  • Tortilla chips and guac

  • Spicy deviled eggs

  • Sweet cornbread or jalapeño cheddar biscuits

Light Meals

  • Serve in lettuce cups for a fresh twist

  • Wrap it in tortillas for a cold pasta taco!

📦 Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Make Ahead

Make the salad up to 1 day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Reviving Salad

Add a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of sour cream before serving to freshen it up if it sits for a day or two.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Small shells, rotini, or bowtie pasta all work great.

Is it spicy?
It can be! Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeños and chili powder.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—just use dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternatives.

Should I serve it cold or room temp?
It’s best served chilled, but it’s still delicious at room temperature for picnics and potlucks.

🌶️ Final Thoughts

Mexican Macaroni Salad is the perfect mashup of creamy comfort and bold flavor. Whether you’re serving it at your next barbecue or packing it for lunch, it delivers fresh ingredients, a spicy-tangy kick, and irresistible texture in every bite. It’s a side dish that steals the show—and might just become your new favorite pasta salad.