Description
Mexican Macaroni Salad is a vibrant and creamy dish that brings together the crunch of fresh vegetables and zesty lime, perfect for summer gatherings or any casual meal. This delightful salad features al dente elbow macaroni tossed with colorful bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing that makes every bite a flavor fiesta. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners. Let’s dive into making this irresistible dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Jalapeños (optional), sliced
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- While the pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooled macaroni and chopped veggies to the dressing. Gently fold until everything is well coated.
- If desired, mix in sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg