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Mexican Macaroni Salad

A delightful twist on the classic macaroni salad, featuring a vibrant mix of black beans, corn, bell pepper, and creamy avocado with zesty lime.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups macaroni pasta Cooked al dente
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed Canned or cooked from dried beans
  • 1 cup corn, canned or frozen Defrost before using if frozen
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Adds sweetness and color
  • 1 1/2 red onion, diced Adjust amount to taste
  • 1 1/2 red bell pepper, diced For extra crunch
Dressing and Seasonings
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice Fresh is best
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder Add more for extra heat
  • Salt to taste salt Adjust according to preference
  • Pepper to taste pepper Freshly ground recommended
Toppings
  • 1 each avocado, diced Add before serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish and flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While the pasta cools, chop the red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. If using fresh corn, you can quickly blanch it in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes.
Mixing
  1. In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently but thoroughly.
Final Touches
  1. Lastly, add the diced avocado and freshly chopped cilantro. Carefully fold in the avocado to avoid mashing it.
  2. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  3. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider topping with crumbled tortilla chips or sliced jalapeƱos. Make the salad a day ahead for enhanced flavors.