Mexican Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad, a beloved staple in American cuisine, has its roots in Italian pasta dishes. Over time, it evolved into a cold salad dish that gained immense popularity, especially during the summer months. While the traditional version often features mayonnaise, celery, and onions, the Mexican Macaroni Salad introduces a refreshing twist inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Pasta salad recipes are a must-have during the Summertime! Mexican Macaroni Salad from Ree Drummond is going to be your next favorite pasta salad. This salad is packed full of black beans, tomatoes, corn, salsa, and cumin.  Add in some chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal! 

Please note, that I am not Ree Drummond, just a fan who really likes her recipes. 

Jump to:

• What Ingredients do I need? 
• How to make Mexican Macaroni Salad 
• Tips for Customization
• Other Recipes to Try 
• Mexican Macaroni Salad

What Ingredients do I need? 

• Elbow Macaroni  - The base of the salad is typically elbow macaroni, but you can also use other pasta shapes like rotini or shells for a different texture.
• Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, red onions, and corn kernels add a sweet and crunchy element to the salad. Black beans for a protein boost and fiber.
• Cheese: Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese provides a creamy and slightly salty flavor that complements the other ingredients. (optional and not included in recipe)
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper infuse the salad with a zesty kick.
• Dressing: A blend of mayonnaise, salsa, and a touch of sour cream creates a creamy dressing that ties all the flavors together.

How to make Mexican Macaroni Salad 

See and print the  full recipe below.

For the salad: Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.

Heat an indoor grill and brush with oil. Cook the ears of corn, turning, until browned and cooked through. Cut the kernels off the cobs.

Put the corn in a big bowl with the black beans, olives, tomatoes, green onions and red onions and toss to combine.

For the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the salsa, sour cream, mayonnaise, cumin and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the salad ingredients and fold together until everything is coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Serve chilled.

Serving size: ½ to ¾ cup(not the oil you used for brushing the raw shrimp). Garnish with oregano, and serve with more of the reserved oil

Serving size ½ cup 

Tips for Customization

One of the joys of making Mexican Macaroni Salad is its versatility. Here are some ways you can tailor it to your taste preferences:

• Add Protein: For a heartier salad, include grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced avocado.
• Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to add more or less chili powder depending on your spice tolerance. A dash of hot sauce can also give it an extra kick.
• Experiment with Ingredients: Swap out or add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, or olives to suit your personal preferences.

Other Recipes to Try 

• Baked Feta Pasta 
• Stuffed Italian Sausage
• Baked Oats with Peanut Butter 
• Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sandwiches 
• Lighter Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce 

If you’ve tried these Mexican Macaroni Salad  recipe or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out. Snap a picture and upload it to share on Pinterest