Go Back
–+ servings
Fiesta-Ready Mexican Macaroni Salad

Fiesta-Ready Mexican Macaroni Salad

Tanya Rivers
This Fiesta-Ready Mexican Macaroni Salad is a creamy, zesty, and flavor-packed side dish that will brighten any table. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prepping, it combines tender macaroni, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Mexican-inspired dressing. With its mix of crunchy, creamy textures and a hint of spice, it’s one of the best easy dinner ideas, quick lunch options, and food ideas for potlucks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 people
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 0.5 cup queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool completely.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  • Dice the tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and avocado. Chop the fresh cilantro finely.
  • Toss the cooled macaroni in the dressing, folding in the chopped vegetables and cilantro until well combined.
  • Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or cotija over the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra protein, add grilled chicken or black beans. Toss avocado in lime juice before adding to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 320mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 6mg
Keyword easy dinner, macaroni salad, Mexican salad, quick lunch
Save This Recipe On Pinterest For LaterClick the Pinterest Button Below and Save It.