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Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad: Easy & Delicious Recipe

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This Mexican Macaroni Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on a classic dish, perfect for any potluck or BBQ. Bursting with zesty ingredients and creamy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more!

Ingredients

  • Elbow Macaroni
  • Ground Beef
  • Black Beans
  • Sweet Corn
  • Bell Peppers (red and green)
  • Red Onion
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
  • Lime Juice
  • Chili Powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Jalapeño (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well.
  2. Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice the red onion and bell peppers. If using jalapeño, deseed and finely mince it. Wash and roughly chop the cilantro. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn.
  4. Whip Up the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), and fresh lime juice. Add spices: chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Everything: Once the pasta and ground beef are cooled, add them to the bowl with the dressing along with black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro. Gently fold and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, ideally 3-4 hours or overnight. Before serving, give it a final gentle toss and garnish with extra cilantro or crumbled Cotija cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Don't overcook the pasta; aim for al dente. Chill the salad for maximum flavor development, and feel free to customize with additional ingredients like avocado or cheese. Always serve cold and keep refrigerated.

Find it online: https://crumella.com/zesty-mexican-macaroni-salad-easy-delicious-recipe/