Corn and Black Bean Macaroni Salad Tex Mex
Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors, this Corn and Black Bean Macaroni Salad Tex-Mex is the ultimate potluck or picnic dish that’s sure to impress! Tender elbow macaroni is tossed with hearty black beans, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp red bell pepper, all tied together with a zesty lime-cumin vinaigrette that adds just the right amount of kick. Fresh cilantro and green onions provide a fragrant, herbaceous touch, while optional shredded cheddar cheese lends a creamy richness. Perfect as a chilled side dish or a light main course, this recipe is quick to prepare in under 30 minutes and loaded with wholesome ingredients. It’s a refreshing, Tex-Mex-inspired twist on traditional pasta salad that’s sure to be a crowd favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow macaroni
- 15 oz Canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1.5 cups Frozen corn (thawed) or fresh corn
- 1 Red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3 Green onions (sliced)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded, optional)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water to cool it quickly. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the vegetables and beans. Pour the dressing over the top and toss well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
If using, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese for additional flavor and creaminess.
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice, if needed.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled as a side dish or light main course. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2456 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.1 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.5 g | 158% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 2810 mg | 122% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 325.8 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 48.2 g | 172% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.6 g | ||
| Protein | 99.8 g | 200% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1072 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 21.7 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 2847 mg | 61% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
