Mexican Inspired No Mayo Macaroni and Cheese Salad
Transform your potluck game with this vibrant Mexican-Inspired No Mayo Macaroni and Cheese Salad, a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad. Packed with bold flavors and colorful ingredients, this recipe swaps the traditional mayo for a zesty lime and olive oil dressing infused with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for a Southwestern kick. Tender elbow macaroni pairs perfectly with creamy avocado, sharp cheddar cheese, black beans, sweet corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes, while fresh cilantro ties it all together. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a side for taco night. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a healthy, mayo-free take on comfort food that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 lime, juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the macaroni with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Gently fold in the diced avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2150 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.5 g | 119% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.5 g | 158% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 2737 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 273.9 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.5 g | 134% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.0 g | ||
| Protein | 81.2 g | 162% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 991 mg | 76% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 2780 mg | 59% | |
*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.
