Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe
Quick Answer
Cook 1 lb elbow macaroni, cool. Mix ¾ cup mayo, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo, 1 tsp cumin. Toss with pasta, 1 cup corn, 1 can black beans (drained), ½ cup diced red onion, 1 diced jalapeño, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup cilantro. Chill 1 hr. Serves 8.
By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 15, 2026
This Mexican macaroni salad is a fiesta in a bowl — tender elbow macaroni tossed with corn, black beans, jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro in a creamy chipotle-lime dressing. It is the perfect potluck side dish that serves a crowd and tastes even better the next day.
The chipotle-lime dressing is what sets this apart from ordinary pasta salads — smoky, tangy, and just spicy enough.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Cook macaroni according to package. Drain, rinse with cold water, and cool completely.
- 2
Whisk mayo, lime juice, minced chipotle, and cumin together. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with corn, black beans, red onion, jalapeño, and cherry tomatoes.
- 4
Pour the chipotle-lime dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- 5
Fold in fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 6
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Stir and add a splash of lime juice before serving if needed.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is this?
Mild to moderate — one chipotle pepper and one seeded jalapeño. For more heat, leave jalapeño seeds in or add more chipotle.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes — it tastes better after chilling overnight. Add a splash of lime juice before serving as the pasta absorbs dressing.
What if I can't find chipotle in adobo?
Substitute 1 tsp smoked paprika + ½ tsp cayenne + 1 tbsp tomato paste for a similar smoky-spicy flavor.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review this recipe!
