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Mexican macaroni salad with ham in a bowl with some lime wedges.

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Course: Salad/Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican/Tex-Mex
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 601kcal
Author: Nikole Berg
Mexican Macaroni Salad recipe is the perfect summer side dish!
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Ingredients

Chili Lime Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • zest from one lime
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paparka
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce optional

For the salad:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni large; or other short pasta shape
  • 6 oz deli ham sliced thin or diced
  • 15 oz sweet corn canned, fresh, or frozen (thawed)
  • 1 cup English cucumber sliced and quartered
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved roma, vine ripened
  • 1 red bell pepper diced small
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 jalapeño pepper diced small; optional

Instructions

  • Prepare chile lime dressing by combining the dressing ingredients in a bowl and mixing well. Set aside in the refrigerator.
  • Cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions to "tender", about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander to dry (don't rinse).
  • Add pasta to a large bowl. Then add sliced ham, corn, sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red bell peppers, shredded carrots, shredded cheese, and chopped jalapeño.
  • Mix the salad ingredients together then pour dressing over salad and gently mix again to combine well.
  • Top with some torn cilantro leaves and a lime wedge. I also like to sprinkle some smoked paprika over the top.
  • You can serve right away or refrigerate until needed. I recommend letting the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Cook pasta completely rather than to al dente.
  • Slightly undercooked pasta will absorb the dressing and may dry out the salad. You can make extra dressing if this happens, or toss with some olive oil right before serving.
  • Store covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve or for best results use an airtight container. Best served within 24 hours, but will keep for up to 3 days. Freezing isn't recommended.

Nutrition

Calories: 601kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 622mg | Potassium: 577mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 4135IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 2mg