Imagine a summer day where every bite transports you to a vibrant southwestern fiesta – that's exactly what this Southwest Macaroni Salad promises! Packed with zesty ranch dressing, colorful vegetables, and a perfect blend of textures, this dish is not just a side salad, but a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn, canned or frozen
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and chop the fresh cilantro.
- Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, corn, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for enhanced taste.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or light lunch. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Cook your pasta al dente: Overcooking can make the macaroni mushy, so watch it carefully and test for the perfect texture.
- Use cold water to rinse: This stops the cooking process and helps prevent the pasta from becoming sticky.
- Let it marinate: Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Use fresh cilantro and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor profile.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to add grilled chicken, jalapeños, or swap ranch for a spicy chipotle dressing for extra kick.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
