One - Two - Three - Mexican Macaroni Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• Elbow macaroni, 1 pound
• Frozen corn, 1 cup
• Black beans (canned), rinsed and drained, 1 cup
• Red bell pepper (diced), 1 cup
• White onion (diced), 1/2 cup
• Cilantro (chopped), 1/4 cup
• Jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced), 1 piece (optional)

Dressing:

• Mayonnaise, 1 cup
• Sour cream, 1/2 cup
• Lime juice, 1/4 cup
• Taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10 minutes

Difficulty Level:

1 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, corn, black beans, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir to combine.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 cup):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and tangy
• Colorful and visually appealing
• Packed with vegetables and protein
• Easily customizable to suit different tastes

User Comments:

• "This is the best macaroni salad I've ever had! It's so flavorful and refreshing."
• "I love the addition of the black beans and corn. It gives it a nice Southwestern flair."
• "The dressing is perfect! It's not too heavy or overpowering."
• "I made this for a potluck and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it!"
• "This is my go-to recipe for summer cookouts. It's always a crowd-pleaser."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't like spicy food, you can omit the jalapeño pepper.
• To make the salad ahead of time, prepare the macaroni salad and dressing separately. Refrigerate each component for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, combine the macaroni and dressing and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
• If you don't have all of the vegetables listed, feel free to use whatever you have on hand. This salad is very versatile and can be customized to your liking.