Southwestern Macaroni Salad

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8
Best Season: Summer, Spring
Description

This Southwestern Macaroni Salad brings a little extra personality to a familiar picnic favorite. Macaroni is tossed with sweet corn, colorful red and green bell peppers, and fresh Roma tomatoes, creating a satisfying combination of tender pasta and crisp vegetables in every bite. 

The creamy dressing gets its Southwestern flair from fire-roasted chipotle salsa, fresh lime juice, and chili powder, adding smoky flavor and a subtle kick of heat. Chill it for an hour or two to let everything mingle, then serve it at cookouts, potlucks, picnics, or alongside your favorite summertime dishes.

Ingredients
  • 1 pound macaroni pasta (use GF for a gluten free salad)
  • 3 cups frozen corn
  • 1 large red bell pepper (cored, seeds removed, and diced small)
  • 1 large green pepper (cored, seeds removed, and diced small)
  • 3 roma tomatoes (seeds removed, small dice)
  • 3/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 16 ounces fire-roasted Mexican chipotle salsa (or other choice of salsa)
  • juice of lime
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper (each)
Instructions
  1. 1

    Cook pasta according to package directions. When the pasta is done, strain it and add it to a large bowl along with the corn, bell pepper, and tomato.

  2. 2

    In a medium-sized bowl, add the vegan mayo, chipotle salsa, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper, and whisk to combine. 

  3. 3
    White bowl with Southwestern macaroni salad on a red table cloth.

    Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and stir until evenly combined. Chill before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size 2 cups (approximately)

Amount Per Serving
Calories 426kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16.9g26%
Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
Sodium 605mg26%
Potassium 520mg15%
Total Carbohydrate 59.1g20%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 9.6g
Protein 10.3g21%
Vitamin A 70 mcg
Vitamin C 55 mg
Calcium 40 mg
Iron 3 mg
Vitamin E 2.5 mg
Vitamin K 25 mcg
Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
Folate 150 mcg
Magnesium 55 mg
Zinc 1.5 mg
Selenium 25 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Southwestern Macaroni Salad, Southwest Macaroni Salad, Vegan Macaroni Salad, Southwestern Pasta Salad
Read it online: https://sproutfulkitchen.com/recipe/southwestern-macaroni-salad/