Mexican Macaroni Salad

So just yet another example of the craziness at my Asylum:

My son LOVES to talk.  He is 10 and I can see that the world is starting to shift for him.  It is opening up to new things (the flute) and he is becoming a young man.  I CAN wait to see what he makes of himself because I want to enjoy these moments NOW!

Onto the recipe!

I was trying to find a salad to make that would use up a lot of the veggies in the fridge.  So guess how surprised I was when Ree Drummond put this recipe up on her Facebook page that same day!  This recipe was so very good!  I even had plenty to feed the neighbors! 

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Ree Drummond

FOR THE SALAD:

1 pound Elbow Macaroni, Cooked To Package Instructions, Drained, And Rinsed With Cold Water

2 ears Fresh Corn, Husks And Silks Removed (I used 4 small ears)

1 can (15 Oz. Size) Black Beans (or Kidney Beans), Drained And Rinsed

½ cups Chopped Black Olives

6 whole Roma Tomatoes (or 2 Large Tomatoes), Chopped

3 whole Green Onions, Sliced Thin

½ whole Red Onions, Finely Diced

Chopped Cilantro (optional)

FOR THE DRESSING:

1 cup Jarred Salsa (spicy Is Best!)

1 cup Sour Cream (I used softened cream cheese)

¼ cups Mayonnaise

1 clove Garlic, Minced Or Pressed

½ teaspoons Cumin

Salt And Pepper, to taste

2  Limes, Juiced (optional)  (It says optional, but it made it taste so much better)

Grill the corn on a grill pan, or just place it in a hot skillet to brown some of the kernels. Remove from pan, allow to cool slightly, then use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.
Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl and stir until combined.
Place the macaroni, corn, beans, olives, tomatoes, green onions, red onion, and cilantro (if using) in a large bowl. Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the top and gently toss until all the ingredients are coated. Add the final 1/4 of the dressing if you think it needs it. Cover and allow salad to chill for 2 hours.
Garnish with cilantro, lime wedge, and any other extra ingredients you have!

We hope you have an amazing day and thanks for coming on our crazy adventure!