The Mexican-Inspired Salads That Make the Perfect Dinner

Mexican-inspired salads have the flavors I use most often in my kitchen, from cilantro to tajin and a hint of cumin. A light cucumber salad brings freshness, while a cilantro lime pasta salad is creamy with herbs and lime.

I love to pair these salads with tacos, rice dishes, or chicken dishes.

The Salads That Stand Out

What I like about these salads is how each one brings something different to the table. Some are tangy with citrus and tajin, others are creamy with pasta and avocado, and a few have the salty bite of queso fresco.

1

Tajin Creamy Cucumber Salad with Queso Fresco

Tajin creamy cucumber salad with queso fresco is a quick, no-cook recipe made with sour cream, lime, and queso fresco. A great warm-weather side.

Check out this recipe

2

Pickle Pico De Gallo Pasta Salad

Pickle pico de gallo pasta salad is made with macaroni, a creamy dressing, and crunchy pickles. Serve it fresh with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.

Check out this recipe

3

Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

This creamy cilantro lime pasta salad comes together with fusilli pasta, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and sweet corn, all mixed with a tangy cilantro lime dressing.

Check out this recipe

4

The Best Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad

This Mexican street corn potato salad is made with roasted corn, golden potatoes, mayo, lime, scallions, and crumbled cotija — great for cookouts or weekday meals.

Check out this recipe

5

20-Minute Simple Black Bean Pasta Salad

A simple and quick black bean pasta salad packed with fresh ingredients like fusilli, arugula, sweet corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and a yogurt lime dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s great as a meal or side dish!

Check out this recipe

6

20-Minute Shrimp Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Light, tart, shrimp cilantro lime pasta salad with finely diced onion and minced garlic. It's the perfect pasta salad year-round.

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7

20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad

Sweet corn elote is delicious. Adding it to a bowl of pasta creates a magical combination. Mexican street corn is salty, tangy, and creamy, making it absolutely delicious!

Check out this recipe

8

Quick Corn Tuna Salad (20-minutes)

Delicious corn tuna salad with green onions, cherry peppers, and fresh lemon juice.

Check out this recipe

9

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

Made with flaky tuna, fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, and a creamy dressing, this tuna pasta salad is a delicious and simple dish for BBQs, potlucks, or casual family meals.

Check out this recipe