Ensalada de Coditos + VIDEO

Ensalada de Coditos is a creamy Mexican macaroni salad that’s often served at parties, cookouts, and family gatherings.

It’s cold, refreshing, and packed with simple ingredients that come together perfectly. The combination of pasta, vegetables, ham, and creamy dressing makes this dish both comforting and satisfying.

Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead, which makes it perfect for busy days and celebrations.

Look for it next to Frijoles de la Olla, Arroz Blanco, Papas con Rajas.

🍴 Ingredients

• Ham steak
• Elbow macaroni
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Yellow mustard
• Salt
• Peas and carrots
• Corn

➕ Addition Ideas

• Slices of raw jalapeño
• Cebolla en Escabeche
• Diced Red Bell Peppers
• Diced Yellow Peppers
• Diced Green Peppers
• Diced Celery
• Diced Red Onion
• Diced Roasted Poblano Peppers
• Slices of Serrano Pepper
• Dill pickles

• In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and salt.
• Stir until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the dressing if you are not assembling the salad right away.
• Taste for salt and adjust as needed.
• Some people add some the brine of Pickled Jalapeños to the sauce for a spicier flavor.

This is the perfect side dish! Make it ahead of time and serve at a party or barbacoas. However, remember that it’s important to keep the elbow pasta salad cold because of the mayo.

• Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until tender in salted water.
• Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Set the macaroni aside and allow it to cool completely.

Ensalada de Coditos literally translated means “Elbow Macaroni Salad.” It’s the same pasta used in Sopa de Coditos.

Drain and rinse in cold water. Then, add a little olive oil so it won’t stick together.

Talk about a great way to use leftover ham from Easter or Christmas dinner! In a pinch, you can use deli ham to make this macaroni salad recipe.

Or, look for the thick cut of ham in the meat section. Often referred to as a “ham steak.” Then, cut into small cubes.

🥣 Variations

With Chicken:

• Swap out the ham for cooked, diced chicken.
• Continue with the recipe as normal.

Using Tuna:

• Drain the tuna can and swap it out for the ham.
• Add the juice of half a lemon to the dressing.
• Continue with the recipe as normal.

With Crab:

• Here’s another creative twist to this recipe: swap out the ham for crab meat.
• Add the lemon juice to the dressing and continue with the recipe.

• In a large bowl, add the cooled macaroni, peas and carrots, corn, and cubed ham.
• Pour the dressing over the top. Mix everything together until well coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
• Serve the cold pasta salad chilled with saltine crackers if desired.

Ensalada de Coditos is creamy, flavorful, and always a crowd favorite at gatherings. It’s a simple recipe that comes together with everyday ingredients but delivers big comfort in every bite. Once you make it, you’ll see why this classic Mexican pasta salad is loved by so many families.

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