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    Home » Recipes » Salads » Macaroni Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Coditos)

    Macaroni Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Coditos)

    Last Updated: Jan 7, 2021

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest graphic. Macaroni Salad with text.
    Pinterest graphic. Macaroni Salad with text.
    Pinterest graphic. Macaroni Salad with text.

    This delicious ham and macaroni salad recipe is a wonderful addition to any holiday table and can be enjoyed all year round. Easy to make with a few simple ingredients, ensalada de coditos will be a hit with everyone who tries it!

    Pasta salad with peas and ham served in a white bowl.

    Ensalada de coditos is always a staple side dish for our family gatherings. Wonderfully creamy, it's so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

    Cooked macaroni is mixed with red onion, peas, bell pepper and ham and finished with a zesty, tangy and creamy dressing. Every mouthful is bursting with flavor and it takes just minutes to make.

    For more pasta salad recipes, be sure to check out my Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Smoked Sausage and Tuna and Penne Pasta Salad.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients to make the recipe in bowls.

    For the salad

    • Elbow Noodles
    • Peas
    • Red Onion
    • Red Bell Pepper
    • Diced Ham

    For the dressing

    • Mayonaisse
    • Apple Cider Vinegar
    • Paprika
    • Salt and Pepper

    How to make Macaroni Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Coditos)

    Four step by step photos to show how to make the macaroni salad.
    • Prepare elbow macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain well, and let cool.
    • In a small bowl combine mayo, vinegar, paprika, salt and pepper. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl, combine elbow noodles, peas, onion, bell pepper and ham. Mix in the dressing and stir until well combined.
    • Serve and enjoy!
    Overhead shot of macaroni served in a large bowl next to a serving spoon.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you make it ahead of time?

    Macaroni Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Coditos) is the perfect make-ahead side dish, and in fact, it tastes better if you make it a day before to really let the flavors develop. Once you have made the macaroni salad, cover it and keep it in the fridge. It will keep well for 4 or 5 days.

    What's the best pasta to use?

    I (obviously!) used macaroni to make this pasta salad. You can, if you like, make this recipe with most short pastas you have to hand. Bow tie or penne will both work well in this recipe.

    You can also add in other veggies if you like. Mushrooms, carrots or other colored bell peppers all work well.

    What do you serve it with?

    This ham macaroni pasta salad is a great recipe to serve all year round. It's great to serve with your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, or serve it up as a summer side dish at a cookout. Try it with:

    Oven Roasted Turkey With Mojo
    Cuban Style Roasted Pork Shoulder
    Grilled Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers
    Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Picadillo and Cilantro Lime Sauce

    Ham macaroni pasta salad served in a white bowl.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Cook the pasta al-dente. If you over cook it the salad will be soft and mushy.
    • Let the pasta cool completely. If you add the mayonnaise while the pasta is still warm, it can become runny.
    • For best results, let the ensalada de coditos sit for at least 2 hours before you serve it.

    More Salad Recipes

    • Caprese Salad (Insalata Caprese)
    • Mexican Grilled Corn Salad (Esquites)
    • Cuban Style Quinoa Salad with Mango Avocado Salsa
    • Tuna Black Bean Chipotle Salad with Cilantro Avocado Dressing
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    Macaroni Salad (Ensalada de Coditos)

    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 343kcal
    Print Recipe
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Vanessa
    5 from 1 vote
    Pasta salad with peas and ham served in a white bowl.
    This delicious ham and macaroni salad recipe is a wonderful addition to any holiday table and can be enjoyed all year round. Easy to make with a few simple ingredients, ensalada de coditos will be a hit with everyone who tries it!

    INGREDIENTS

    For the salad

    • 8 ounces Elbow Noodles
    • ½ cup frozen peas thawed out
    • ½ cup red onion chopped
    • ½ cup red bell pepper chopped
    • ½ pound cooked ham diced

    For the dressing

    • ½ cup mayonaise
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Prepare elbow macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain well, and let cool.
    • In a small bowl combine Mayonesa, vinegar, paprika, salt and pepper. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl, combine elbow noodles, peas, onion, bell pepper and ham. Mix in the dressing and stir until well combined.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    NOTES

    • Cook the pasta al-dente. If you over cook it the salad will be soft and mushy.
    • Let the pasta cool completely. If you add the mayonnaise while the pasta is still warm, it can become runny.
    • For best results, let the pasta sit for at least 2 hours before you serve it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 343kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 564mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 534IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

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    I’m a working mom, whose love for food led me to start this blog as a resource for other busy parents. I’m passionate about creating quick and easy versions of the recipes I grew up eating to share with busy parents who want to cook foods filled with Latin flavors that don’t take a ton of time to prepare.

    It is my mission to show you that you can make great flavorful dishes at home without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

    Find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

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    HOLA & WELCOME

    hi im vanessa

    I grew up learning to cook traditional Dominican food, and I believe in the power of a good meal to bring a family together.

    As a busy mom, my goal is to show you that time or culinary skills don’t have to stand in the way of cooking delicious meals at home for your family.

    I’ll help you bring these craveable and comforting flavors into your busy life!

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