• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Everyday Latina
  • Recipes
  • Authentic Mexican Recipes
  • Mi Casa
    • Kid-Friendly Tips
    • Natural Home Remedies
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Authentic Mexican Recipes
  • Mi Casa
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Ensalada de Coditos (Mexican Macaroni Salad)

    Published: Jun 24, 2023 by Gemma · This post may contain affiliate links.

    This Ensalada de Coditos is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Made with a mix of smoky ham, roasted red bell peppers, crunchy celery, and a tangy mayo-mustard dressing, this Mexican macaroni salad is loaded with flavor. Plus, easily make it gluten-free for everyone to enjoy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Ensalada de Coditos in a brown bowl with a red bell pepper and stalk of celery beside it.

    Just like Ensalada de Pollo or Salpicón, Mexican macaroni salad often graces the tables of many birthday parties and other gatherings.

    Although this popular side dish is loved by many, I was never really a fan, that is until recently.

    Not too long ago I was on the phone with my tia Olga, my mom's older sister, and she enlightened me with my grandmother's version of this side dish. She explained that my abuelita Maria's recipe differed a bit from the typical macaroni salads by incorportating roasted bell peppers, ham, celery, and other tasty ingredients.

    I was so intrigued by this version that I had to give it a try. With my first bite I fell in love with the combination of flavors and textures and I know you will love it too!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • The Ingredients
    • How to Make Mexican Macaroni Salad
    • Tips and Variations
    • FAQ
    • Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Easy to Make: This recipe uses minimal ingredients and is ready in about 15 minutes.
    • Flavorful: The savory, smoky flavor of the ham is complemented beautifully by the sweetness of the roasted bell peppers and the tanginess of the mayo-mustard dressing.
    • Varied Textures: The contrast in textures, from the softness of the pasta and ham, to the crunch of the celery, and the creaminess of the dressing, make this salad even more enjoyable.
    • Great for Parties: It is very common to find Mexican pasta salad served at parties and gatherings such as picnics and barbecues. You can easily double or triple the recipe and it is a great complement to so many dishes.
    • Gluten-Free: Easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta

    The Ingredients

    Bowls with sour cream, diced ham, chopped celery, macaroni noodles, roasted bell pepper, mayo, and mustard.
    • Macaroni Noodles: Macaroni noodles are the base of the salad, providing a soft and chewy texture. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free macaroni made from alternative flours like rice, corn, or quinoa.
    • Ham: Use deli ham such as black-forest or smoked ham. Look for gluten-free ham options that are free from any additives or fillers that may contain gluten.
    • Roasted Red Pepper: Roasted red bell peppers add a sweet and slightly charred flavor that takes this salad to a whole new level of deliciousness. You can roast them yourself or use pre-roasted red bell peppers.
    • Celery: The freshness and crunch of the celery adds a great contrast in texture.
    • Mayo, Sour Cream, Mustard: Combine these ingredients to create a creamy and tangy dressing that brings all the other flavors together.
    • Salt and Pepper

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Substitutions

    Replace the ham with shredded chicken.

    Used turkey ham or even leftover cooked ham instead of regular deli ham.

    Substitute spicy brown mustard for the regular mustard in the dressing to add more of a zing.

    Greek yogurt can be a suitable replacement for either the sour cream or the mayo in case you prefer to not use one of those.

    How to Make Mexican Macaroni Salad

    Boiling macaroni noodles
    Draining macaroni noodles in a sieve
    Bowl with ingredients for coditos salad.

    1. Prep Noodles

    • Boil the noodles following the package directions until al dente. For gluten-free noodles, I've noticed it is better to start checking the noodles one to two minutes before the package says because they can get soft and soggy pretty quickly.
    • Drain and rinse with cold water.
    • Set aside to cool.

    2. Add Ingredients

    • Once cool, place the noodles in a mixing bowl.
    • Add the ham, roasted peppers, and celery.
    Adding dressing to Mexican pasta salad
    Mixing Mexican-style macaroni salad.

    3. Make Dressing

    • Combine sour cream, mayo and mustard.
    • Mix until well combined.

    4. Add Dressing

    • Pour dressing over the ingredients.
    • Mix thoroughly.
    • Season with salt and pepper.

    How to Serve

    Serve the salad right away or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow all of the flavors to meld together.

    Serve it cold as a side dish or as a light lunch with a side of saltine crackers.

    What to Serve with this Coditos Salad

    Serve this Mexican-style macaroni salad as a side dish for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and parties. Serve alongside:

    • Grilled meats such as Chuck Roast Carne Asada
    • Pan Seared Cilantro Lime Chicken
    • Hamburgers
    • Hot dogs
    • Fried chicken

    How to Store

    Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or, better yet, place in an air-tight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

    Tips and Variations

    • Pickled Jalapeños: Add chopped pickled jalapeños and a few tablespoons of the juice for a zesty, spicy variation.
    • Mixed Vegetables: Other versions use peas and carrots, corn, or mixed frozen vegetables instead of the roasted bell peppers and celery.
    • Add More Dressing: The pasta may absorb some of the dressing, especially if stored for a couple of days, so you may want to add a bit more dressing if this happens.
    • Don't overcook the pasta, especially if using gluten-free noodles, as they will fall apart when mixed. Make sure the noodles are perfectly al dente to ensure they keep their shape.

    FAQ

    Can you freeze macaroni salad?

    It is not recommended to freeze macaroni salad due to the nature of its ingredients. Freezing can make the vegetables mushy and cause the dressing to separate and lose its creamy consistency.

    Can this be made dairy-free?

    Yes, make this pasta salad dairy-free by replacing the sour cream with dairy-free sour cream.

    Can this be made vegan?

    Yes, make this macaroni salad vegan by leaving out the ham (or use vegan ham) and using a vegan mayo and sour cream.

    Can I make ensalada de coditos con jamón in advance?

    Yes, make this salad up to 3 days in advance.

    I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.

    Ensalada de Coditos in a brown bowl with a red bell pepper and stalk of celery beside it.

    Recipe

    Ensalada de Coditos in a brown bowl with a red bell pepper and stalk of celery beside it.

    Ensalada de Coditos (Mexican Macaroni Salad)

    by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
    This Ensalada de Coditos is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Made with a mix of smoky ham, roasted red bell peppers, crunchy celery, and a tangy mayo-mustard dressing, this Mexican macaroni salad is loaded with flavor. Plus, easily make it gluten-free for everyone to enjoy.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8
    Calories 252 kcal

    Equipment

    • Strainer or colander
    • Mixing bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 oz macaroni noodles
    • 1 roasted red bell pepper
    • 2 stalks of celery,
    • 2 cups diced ham
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • ½ cup mayo
    • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Boil the noodles following the package directions until al dente, being sure not to overcook.
    • Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to cool.
    • Once cool, place the noodles in a mixing bowl.
    • Add the ham, roasted peppers, and celery.
    • In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream, mayo and mustard.
    • Pour the dressing over the ingredients.
    • Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is coated with the dressing.
    • Season with salt and pepper.

    Notes

    • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free macaroni made from alternative flours like rice, corn, or quinoa.
    • Don't overcook the pasta, especially if using gluten-free noodles, as they will fall apart when mixed. Make sure the noodles are perfectly al dente to ensure they keep their shape.
    • You can also substitute the ham with shredded chicken.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 servingCalories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 27.1gProtein: 10gFat: 11.3gSaturated Fat: 3.7gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 591mgPotassium: 197mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 1.9gCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe?Leave me a comment and star rating below or mention @everydaylatina on Instagram!

    More Sides

    • Frijoles Refritos (Mexican Refried Beans)
    • Brown bowl with Mexican white rice with corn
      Mexican White Rice with Corn
    • Mango Pico de Gallo
    • Bowl of 4-ingredient guacamole surrounded by tortilla chips and vegetables
      4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe with Roasted Vegetables

    About Gemma

    Gemma is the recipe developer, writer and food photographer behind Everyday Latina. Gemma was born in Mexico, but has spent the majority of her life in the United States. She has been sharing recipes since 2018 with an emphasis on her parents' traditional Mexican cuisine and a focus on clean, healthy ingredients. Her goal is to build a community of people who appreciate family, food and culture and, who like her, want to live a healthy, happy everyday life.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jackie

      July 10, 2023 at 2:18 pm

      I hate the version with peas so I had to try this one. I am so happy I found it. Thank you for another delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • Gemma

        July 10, 2023 at 2:18 pm

        Hi Jackie, oh I am so glad. Thank you for trying it.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Gemma! I am originally from Mexico and the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Everyday Latina. Here you will find traditional Mexican cuisine and a focus on clean, healthy ingredients. 

    More About Me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Two gluten-free empanadas de sardina on a plate with cilantro and jalapeño slices beside them.
      Gluten-Free Empanadas de Sardina
    • Plate with refried beans, toast and huevos con jamon
      Huevos con Jamon (Scrambled Eggs with Ham)
    • Guajillo enchilada sauce in a saucepan
      Guajillo Enchilada Sauce
    • Three tacos dorados de pollo on a brown Mexican plate topped with garnishes
      Tacos Dorados de Pollo (Crispy Chicken Tacos)

    Summer Recipes

    • Shrimp Ceviche in a brown bowl with a lime.
      Mexican Shrimp Ceviche
    • Three clear glasses of Agua De Sandia with water slices besides them.
      Agua De Sandia
    • Grilled Rajas con Papas #grilledrajasconpapas #rajasconpapas #papasconrajas #mexicanfood
      Grilled Rajas con Papas
    • Spicy pineapple-jalapeño salsa #pineapplesalsa
      Spicy Pineapple-Jalapeño Salsa

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • TikTok

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Everyday Latina