Ensalada de coditos

Ensalada de coditos, a beloved classic in many Mexican households, is a versatile and refreshing pasta salad that delights both young and old alike. This easy-to-make dish combines tender elbow macaroni with Mexican crema, ham, and cheese to create a refreshing and perfect side dish.

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Ensalada de Coditos is a classic Mexican pasta salad that is often served as a side dish at family gatherings. Also known as sopa fria (cold soup), it is most often served alongside ensalada de pollo, as the two complement each other well. In my hometown, this dish and Chicken Salad are favorites on children's menus and at birthday parties.  

In other states, like Sinaloa, it is served with a Beef Barbacoa stew or Asado de Puerco.

In This Post

• Mexican Macaroni Salad
• How To Make Ensalada de Coditos
• Notes, Tips, and Substitutions
• What To Serve With Ensalada de Coditos
• More Mexican Recipes To Enjoy
• Frequently Asked Questions About Ensalada de Coditos
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

As you can see, this macaroni salad is versatile and perfect for any meal. It is also easy to make in advance and can be enhanced with more ingredients.  Whether you're preparing it for a family gathering, a summer cookout, or a festive celebration, this Ensalada de Coditos recipe will be a hit with everyone. 

How To Make Ensalada de Coditos

Here is the list of ingredients you will need.

• Elbow macaroni 
• American or cheddar cheese cut into squares or cubes.
• Cooked ham, cut into small cubes.
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnishing.

Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Instructions: 

• Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, drain it, raise it in cold water, and set it to cool. 

• Place the cheese and ham in a large bowl, then stir in the cooled macaroni (make sure the macaroni is cool; otherwise, its heat will cause the cheese to melt)

• Mix the Mexican crema with the mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper in a smaller bowl.

• Gently fold this mixture into the bowl with the elbow pasta, ham, and cheese, and thoroughly coat all the ingredients. Refrigerate until chilled, about 4 hours.

• To serve, garnish the macaroni salad with the parsley.

Notes, Tips, and Substitutions

• Diced celery, corn kernels, peas, red onion, diced red bell pepper, and other vegetables can be added to this cold pasta salad. If you use them, add them with the cheese and ham in step 2. 
• If you add vegetables, make sure they are diced or chopped into small, bite-sized pieces.
• If you do not have too much time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
• Leftovers of this delicious salad can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. 
• Another option instead of the Mexican crema and mayo is yogurt (not typical, but an alternative)

What To Serve With Ensalada de Coditos

As I mentioned before, this is a very versatile salad. It can be an excellent side dish for grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork. However, if you want to enjoy it the way we do in Mexico, try the chicken salad next to some pickled jalapeños and saltine crackers.    

More Mexican Recipes To Enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe for cold pasta salad, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:

• Mexican Tuna Salad 
• Chipotle Tuna Tostadas
• Pescado Empanizado
• Hot dogs a la Mexicana   

I hope you make this recipe! If it is of help to you, come back and let me know about your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!

¡Buen provecho!
Mely

Frequently Asked Questions About Ensalada de Coditos

Here, I would like to share some answers to the most frequent questions about this recipe.

What is ensalada de coditos?

Ensalada de Coditos is a traditional Mexican and Latin American pasta salad with elbow macaroni, a creamy dressing, sometimes vegetables, and some protein. It can be served as a side dish or a light main course.

What are some common ingredients in Ensalada de Coditos?

Common ingredients include elbow macaroni, Mexican crema, and mayonnaise. On occasion, vegetables include peas, carrots, red bell peppers, and onions, and sometimes protein like tuna, chicken, or ham. Seasonings often include salt, pepper, and some fresh herbs. 

Can I make Ensalada de Coditos ahead of time?

Yes, Ensalada de Coditos often tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, as this allows the flavors to blend.

How long does Ensalada de Coditos last in the fridge?

Ensalada de Coditos can last up to 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always check for freshness before serving.

Can I make a healthier version of Ensalada de Coditos?

You can make a healthier version by reducing the mayonnaise and Mexican crema and adding plenty of fresh vegetables. You can also use lean proteins like chicken instead of cheese and ham. 

I hope you make this recipe! If it is of help to you, come back and let me know about your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!

¡Buen provecho!
Mely

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📖 Recipe