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A wooden spoon of an ensalada de coditos, with cooked elbow macaroni, chopped celery, chopped ham, chopped pineapple, and grated carrot, tossed in a creamy dressing.

Ensalada de Coditos (Easy Macaroni Salad)

Diana Lopez
This classic Ensalada de Coditos (Macaroni Salad) is a creamy, tangy pasta salad, made with tender elbow pasta, celery, carrot, pineapple, and ham, tossed in a delicious creamy dressing.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 22 minutes
Course Pasta, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Latin
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • ½ lb (227g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • Water (to cook the pasta)
  • 2 celery ribs, diced
  • 1 medium-sized carrot, finely grated
  • 1 cup (165g) pineapple, diced
  • ¾ - 1 cup (100-134g) cooked ham, diced

For the Dressing

  • 1 cup (221g) full-fat mayonnaise**
  • ¼ cup (59ml) heavy cream***
  • 1½ tablespoons pineapple juice (or apple cider vinegar)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (or 2 tablespoons of grated white or yellow onion)
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar or to taste (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the instructions on the package. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and let it cool completely.
  • In the meantime, chop the celery sticks, pineapple, and ham, and also grate the carrot.
  • To make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, heavy cream, pineapple juice, onion, sugar (if using), and salt.
  • Place the cooled pasta in a large serving bowl, add the celery, carrot, pineapple, and ham, and then fold in the dressing until everything is well coated. Season with more salt and sugar, if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.

Video

Notes

  • * Using canned pineapple slices or chunks is a lifesaver! Additionally, you can use the pineapple juice that comes in the can to make the dressing.
  • ** Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor. Light mayo, or a mix of light mayo and plain Greek yogurt, is great for a lighter option.
  • *** Heavy cream makes the dressing smooth and silky. Using full-fat milk is also an option, but in that case, I suggest you add more mayonnaise to get the best flavor.
  • Chopped ham is easily found at most grocery stores, but you can also dice slices of thick ham for this recipe.
Nutritional values are approximate and calculated per serving.
Keyword ensalada de coditos, macaroni salad
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