Mexican Macaroni Salad

This Mexican Macaroni Salad is the perfect side for potlucks, summer gatherings, and also makes the perfect quick meal. It comes together so quickly with the perfect amount of ham, mayonnaise, and mixed veggies. This is one of the perfect sides for many Mexican dishes along with this easy red Mexican rice. It's so simple to make yet so delicious!

This Mexican macaroni salad with ham or how my mom calls it, ensalada de coditos reminds me so much of when I was growing up. This is one of those dishes along with this imitation crab ceviche and this Mexican chicken salad my mom used to make time after time when ever she wanted to make something quick. She would serve over tostadas topped with some red salsa and to this day she still does the same. Today it's a recipe I like to make whenever i'm in a time crunch or whenever I want something light and quick to make, specially on those hot summer days.

Why you'll love this easy macaroni salad

• This salad will be ready in less then 30 minutes
• It's not overly saturated with mayonnaise, it has the perfect amount
• It's a toddler and kid friendly macaroni salad (my kids really enjoy it)
• Perfect side for game day, bbq's and potlucks
• You can enjoy cold or warm ( I like eating it warm when it's freshly made)

Ingredients you will need

• Elbow pasta - or any short pasta shape will work
• Mixed veggies - I like using frozen mixed vegetables, but canned veggies work too
• Deli ham - 4-6 slices chopped work just great. I like using smoked ham or black forest ham
• Celery - adds that extra crunch to this pasta salad - only 1-2 stalks do the trick
• Mayonnaise - for that delicious creaminess
• Salsa macha "chili oil" this salsa elevates the dish - you can serve on the side before serving or mix in 2-3 tablespoons to the mixing bowl. It's SO GOOD! This salsa macha is the one I use and truly love.
• Garlic salt for some garlicky and added flavor ¼-1/2 teaspoons is all that's needed
• Freshly ground pepper - for that delicious peppery flavor. Freshly ground pepper works great, but regular pepper would also work fine

How to make this Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe

For complete recipe measurements scroll to recipe card below.

Step one Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow pasta according to packaging instructions. If using frozen mixed vegetables, I like bringing a small pot with 2 cups of water to a boil and then adding the veggies, heating for 3 minutes and then draining the water and setting aside. If using canned mixed vegetables just drain the water in a colander and rinse over cold water and set aside.

Step 2 In a large mixing bowl add the drained cooked pasta and add in all the vegetables, and celery.

Step 3 Add in the chopped deli ham and mayonnaise and combine using a large spoon or silicone spatula. Add in the garlic salt and freshly ground pepper and give it a stir. You can serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. If using salsa macha "chili oil" you can combine 1-2 tablespoons to the mixing bowl and combine or you can serve on the side.

What to serve with Mexican macaroni salad

For an easy meal serve over tostadas top with your favorite hot sauce or salsa macha "chili oil, trust me that crunchiness of the tostada and the macaroni salad makes the perfect combo. You can serve as a side with your favorite Mexican dishes like, this delicious California carne asada burrito, or these easy beef air fryer taquitos

Variations and substitutions

Deli ham - you can definitely use ham steak instead and chop about ½ cup into cubes. Don't want to use ham? You can add shredded rotisserie chicken or this easy instant pot shredded chicken instead.

Mixed Vegetables - you can add your favorite vegetables here, but I find that the mixed frozen vegetables taste much fresher than the canned vegetables.

Mayonnaise - When I have Mexican crema on hand I like mixing half Mexican crema with half mayonnaise.

Storing suggestions

This macaroni salad will stay fresh up to five days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Other quick and easy recipes you must try:

Imitation crab ceviche
Spaghetti con crema
Mexican Chicken Salad