Ensalada de Coditos con Jamon (Macaroni Salad with Ham) is a beloved dish, especially among those who enjoy vibrant flavors and fulfilling meals. This recipe brings a touch of Puerto Rican flair to your table, combining creamy goodness with savory ham and fresh vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a casual gathering or just want to treat yourself, this macaroni salad is a perfect choice. Not only does it offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes, but it’s also easy to make, meaning that anyone can whip it up with a little love and care. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s explore how to create this delicious dish from start to finish!
Why This Recipe Works
Ensalada de Coditos con Jamon (Macaroni Salad with Ham) is a delightful dish that captures the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine while being a comforting addition to any meal. Its creamy texture, combined with the savory notes of ham and fresh vegetables, creates a unique taste that satisfies both the palate and the soul. The balance of ingredients ensures that each bite is packed with flavor, making it perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Ensalada de Coditos con Jamon (Macaroni Salad with Ham)
This macaroni salad is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of culture and togetherness. Easy to make and quick to prepare, it allows even novice cooks to impress with a delicious dish. The versatility of the ingredients makes it adaptable for various occasions, whether a summer barbecue or a potluck. Plus, the creamy mayo and mustard dressing will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow pasta
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons pimento juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 small white onion, finely grated (about ½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup fancy pimentos (pimiento morrón), chopped
- 1 can (8.5 oz) very young sweet peas (petit pois), drained
- 1 cup diced ham or Spam
Cooking the Perfect Ensalada de Coditos con Jamon
Boiling the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing well-salted water to a boil in a large pot. It’s essential to season the water with about 2 tablespoons of salt. Then, cook the elbow pasta according to the package directions until it’s nice and al dente. This step lays the foundation for the entire salad, as the perfect pasta will soak up all the wonderful flavors that follow.
Preparing the Hard-Boiled Eggs
As the pasta cooks, you can multitask by preparing the hard-boiled eggs. Place them in a small bowl and use a fork to mash the eggs into small pieces. Set them aside for the moment, because they will add a lovely richness.
Mixing the Creamy Dressing
Next up is the creamy dressing that truly makes this salad shine. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pimento juice, salt, and white pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re well blended and silky smooth. Once finished, set the dressing aside for later use.
Grating the Onion
For that extra flavor punch, finely grate the small white onion. You can use a food processor or a good old cheese grater for this task. Combine the grated onion with olive oil in a bowl, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Combining the Ingredients
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. It’s crucial to add the butter right away to the hot pasta. Stir until the butter melts and evenly coats the pasta. This step not only enhances flavor but also ensures that the pasta won’t stick together.
Adding the Flavor Elements
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the creamy dressing and the onion-olive oil mixture into the buttered pasta. Mix thoroughly, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated with that luscious dressing. Then, carefully fold in the mashed eggs, chopped pimentos, sweet peas, and diced ham until everything is well combined. The contrasting colors and textures will make this salad visually appealing!
Chilling Before Serving
While it might be tempting to dig in right away, it’s best to refrigerate your salad for at least 4 hours. This chilling time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
Serving Suggestions
Ensalada de Coditos con Jamon pairs beautifully with BBQ pulled pork, grilled chicken, or fresh summer veggies. Serve it chilled as a delightful side dish at your next gathering, or enjoy it as a light lunch on its own. The creamy salad makes every meal feel a bit more special.
Tips for Success
- For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of cream.
- Always ensure the pasta is completely cooled before adding the dressing to avoid a mushy outcome.
- If short on time, using pre-packaged diced ham or even rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy protein option.
Variations
Feel free to customize your Ensalada de Coditos con Jamon by adding diced bell peppers, celery, or even crunchy cucumbers. For a twist, try swapping in cooked bacon or incorporating fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness. The possibilities are endless!
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, you can revive it with another small dollop of mayonnaise before serving. This way, it stays delicious for days!
FAQs
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
Greek yogurt or avocado can serve as healthier alternatives, but remember, they may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
What type of pasta is best for macaroni salad?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can use shells, rotini, or penne for a fun twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Of course! Chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots will add extra crunch and flavor.
Ensalada de Coditos con Jamon is not just a dish; it’s a journey into the heart of Puerto Rican cooking that brings communities together. Its creamy goodness and hearty ingredients make it a staple at any celebratory table. So whether it’s a family feast or a casual picnic in the park, this macaroni salad will undoubtedly be a hit. Enjoy crafting it, sharing it, and most importantly, savoring every delicious bite!
Print
Ensalada de Coditos con Jamon
This macaroni salad celebrates Puerto Rican cuisine with creamy mayo, savory ham, and crisp veggies, making it a delightful choice for any gathering.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow pasta
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons pimento juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 small white onion, finely grated (about ½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup fancy pimentos (pimiento morrón), chopped
- 1 can (8.5 oz) very young sweet peas (petit pois), drained
- 1 cup diced ham or Spam
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook elbow pasta until al dente.
- Mash hard-boiled eggs in a bowl and set aside.
- Mix mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pimento juice, salt, and white pepper for the dressing.
- Grate onion and mix with olive oil.
- Combine cooked pasta with butter until melted, then add the dressing and onion mixture.
- Fold in mashed eggs, pimentos, peas, and diced ham.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For a creamier texture, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise.
Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before adding the dressing.
Use pre-packaged ham for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 120
