If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to be at any Puerto Rican gathering, it’s this hearty and delicious Puerto Rican style macaroni salad, or as we call it, ensalada de coditos. It’s packed with flavor, savory ham, creamy mayo, and the perfect hint of tanginess and spice. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or holiday, this Puerto Rican macaroni salad is a must-have staple in any occasion. Let’s dive into how you can make it yourself!
Ingredients Needed to Make Your Puerto Rican Macaroni Salad
You can adjust these to your liking, but here’s what I recommend for a classic Puerto Rican macaroni salad:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (I used gluten-free Barilla noodles, but you can use regular ones if preferred)
- 3 hardboiled eggs, mashed (you can use fewer or skip entirely if desired)
- 8 oz diced ham (pre-diced or chop a ham steak for easy prep)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (I prefer red onion for a more delicate flavor)
- 2 tbsp pimentos, diced (use them jarred for convenience)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 capful vinegar (just a touch of acidity brightens the flavors)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use more for a creamier salad)
- 1-2 tsp salt (or to taste, plus a pinch for boiling water)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp mustard (for a subtle kick)
Instructions for making your Puerto Rican Macaroni Salad
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Begin by boiling water with a pinch of salt, then add the elbow macaroni. For gluten-free pasta, cook to al dente (about 7-8 minutes) to prevent it from getting mushy. If using regular noodles, cook according to package instructions or until noodles are tender. Once done, drain and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Hardboiled Eggs:
- While the pasta is cooking, mash the hardboiled eggs in a bowl with a fork until they’re crumbled. They’ll add richness to the salad, but feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, add the ham, red onion, pimentos, garlic, vinegar, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, oregano, and mustard. Stir everything together well, making sure the flavors are evenly combined.
- Pro Tip: Mix all the ingredients before adding the pasta to help everything blend smoothly and evenly.
4. Combine with Macaroni:
- Once the pasta is cooled, fold it into the bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Use a spatula to mix from the bottom up, ensuring that each noodle is well coated and nothing sticks to the bowl.
5. Taste and Adjust:
- After mixing, give it a taste! You can add a little more salt, pepper, or mayonnaise if you want it extra creamy and seasoned. I personally love it on the creamier side, so I added another spoonful of mayo.
6. Garnish:
- For a nice finishing touch, top your macaroni salad with a few pimento strips or fresh parsley. It adds color and makes the salad look as amazing as it tastes!
Serving Tips
This Puerto Rican macaroni salad pairs wonderfully with traditional dishes like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and pernil (roast pork). It’s the perfect side dish to round out a flavorful Puerto Rican meal, and its creamy taste complements so many dishes.
This recipe is as easy as it is delicious, and it’s sure to be a favorite at any event. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
💖 Yessi
