How to Make Mexican Macaroni Salad (Easy Recipe)

This Mexican macaroni salad brings the party to any summer cookout!

Fully loaded with sweet corn and crunchy veggies in a tangy, creamy dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for whatever main dish you’re serving. 

This Mexican macaroni salad recipe is such a cool twist on classic macaroni salad.

More authentically known as ensalada de coditos, this side dish offers zesty flavors and exciting textures to complement a variety of main dishes.

Bring it to your next barbecue, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser! 

Ingredients for this Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Mexican pasta salad recipe:

• Elbow macaroni. To modify this recipe for gluten free diets, choose a rice-based gluten free pasta. 
• Fresh corn. When in doubt, use a can of corn kernels. 
• Green onions
• Red bell peppers
• Red onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cilantro

You’ll also need the following ingredients to make the dressing: 

• Salsa. Choose whatever heat level you like. 
• Sour cream
• Mayo
• Fresh lime juice
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt

How to Make Mexican Macaroni Salad

Make the Dressing

Start by whisking all of the dressing ingredients together in a large bowl.

We will eventually fill this bowl with the remaining macaroni salad ingredients, so make sure your bowl is big enough. 

Cook the Pasta

Cook, drain and rinse the macaroni with cold water to cool it down. Rinsing it with water will also help prevent clumps. 

Prep the Veggies

If you’re using fresh corn, you’ll need about 2 cups of corn kernels. Shave them off the cob once you’ve cooked the corn.

Alternatively, grab a can of corn from the grocery store (which is what I suggest in the recipe card below). 

Then, chop up your bell pepper, red onion, scallions, tomatoes and cilantro. 

Combine Ingredients

Now, gently fold the cooked macaroni and chopped vegetables into the dressing until everything is combined. 

How to Serve Mexican Macaroni Salad

This easy side dish can be served either cold or at room temperature. Serve it with all of your favorite summer mains like hamburgers, hot dogs and grilled meats, fish and chicken. 

We also love it as a side dish for cold sandwiches during the week. 

To enjoy this Mexican mac salad as a main course, cube up some grilled chicken or steak and toss it all together!  

Variations and Substitutions

1. Mix Ins: Have fun with the salad ingredients! Try adding black beans, sweet peas or black olives. If you like cheese, consider adding cubed cheddar cheese or crumbled cotija cheese. For a more traditional ensalada de coditos, toss in bite-size pieces of ham. 

2. Customize the Dressing: Feel free to swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream in the dressing, if you prefer. If you like some heat, try using a spicy salsa or whisking in a tablespoon of diced jalapeño peppers. 

3. Make it Gluten Free: Swap out the regular elbow pasta for any kind of short-cut gluten free pasta. Avoid corn-based pastas! Always go for rice-based pastas. 

4. Make it Dairy Free: Replace the sour cream in this dressing with more mayonnaise. 

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Can you Make this Mexican Macaroni Salad ahead of time? 

Like most pasta salad recipes, this Mexican mac salad tastes even better the next day, making it a great recipe to prep in advance.

Be sure to keep it covered with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. 

​Just before serving, gently stir the ingredients around again to redistribute the flavors. 

How to Store Mexican Macaroni Salad

Keep your leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. 

When you try this Mexican macaroni salad, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a star rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy! 

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For more easy recipes for sides, try these: 

• Red Hot and Blue Potato Salad
• Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Greek Feta
• Healthy Southwestern Coleslaw Recipe (No Mayo)

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For more Mexican recipes, try these:

• Hot Elote Dip Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
• Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos
• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Bowl