Ensalada de Coditos Dominicana
A creamy and colorful macaroni salad, popular as a side dish in the Dominican Republic. It features elbow macaroni mixed with mayonnaise, finely chopped vegetables, and seasonings, offering a refreshing and satisfying complement to any meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.25 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 large Carrot(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Corn kernels(thawed if frozen)
- 0.5 medium Red onion(finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Optional: Peas
- 0.5 cup Optional: Ham or Tuna(diced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
💡 Tip: Rinsing with cold water is crucial for pasta salads to prevent sticking and maintain texture. - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 3
Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat.
- 4
Add the finely chopped carrot, green bell pepper, corn kernels, and red onion to the bowl. If using, add peas, ham, or tuna.
- 5
Gently stir all the ingredients together until evenly distributed and the macaroni is well coated with the dressing and vegetables.
💡 Tip: Avoid overmixing, which can make the salad mushy. - 6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
💡 Tip: The salad tastes even better when chilled for a few hours or overnight.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a creamier salad, you can add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or heavy cream to the dressing.
- ✓Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and seasonings to your personal preference.
- ✓This salad can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like celery, sweet peas, or finely diced apple.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked chicken, ham, or tuna.