Ensalada de coditos, also known as macaroni salad, is a staple dish in Latin American cuisine. It is a cold pasta salad that is typically made with cooked elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and onions. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue, potluck, or as a side dish for any meal. Try my Dominican Potato Salad recipe to bring all the flavors to the cookout!
Making ensalada de coditos is quite easy, and the recipe is very versatile. You can customize it to your liking by adding in your favorite ingredients. Here is a classic recipe for ensalada de coditos that serves 6 people.

What you will need
- 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cans tuna fish
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 shredded carrot
- 1/2 diced bell pepper
- 1/2 diced red onion
- 1 handful chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp adobo
- Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Ensalada De Coditos
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the macaroni and allow it to cool down to prevent it from sticking together. This will also help the pasta to retain its shape and texture.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni, carrots, bell peppers, and onions. Add the chopped cilantro, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and season with adobo, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help the salad to firm up and become easier to serve.
- Before serving, adjust the seasoning if needed and give it a final mix.
You can also add in other ingredients such as chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced ham. The key to making a great ensalada de coditos is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Some people like to add some chopped jalapeno, green olives, pickles, or capers for more flavor.
For extra flavor and texture, you can also add some chopped green onions or some lime juice to the salad before serving. This will give the salad a nice burst of flavor and acidity.
Ensalada de coditos is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course. It is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and BBQs, and it can be easily made ahead of time. You can also make it in large batches and store it in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a great dish for meal prepping.

In addition to being delicious, ensalada de coditos is also a healthy dish. The pasta, vegetables, and mayonnaise provide a good balance of carbohydrates, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Ensalada de coditos is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to add some variety to your menu and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. You can also make it a little more special by garnishing it with some chopped parsley, paprika or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
So, the next time you have a gathering or looking for a quick and easy side dish, give ensalada de coditos a try and let the delicious flavors and textures transport you to a different part of the world. Looking for more Dominican sides? Try this Yuca Fritter recipe!

Dominican Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna
- 2 ½ cups macaroni pasta
- ½ green bell pepper diced
- ½ red onion diced
- 1 carrot shredded
- 1 handful cilantro chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp adobo
- To taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the macaroni and allow it to cool down.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni, carrots, bell peppers, and onions. Add the chopped cilantro, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and season with adobo, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, adjust the seasoning if needed and give it a final mix. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Thank you for reading my ensalada de coditos recipe, if you decide to try it out tag me on instagram @breakthrukitchen. Be sure to subscribe to get notified when I post more recipes like this!
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