Mexican Pasta Salad

Name: Mexican Pasta Salad with Ham and Jalapeños
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled; 2 stalks celery, finely diced; 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, finely diced; 1/4 cup pickled carrots, finely diced; 1 lb sliced ham, diced; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1.5 cups mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Mexican crema; 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño juice; 1/2 lime, juiced; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste

This Mexican pasta salad combines elbow macaroni with diced ham, corn, pickled jalapeños, and a creamy crema-mayo dressing that delivers tangy heat and rich flavor. It's designed to be made ahead and served chilled, making it ideal for potlucks and barbecues.

🌍Mexican-American 🏷️Pasta salad 🏷️Mexican pasta salad 🏷️Creamy pasta salad 🏷️Ham Corn

🏷️

🏷️Jalapeno

-0:00

jenmoralesfam04onTikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

8

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jenmoralesfam04

-0:00

jenmoralesfam04onTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
2 stalks celery, finely diced
1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, finely diced
1/4 cup pickled carrots, finely diced
1 lb sliced ham, diced
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1.5 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup Mexican crema
1/4 cup pickled jalapeño juice
1/2 lime, juiced
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste

12 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the finely diced celery.
2
Finely dice the pickled jalapeños and pickled carrots, then add them to the bowl.
3
Dice the sliced ham and add it to the pasta mixture.
4
Add the drained corn to the bowl.
5
Add the mayonnaise, Mexican crema, and the juice from the pickled jalapeños.
6
Squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
7
Season generously with salt and black pepper to your taste.
8
Thoroughly mix all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
9
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cool the cooked pasta completely before mixing with the creamy dressing to prevent it from becoming mushy or overly soft.
Dice all vegetables finely and evenly so they distribute throughout the salad and don't overpower individual bites.
Add the dressing just before serving or within a few hours of assembly; the pasta will absorb liquid over time, so reserve extra crema or mayo on the side to adjust consistency.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished salad just before serving to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the mayo and crema.

Substitutions

Sliced ham → diced cooked chicken, turkey, or bacon (3 to 4 slices, diced)
Mexican crema → sour cream thinned with 1 tablespoon milk or lime juice
Pickled jalapeños → fresh diced jalapeños or seeded for less heat
Corn → diced roasted red bell pepper or peas

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more dressing as it sits; thin with extra mayonnaise or crema if needed before serving.

Common Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is best made 2-4 hours ahead or even the day before. The flavors meld together as it chills, and the pasta absorbs the dressing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for Mexican crema?

Use sour cream (thinned with a little milk or lime juice), Greek yogurt, or crème fraîche. Crema is thinner and milder than sour cream, so adjust quantities based on your substitute.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shape works—ditalini, small shells, or penne. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which doesn't mix evenly into a creamy salad.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Reduce or increase pickled jalapeños to taste. Start with 1/4 cup if you prefer mild heat, or add up to 3/4 cup for extra kick. The jalapeño juice also adds heat—reduce it to 2 tablespoons for milder flavor.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ham and add more corn, diced bell pepper, or diced avocado for texture and substance. The creamy dressing and jalapeños provide all the flavor.