Filled with ham and veggies, this Mexican Macaroni Salad is perfect for picnics, get-togethers, and summer dinners. Candied jalapenos add just the needed amount of heat to the creamy dressing.

When it comes to a light and refreshing pasta salad, this Mexican macaroni ham salad is the best. A twist on classic macaroni salad, it is made with chunks of ham and veggies. Candied jalapenos add a Mexican flare and a little heat.

I love to prepare this salad in the summer as a side dish or, honestly, even a light lunch. The ham and veggies add enough substance that it can work as a meal too.

Why You Will Love This Ham Macaroni Salad

• Quick and Easy: All you have to do is boil the noodles and toss everything together. I used canned veggies to keep the prep to a total minimum.

• Only a Few Ingredients: All you need is the basics here – ham, macaroni, veggies, and a few staples for the dressing.

• Just the Right Amount of Heat: Candied jalapenos add a wonderfully sweet but spicy flavor to this ham macaroni salad, giving it just a little heat but not too much.

Directions

• Grill the corn on a grill pan, or just place it in a hot skillet to brown some of the kernels. Remove from pan, allow to cool slightly, then use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.

• Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl and stir until combined.

• Place the macaroni, corn, beans, olives, tomatoes, green onions, red onion, and cilantro (if using) in a large bowl. Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the top and gently toss until all the ingredients are coated. Add the final 1/4 of the dressing if you think it needs it. Cover and allow the salad to chill for two hours.

• Garnish with cilantro, lime wedge, and any other extra ingredients you have!

Ingredients

1. 1 lb. Elbow macaroni

2. 2 Ears of fresh corn, husks, and silks removed

3. 1 Can (15 Oz. Size) black beans (or kidney beans), drained and rinsed

4. 1/2 c. chopped black olives

5. 6 Whole Roma tomatoes (or 2 large tomatoes), chopped

6. 3 Whole green onions, sliced thin

7. 1/2 Whole red onions, finely diced

8. Chopped Cilantro (optional)

For Dressing

1. 1 c. Jarred Salsa (spicy Is Best!)

2. 1 c. Sour Cream

3. 1/4 c. Mayonnaise

4. 1 Clove garlic, minced or pressed

5. 1/2 tsp. Cumin

6. Salt and pepper, to taste

7. 2 Limes, Juiced (optional)