Mexican Ham Pasta Salad

 Mexican pasta salad is made with pasta, bell pepper, corn, ham, cheese, pickled jalapenos, cilantro, and a cream sauce. Serve it at your next get-together or as a side dish for any meal. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

This recipe is delicious any time of year makes a delicious salad to use up that leftover Easter ham or take it to a summer potluck.

 

 

What is Mexican cream or Crema?

Mexican Crema is creamy slightly tangy very similar to sour cream. Although it's thicker than sour cream but not as thick as Crème Fraiche.

 

How to keep your salad from drying out the next day?

The creamy mayo mixture absorbs into the macaroni and although it still tastes delicious you can freshen it up by adding in a couple of tablespoons of mayo and Mexican Crema.

 

What type of ham should I use?

This is a great way to use up any leftover ham you may have from a holiday meal. Or you can always grab a ham steak from your grocery store or even get some deli ham and cut it into pieces.

 

 

Recipe Tips:

• I used elbow macaroni for this salad, but you can use whatever pasta you like or have on hand.
• You can use green bell pepper instead of red.
• You can use sour cream instead of Mexican Crema.
• I used cheddar cheese but Monterey Jack or mozzarella also works great.
• Best Foods or Hellman's are always my choice for mayonnaise.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• This salad tastes better the next day.

 

What should I serve with this?

As with most pasta salads, they go great with grilled meats, burgers, or even simple sandwiches. Here are a few of my favorites!

• Sweet N Spicy Grilled Chicken
• Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken Club
• Spicy Fried Chicken
• Skillet Burger with Caramelized Onions
• Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

 

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