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Chicken Macaroni Salad

A creamy, sweet-salty Chicken Macaroni Salad loaded with textures that make every bite satisfying, perfect for any Filipino gathering.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time4 hours
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: Chicken Macaroni Salad, comfort food, creamy salad, Filipino Pasta Salad, Potluck Salad
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups Cooked chicken, finely shredded or diced You can poach chicken breasts with salt and a bay leaf.
  • 1 to 1.5 cups Mayonnaise Adjust according to taste.
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons Sweetened condensed milk For classic Filipino sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose cream or heavy cream For extra silkiness.
  • 1/3 cup Pickle relish, drained
  • 1/2 cup Carrots, finely diced and lightly blanched
  • 1 small Red onion, minced Soak in water to mellow the bite.
  • 1/2 cup Crushed pineapple, drained well
  • 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, small cubes
  • 1/3 cup Raisins, optional but classic
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar For brightness.

Instructions

Cook Macaroni

  • Salt the water generously. Use a big pot of water and salt it until it tastes like the sea.
  • Cook just to al dente, following package time, then taste at the lower end.
  • Cool it down quickly by spreading the macaroni on a tray. Toss with a tablespoon of mayo or a drizzle of oil to prevent clumping.

Add Chicken and Mayo

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, all-purpose cream, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice or vinegar, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Add the cooled macaroni and gently fold until coated, then add chicken, relish, pineapple, carrots, onion, raisins, and cheese.
  • Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice if needed.

Mix and Chill

  • Let the salad rest, covered, in the fridge for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight.
  • Before serving, give it a gentle stir and taste again to adjust seasoning.
  • For garnish, sprinkle extra cheese cubes, a few raisins, and a dusting of black pepper.

Notes

This salad is flexible with ingredients, allowing for modifications. It's a fantastic make-ahead dish that improves in flavor overnight.