Filipino Chicken Macaroni Salad: Creamy, Sweet, and Easy Holiday Recipe

If there is one Filipino side dish that instantly makes a celebration feel complete, it is Chicken Macaroni Salad. Creamy, sweet, colorful and packed with delicious little bites, this classic Filipino salad is a favorite at Christmas, birthdays, fiestas, potlucks and family gatherings. It is also perfect for preparing ahead of time because it tastes even better after chilling.

This Filipino-style macaroni salad combines tender shredded chicken, al dente elbow macaroni, crunchy carrots, sweet pineapple tidbits, raisins, cheese, onion, celery and sweet pickle relish. Everything is coated in a rich and creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, all-purpose cream and condensed milk. The combination of sweet, savory, tangy, and creamy flavors makes every spoonful delicious.

Whether you are preparing it for Noche Buena or simply craving a hearty cold pasta salad, this easy recipe will help you make a creamy and satisfying version at home.

Watch how to cook Chicken Macaroni Salad

What Is Chicken Macaroni Salad?

Chicken Macaroni Salad is a Filipino-style cold pasta salad made by combining cooked elbow macaroni with shredded chicken and a mixture of sweet, savory and crunchy ingredients. Unlike some traditional macaroni salads, the Filipino version is often slightly sweet and especially creamy because of ingredients such as condensed milk, pineapple, raisins and mayonnaise.

It is commonly served chilled and is particularly popular during the Christmas season. Many Filipino families prepare a large bowl because it is easy to share and pairs wonderfully with other celebration dishes.

The great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Want it cheesier? Add more cheese. Prefer more sweetness? Add a little extra condensed milk. You can also adjust the vegetables, raisins, and pineapple according to your family’s taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There is a reason this Filipino Chicken Macaroni Salad appears on so many Filipino holiday tables. First, it is easy to prepare. Most of the work involves cooking a few ingredients, chopping, shredding and combining everything in one large bowl.

Second, it is wonderfully creamy without requiring complicated ingredients. Mayonnaise provides the rich base, while all-purpose cream makes the dressing smoother and more luscious. Condensed milk adds the familiar sweetness that makes Filipino-style macaroni salad so irresistible.

It is also a great make-ahead dish. Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to blend together beautifully. The cold, creamy texture also makes it refreshing beside rich and savory main dishes.

Finally, this salad is flexible. You can adjust the sweetness, creaminess, cheese, vegetables and amount of chicken to suit your family.

Ingredients

For the salad, you will need:

• 400 grams elbow macaroni
• 400 grams chicken breast
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 cup all-purpose cream
• 1/4 cup condensed milk
• 1/2 cup diced cheese
• 1 medium white onion
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery
• Salt and pepper to taste.

You can also reserve some grated cheese for topping the finished salad. It gives the dish an extra cheesy flavor and a more festive appearance.

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Step-by-Step Method

1. Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a little salt and oil, then cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Cook until al dente, meaning the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm.

Do not overcook the macaroni. It will be mixed with several other ingredients later, so firm pasta holds its shape better and helps prevent the finished salad from becoming mushy.

Drain the macaroni well and allow it to cool completely before mixing.

2. Cook and Shred the Chicken

Place the chicken breast in a pot of water with a little salt. Bring it to a boil and cook until the chicken is completely tender and cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool enough to handle. Shred it into thin strips using your fingers or two forks. Set aside.

Chicken breast works particularly well because it is lean, easy to shred, and blends nicely with the creamy dressing.

3. Blanch the Carrots

Bring a small amount of water to a boil. Add the diced carrots and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until just tender.

Drain the carrots and transfer them immediately to cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps retain their texture and color. Drain again and allow them to cool.

Blanching is optional, so you may also use the carrots raw if you prefer a crunchier salad.

4. Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, shredded chicken, carrots, pineapple tidbits, diced cheese, minced onion, raisins, sweet pickle relish, and chopped celery.

Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Mixing the solid ingredients first makes it easier to coat everything evenly once the dressing is added.

5. Add the Creamy Dressing

Add the mayonnaise and all-purpose cream. Mix gently until the macaroni and other ingredients are thoroughly coated.

Add the condensed milk and season with salt and pepper. Mix again, then taste and adjust the seasoning or sweetness according to your preference.

For an extra-cheesy chicken macaroni salad, add grated cheese along with the diced cheese. The grated cheese blends into the creamy dressing, while the diced cheese gives you delicious cheesy bites throughout the salad.

6. Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend and gives the salad its refreshing texture.

Before serving, give it a gentle stir. If the macaroni has absorbed too much dressing, add a little more mayonnaise or all-purpose cream until you reach your preferred consistency.

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Tips and Variations

The most important tip is to avoid overcooking the macaroni. Soft pasta can quickly turn mushy after absorbing the dressing. Cooking it until al dente gives the salad a much better texture and keeps the macaroni intact.

For the best results, allow both the cooked macaroni and chicken to cool before mixing them with the dressing. Adding mayonnaise to hot ingredients can affect the texture and make the salad less creamy.

The mayonnaise-to-macaroni ratio can be adjusted depending on how creamy you like your salad. This recipe uses 2 cups of mayonnaise for 400 grams of macaroni, creating a generously creamy mixture. You can start with less and add more as needed.

Pineapple tidbits and raisins provide sweetness and contrast beautifully with the savory chicken and cheese. If raisins are not your favorite, simply leave them out. You can also add more pineapple if you prefer a fruitier salad.

For extra crunch, add more finely diced celery or carrots. You can also include sweet corn, diced ham, chopped apples, or additional cheese for a different variation.

If you are preparing this for a large gathering, simply double the ingredients and use a larger mixing bowl. Just remember that the salad should remain properly chilled.

Storage and Serving

Because this salad contains chicken and a mayonnaise-based dressing, keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. Store leftovers in a clean, covered container and return them to the refrigerator promptly after serving.

For the best quality and freshness, enjoy the salad within a few days. If it becomes slightly dry after refrigeration, stir in a little mayonnaise or all-purpose cream before serving.

This Filipino macaroni salad is delicious served cold alongside grilled meats, fried chicken, barbecue, ham, roasted meats, or other Filipino holiday favorites. It can also be enjoyed by itself as a filling snack or light meal.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Macaroni Salad is creamy, colorful, sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare. Tender chicken and al dente macaroni create a hearty base, while pineapple, raisins, carrots, cheese, onion, celery, and pickle relish add plenty of flavor and texture. The creamy combination of mayonnaise, all-purpose cream, and condensed milk brings everything together.

Whether you are making it for Christmas, a birthday party, a family reunion, or a simple weekend meal, this Filipino favorite is sure to disappear quickly. Make a big bowl, chill it well, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!