How to Make the Perfect Filipino-Style Chicken Macaroni Salad

Filipino-style chicken macaroni salad is a staple at virtually every Filipino celebration and gathering. Unlike Western versions that are typically served as side dishes, our Filipino version is sweeter creamier and often served as a dessert or snack (merienda). Today, I’ll share with you my favorite recipe and tips for making this classic Filipino dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

What Makes Filipino Macaroni Salad Special?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Filipino macaroni salad unique:

• It’s sweeter – We love adding condensed milk for that distinctively Filipino sweet touch
• It’s creamier – A generous amount of mayonnaise creates that rich, creamy texture we love
• It’s loaded with mix-ins – From chicken to pineapple to cheese, our version is packed with goodies
• It balances flavors – The perfect Filipino macaroni salad has a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory elements

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a delicious Filipino-style chicken macaroni salad that serves 10-12 people you’ll need

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or salad macaroni (ditalini pasta works well too!)
• 1 pound boneless chicken breast
• 1 cup diced ham (optional but recommended)
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed pineapple with juice
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
• 1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced
• 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish or diced sweet gherkin pickles
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 apple, diced (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until firm to bite (al dente). Don’t overcook!
3. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Allow the pasta to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.

Preparing the Chicken

There are two methods you can use:

Poaching Method (Recommended):

1. Place chicken breasts in a pot and add enough water to cover by about half an inch.
2. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 small halved onion, and some peppercorns for flavor.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Remove from liquid (save the broth for cooking the pasta for extra flavor!).
5. Let cool completely, then shred or dice the chicken.

Quick Alternative:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Pan-fry until cooked through.
3. Cool and dice or shred.

Preparing the Vegetables

1. Blanch the diced carrots in boiling water for about 30 seconds.
2. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and preserve the bright color.
3. Drain well and set aside.

Assembling the Salad

1. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni and chicken.
2. Add the carrots, ham, chopped eggs, crushed pineapple (including juice), cheese cubes, pickle relish, raisins, and diced onions.
3. Pour in the mayonnaise and sweetened condensed milk.
4. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably 4 hours or overnight) to allow flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for the Best Filipino Macaroni Salad

1. Don’t skip the condensed milk! It’s what gives Filipino macaroni salad its signature sweet-savory flavor profile.

2. Make sure all ingredients are properly cooled before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking down

3. For food safety, don’t leave the finished salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

4. The salad will thicken after refrigeration as the pasta absorbs some of the dressing, so it might seem a little loose when first mixed.

5. Customize to your taste:

   • Want it sweeter? Add more condensed milk.
   • Prefer it creamier? Add more mayo.
   • Want more tang? Increase the pickle relish.

6. Storage: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Common Variations

Different Filipino families have their own versions. Here are some common variations:

• Adding diced apples for extra crunch and sweetness
• Using Kraft or Eden cheese instead of cheddar
• Including bell peppers for color and crunch
• Adding celery for texture
• Using different pasta shapes – some prefer smaller shapes like ditalini

Serving Suggestions

Filipino macaroni salad is versatile! Here’s how we typically enjoy it:

• As a side dish with fried or grilled meats (especially good with fried chicken!)
• As part of a larger spread during celebrations like Christmas, birthdays, or fiestas
• As a snack (merienda) by itself
• As a light meal during hot days

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances all the elements that make Filipino macaroni salad special:

• The chicken provides protein and makes it filling
• The pineapple and condensed milk add sweetness
• The pickle relish adds a tangy contrast
• The mayonnaise creates the creamy base we love
• The mix of textures from the pasta, vegetables, and proteins keeps every bite interesting

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit at gatherings. My family specially requests it for Christmas and birthdays, and there are rarely any leftovers!

Final Thoughts

Filipino-style chicken macaroni salad is a perfect example of how we Filipinos have adapted Western dishes to suit our taste preferences. The addition of sweetened condensed milk and tropical fruits like pineapple makes this dish uniquely ours.

Whether you’re Filipino looking to recreate a taste of home or simply curious about Filipino cuisine, this macaroni salad is sure to delight your taste buds. It’s a labor of love that brings people together around the table – exactly what Filipino food is all about!