Creamy Filipino Macaroni Salad

What is Filipino Chicken Macaroni Salad?

Filipino Macaroni Salad is a sweet and creamy pasta salad that uses mayonnaise, shredded chicken breast, carrots, cheese, pickles, raisins, onions and condensed milk.

Most filipinos would only serve this during special occasions like Christmas Dinner, New Year's or during fiestas.

Is Filipino Macaroni Salad Different From Russian Salad?

This is similar to Russian Salad, however Filipino Macaroni Salad usually does not use eggs nor potatoes.

As with other Filipino dishes, Filipino Macaroni Salad also tend to be more sweet than salty with the addition of condensed milk, pineapple chunks and raisins.

Filipinos also usually mix cheddar cheese with sweet dishes which could sound intriguing to some, but this actually works quite well.

Essential Ingredients

• 400g of elbow macaroni
• 300g of chicken breast
• 150g of cubed carrots
• 400g of canned pineapple chunks, drained
• 350g of mayonnaise, to taste
• 120g of cubed cheddar cheese
• 60g of chopped pickle relish
• 120g of raisins
• 1 large onion, diced
• 150g of sweetened condensed milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Cook the elbow macaroni until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Boil the 300g of chicken breast in salted water until fully cooked. Once cooled, shred them into thin strips and set aside.
3. Optionally, boil 150g of cubed carrots until tender. Make sure not to overcook them. Drain and set aside to cool. If you prefer, you can have the carrots raw.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chicken, carrots with the rest of the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Stir it up until everything is well combined.

Note: For the best taste, chill the salad before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and satisfying salad.

Nutritional

For each serving of around 250g, this recipe contains:

• Calories: 450kcal
• Carbohydrate Content: 60g
• Cholesterol Content: 50mg
• Fat Content: 20g
• Protein Content: 25g
• Saturated Fat Content: 5g
• Serving Size: 250g
• Sodium Content: 150mg
• Sugar Content: 20g
• Trans Fat Content: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 10g

Note that these values are estiamtes only and should not be used for medical or dietary requirements.

Some Ingredient Substitutes

If you're having trouble finding some ingredients, don't fret! Here are a few substitutes:

• Elbow Macaroni: You can use other types of short pasta like penne or fusilli.
• Canned Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple chunks can be used. Just remember to adjust the sweetness as canned varieties are usually sweeter.
• Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to use other types of hard cheese like Gouda or Edam.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Regular milk and sugar can be a great alternative. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

This Macaroni Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of foods. Try serving it with a side of grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. If you're in a festive mood, pairing it with Lechon, a traditional Filipino roasted ig, can make for a splendid feast. On the lighter side, a simple green salad can also complement the rich, creamy flavors of the macaroni salad.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Salad

• Always remember to cool your macaroni, chicken, and carrots before combining with the rest of the ingredients. This prevents the mayonnaise and cheese from melting.
• For a twist, add some chopped hard-boiled eggs to the salad.
• If you prefer your salad sweeter, you can add more condensed milk. But remember, balance is key!
• The salad tastes better when chilled for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together perfectly.
• Cook the macaroni until al-dente. Do not overcook as the pasta will end up being mushy in the salad. Avoid using wholegrain pasta as this has a completely different flavour profile which may not match this dish.
• Before boiling the chicken breast, you can pound them in the thicker parts to make it cook quicker and more evenly. This way, you will not have some uncooked portions in the thicker parts of the meat.
• Boil the carrots for a short time until they are slightly tender but not mushy. This ensures you don't have carrots that are too crunchy.
• Be sure to chill the dish before serving as it's meant to be served cold as a salad.
• Adjust the seasoning, salt and pepper, and even the condensed milk and mayonnaise to your liking. Add more mayonnaise for more sourness, condensed milk for more sweetness and of course salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes better when prepared ahead as it allows the flavors to meld together.

Can I freeze the Filipino Macaroni Salad?

While you can freeze it, it's best served fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may alter the texture of the ingredients, especially the mayonnaise.

What can I do if the salad is too sweet for my taste?

You can balance out the sweetness by adding more pickle relish or a dash of vinegar.

Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Yes! Some people like to add diced apples or grapes for a different flavor profile.

Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?

Yes, you can use other types of short pasta. However, the traditional and most commonly used is elbow macaroni.