Chef-tested recipe
Make sweet creamy Pinoy macaroni salad with chicken, pineapple, cheese, raisins, and a balanced Filipino-style dressing.
Recipe at a glance
- Servings
- 8 to 10
- Prep Time
- 25 minutes
- Cook Time
- 12 minutes
- Total Time
- 37 minutes
- Cuisine
- Filipino
- Course
- Salad / Party Dish
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Before you begin
Ingredients & equipment
Gather what you need first, then cook through the method with confidence.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni — 1000 g
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded — 500 g
- Pineapple tidbits, drained — 400 g
- Carrots, small dice — 200 g
- Cheddar cheese, small dice — 250 g
- Raisins — 150 g
- Mayonnaise — 700 g
- Condensed milk — 200 g
- Evaporated milk — 150 ml
- Fine saltpaid link — 8 g
- Ground white pepper — 2 g
Preparation Overview
Cook the macaroni until tender but not mushy. Cool the pasta fully before mixing with the dressing so the mayonnaise stays creamy and does not split.
Method
Boil the macaroni in salted water until tender, then drain well. Rinse briefly with cool water and allow the pasta to drain completely. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, condensed milk, evaporated milk, salt, and white pepper. Add chicken, pineapple, carrots, cheese, raisins, and macaroni. Fold gently until evenly coated. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Beginner Technique Notes
Drain the pasta well before mixing. Wet pasta makes the salad watery after chilling.
Tips and Variations
Add diced ham for a richer party version. Reduce condensed milk if you prefer it less sweet.
Serving Ideas
- Serve cold in small bowls, party trays, or beside fried chicken and barbecue.
Storage
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Value
Estimated 360 to 480 kcal per serving depending on dressing amount.
Allergen Notes
Contains egg, milk, and wheat. May contain soy depending on mayonnaise brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. It tastes better after chilling for a few hours.
Why is my macaroni salad watery?
The pasta may not have been drained well, or the pineapple was too wet.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes. Reduce condensed milk and add more mayonnaise or evaporated milk.
