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Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe With Chicken and Pineapple

Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe With Chicken and Pineapple

Filipino celebrations are never complete without classic macaroni salad on the table. This fiesta-style version brings together macaroni, tender chicken, pineapple tidbits, and cheese in a rich, creamy dressing with that signature sweet touch. Follow this guide to learn how to make macaroni salad that tastes just as festive any time of the year. 

  • Prep Time

    20 mins 

  • Cook Time

    25 mins 

  • Total Time

    45 mins 

  • Serves

    6 

Ingredients

  • 200 grams uncooked salad macaroni
  • 2/3 cup chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
  • 2/3 cup pineapple tidbits (drained and sliced with juice reserved)
  • 1/2 cup cheese (diced)
  • 1/4 cup carrots (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon onions (finely chopped)
  • 1/3 cup pickle relish
  • 470 ml Lady's Choice Real Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • iodized salt (to taste)
  • ground black pepper (to taste)

Steps

  1. Cook the Macaroni Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain well. Tip: Transfer drained pasta to a bowl and cover. Dry pasta will lead to an oily salad.

  2. Combine the Mix-Ins In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, pineapple tidbits, cheese, and macaroni. Add carrots, onions, and pickle relish. Toss gently until evenly distributed. Tip: Use firm cheese like cheddar or processed cheese cubes. They hold their shape and add a creamy, slightly salty contrast to the sweet elements.

  3. Prepare the Dressing Combine Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise with sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until seasonings are fully dissolved. Add mixture to the bowl with macaroni and fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Scrape from the bottom of the bowl and lift the mixture over itself to combine without crushing the pasta. Tip: Fold using a spatula instead of stirring aggressively. This keeps the macaroni intact and prevents the salad from becoming dense.

  4. Season and Chill Cover salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.

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