Filipino-style Macaroni Salad

Like spaghetti, this Filipino-style macaroni salad is one of the things we adapted from
the west and made our own. Unlike its plain ol’ western counterpart, it
packs flavor and flair with a hodgepodge of shredded chicken, cubed
cheese and ham, raisins and crushed pineapple. By adding our own Pinoy
taste and twist to a classic dish, we turned it into something more
delicious.

Filipino-style Macaroni Salad

Print

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounces) package elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 pound chicken breast or thigh meat, boneless and skinless
• 6 hard boiled eggs, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
• 1 (14 ounces) can crushed pineapple
• ½ cup sweet pickle relish
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 cup quick-melt cheese (Velveeta or Eden), cubed
• 1 cup ham, cubed
• 1 cup raisins
• 1-1/2 cups mayonnaise
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a pot of salted boiling water, add macaroni and cook for about 8 to 9
   minutes or until firm to bite. Drain, rinse under cold running water and
   allow to completely cool. Set aside.
2. In a pot, add chicken  meat and enough water to cover. Bring the water to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Simmer chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked  through. Drain from liquid, allow to completely cool and shred. Set
   aside.
3. In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add diced carrots and
   cook for about 30 seconds. With a slotted spoon, remove from water and
   plunge into an ice bath until completely cool. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, chicken, carrots, ham, eggs, raisins,
   onions, cheese, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk and pineapple  including packing juice. Gently stir together until evenly distributed.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes
   to allow flavors to meld.

 - Kawaling Pinoy