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Chicken Macaroni Salad – Creamy Filipino Handaan Classic
What is Chicken Macaroni Salad?
Chicken Macaroni Salad is a creamy Filipino-style pasta salad made with elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and a mix of sweet and savory add-ins like pineapple, raisins, and cheese. It’s a staple sa mga handaan—birthdays, holidays, reunions—at madalas ihain bilang malamig na side dish or dessert-style salad. Sa Sarap Diaries kitchens, this dish is all about comfort and celebration.
Why Masarap?
Masarap ang Chicken Macaroni Salad dahil rich at creamy ang dressing, habang may contrast ng textures mula sa pasta, tender chicken, at crunchy vegetables. The sweetness from pineapple and raisins balances the savory mayo and cheese, kaya hindi nakakaumay. Mas lalong sumasarap kapag well-chilled at nag-blend na ang flavors.
Best Enjoyed For
This dish is best enjoyed for merienda, dessert, or as a holiday at handaan favorite, lalo na kapag malamig at bagong hango sa ref.

Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 pound chicken breast fillet
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, finely diced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 can (137 g) pineapple tidbits, drained
- ½ block cheese (Eden, Velveeta, or cheddar), grated
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
How to Make Chicken Macaroni Salad
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain well and let cool completely.
- Place chicken breast in a pot and add enough water to cover. Season lightly with salt.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–12 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from water, drain, and shred using two forks.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, mayonnaise, onion, carrots, bell pepper, raisins, and pineapple tidbits.
- Toss gently until evenly mixed.
- Add grated cheese, salt, and ground pepper. Mix again until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
- Give it a final gentle toss before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Macaroni Salad is best served chilled in small bowls or dessert cups.
For a classic Filipino handaan spread, it pairs perfectly with crispy favorites like Lumpiang Shanghai and grilled dishes such as Pork BBQ.
If serving multiple cold dishes, it also complements creamy desserts like Fruit Salad on the table.
Storage Tips
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 3–5 days.
- Stir gently before serving to refresh the texture.
- Avoid leaving at room temperature for long periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pwede bang gumamit ng rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a convenient option and adds extra flavor.
Pwede bang bawasan ang tamis?
Yes, reduce raisins or pineapple if you prefer a more savory salad.
Pwede bang walang bell pepper?
Yes, it’s optional and can be skipped.
Mas masarap ba kinabukasan?
Yes, flavors blend better after several hours in the fridge.
Pwede bang pang-negosyo?
Yes, Chicken Macaroni Salad is easy to scale and popular for orders.
Want more stories beyond food?
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- FeedFrenzyPlus.com offers curated news and informative articles.
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Discover more easy and delicious recipes you’ll love. Kasama mo ang SarapDiaries.com for all things masarap.
Ava Manalo is a passionate home cook who loves exploring flavors, recreating comforting classics, and sharing easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to every meal. As an author at Sarap Diaries, she focuses on Filipino dishes, merienda favorites, and simple cooking tips that make homemade food approachable and always delicious.
When she’s not developing recipes, Ava enjoys discovering new food spots, experimenting with global flavors, and turning everyday ingredients into heartwarming dishes for all kinds of occasions.







