Description
Chicken Macaroni Salad with turkey ham, crushed pineapple, and raisins is perfect for potlucks or parties. Hearty, tasty, and loaded with tropical flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound uncooked medium elbow macaroni
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 cup turkey ham, cubed
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed pineapple
- 1 cup microbial-rennet cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 onion, peeled and diced
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step: In a pot over medium heat, bring about 4 quarts salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions for about 8 to 9 minutes or until firm to bite. Drain well and allow to cool completely.
- Step: In a pot, add chicken meat and enough water to cover. Bring the water to a boil, skimming scum that floats on top. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through. Drain from the liquid, allow to completely cool and shred. Set aside.
- Step: 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.
- Step: In a large bowl, combine macaroni, chicken, carrots, turkey ham, eggs, crushed pineapple including packing juice, cheese, sweet pickle relish, raisins, onions, mayonnaise, and sweetened condensed milk. Gently stir together until evenly distributed.
- Step: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for about 1 hour to cool completely and to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Do not overcook the macaroni to ensure it holds up. Poach the chicken gently to keep it moist. Blanch the carrots and shock them in ice water for vibrant color. The condensed milk is essential for the signature creaminess and sweetness. Ensure all ingredients are completely cool before mixing for food safety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 812 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 149 mg
Keywords: Filipino-style Macaroni Salad, chicken macaroni salad, tropical pasta salad, party side dish