Go Back
Filipino Sweet Macaroni Salad

Filipino Sweet Macaroni Salad to Try Right Now

This Filipino sweet macaroni salad is super popular for gatherings and during the holidays! Very easy to make and is the perfect side to the main dish! Sweet, creamy, with a rich flavor different than the traditional macaroni salad recipe!
Total Time:2 hours
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: filipino sweet macaroni salad
Servings: 10

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken breast
  • 1 pound ditalini pasta
  • 6 diced celery stalks
  • 20 ounces pineapple tidbits strained
  • 2 carrots peeled
  • cup diced medium cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup sweet relish
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 30 ounces real mayonnaise Light mayo can be used
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 cups water
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the ditalini pasta according to the instructions.
  • In a medium size sauce pan, put the chicken breast, garlic, water, salt and pepper to taste. Cover and boil over medium heat for 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked. Note: The water can be adjusted depending on size of pan. Ensure the chicken breast is submerged in the water. During the last 5-7 minutes of the chicken cooking, add the carrots to the sauce pan.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken to a large bowl where all the ingredients can be mixed. Shred the chicken while hot using two forks. Remove the carrots from the sauce pan and dice.
  • After the ditalini pasta is cooked, add the strained pasta to the large bowl with the chicken. Let the pasta and shredded chicken cool for 15 minutes.
  • Add the diced celery stalks, diced carrots, diced medium cheddar cheese, strained pineapple tidbits, sweet relish, sweetened condensed milk, and mayonnaise to the large bowl with the chicken and pasta. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Allow the macaroni salad to set in the refrigerator at a minimum of 2 hours to overnight for optimal flavor. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. If pineapple tidbits cannot be found, pineapple chunks can be used.
  2. The sweetened condensed milk and mayonnaise can be adjusted according to preference. The measurements provided yield a very creamy mixture, but can be lighter.
  3. I had my Filipino sweet macaroni salad set overnight for the best results.
  4. Don’t throw away the leftover chicken juice from the pot! The chicken juice can be saved to be used on rice or to flavor vegetables. See Sam’s Pro Tips for this Filipino Sweet Macaroni Salad for further discussion.