Are you ready to explore a hearty and creamy dish? This chicken macaroni salad recipe might just be for you.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your pen or prepare your printer and let’s dive into this recipe now!
Why People Love Chicken Macaroni Salad
Chicken macaroni salad holds a special place in people’s hearts and kitchens for many reasons. For one, this dish combines tender chicken and macaroni with nutritious vegetables.
Second, this dish’s versatility makes it popular. You can serve chicken macaroni salad as a side dish, main course, or snack. It fits perfectly into any meal and occasion, making it a staple in many households.
Third, the dish lets you add personal touches to suit individual tastes. You can modify the recipe whether you prefer extra creamy, less sweet, or with added crunch.
Finally, despite its rich flavors, it’s remarkably easy to make. It doesn’t call for advanced knowledge of cooking terms. This ease, combined with its fantastic taste, makes chicken macaroni salad a beloved favorite worldwide.
Chicken Macaroni Salad Cooking Tips
Make the perfect chicken macaroni salad by following these tips:
1. Cook the pasta properly.
Overcooked pasta can make your salad mushy. Make sure to cook the macaroni until it is al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it.
2. Properly season the chicken.
The chicken serves as the star ingredient in this salad. So, season it well before cooking. Consider poaching it to keep it juicy and tender.
3. Chill your salad.
After mixing all the ingredients, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors come together. It also enhances the salad’s freshness.
4. Use high-quality mayonnaise.
The dressing can also make or break this dish. So, use the best mayonnaise you can find for a creamy, delicious dish.
5. Use fresh vegetables.
You must use fresh, crisp vegetables for this dish. Doing so ensures you get that refreshing crunch that contrasts deliciously with the tender chicken and soft macaroni.
6. Modify it according to your taste.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the dish to suit your taste. You can add extra sugar for sweetness, more vegetables for extra crunch, or more mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
What to Serve With Chicken Macaroni Salad
Chicken macaroni salad pairs well with many Filipino dishes. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply having a regular meal, here are some Filipino dishes you can serve with chicken macaroni salad:
Lechon
Perfectly pair lechon’s crispy skin and tender meat with the creamy and soft macaroni salad. So, if you plan to host a grand celebration, you better have these two on the table.
Pancit Canton
This hearty and savory stir-fried noodle dish balances the salad’s creaminess and tanginess. The vegetables from both dishes also make the salad more hearty.
Grilled Pork or Chicken
Filipino-style grilled chicken or pork features a smoky flavor that pairs well with the salad’s hearty and creamy profile.
Lumpia Shanghai
These Filipino-style spring rolls have a crunchy texture and flavorful meat filling that complements the soft, creamy macaroni salad.
Adobo
The vinegar-soy sauce marination of this iconic Filipino dish creates a rich, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the excellent and creamy macaroni salad.
Grilled Bangus (Milkfish)
This grilled fish, known for its delicious, tender meat, provides lighter contrast to the hearty, creamy dish.
Arroz Caldo
A comforting rice porridge usually mixed with ginger, garlic, and chicken, arroz caldo can be nicely balanced with refreshing macaroni salad.
Remember, the key to a great meal is balance, so choose dishes with flavors and textures that will complement the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet chicken macaroni salad. Enjoy your meal!
How to Store Chicken Macaroni Salad
Proper storage is key to keeping the dish’s freshness and flavor. Follow these tips to make sure your salad remains delicious for as long as possible:
1. Cool the dish before storing it.
Let the dish cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. Doing so prevents moisture from building up in the container, which can make the salad soggy.
2. Use an airtight container.
Put the chicken macaroni salad in an airtight container. Doing this keeps the dish fresh. It also prevents it from getting other flavors from your fridge. If you don’t have an airtight container, use a regular bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate the dish.
Store the dish in the refrigerator. It can last for three to five days when properly refrigerated.
4. Stir before serving.
After taking the salad out of the fridge, stir it before serving. Doing this will redistribute the dressing and any liquid that may have settled at the bottom.
5. Don’t freeze it.
Due to the mayonnaise and other dairy ingredients, we don’t recommend freezing the dish. The salad will become watery and lose its creamy texture when thawed.
Always check the salad before eating if it has been stored for a few days. If it smells weird or if you see any mold, throw it away.
Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe
Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 medium onion minced
- 1/2 cup drained pineapple tidbits optional
- 1 medium carrot finely chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cubed
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.2 cups elbow macaroni
- While the macaroni cools, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Combine the shredded chicken, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, chopped carrot, pineapple tidbits, cubed cheddar cheese, and raisins in a large mixing bowl.2 cups cooked chicken, 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish, 1 medium onion, 1/2 cup drained pineapple tidbits, 1 medium carrot, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup raisins
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Add mayonnaise to the bowl. Then, season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated in the mayonnaise.1 cup mayonnaise, salt and pepper
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to come together.
- After chilling, stir the salad well and add the seasoning if necessary. Serve it cold. Enjoy!
Cuisine: Filipino
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1 medium onion, minced
1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, drained (optional)
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. While the macaroni cools, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Combine the shredded chicken, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, chopped carrot, pineapple tidbits, cubed cheddar cheese, and raisins in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the other ingredients.
4. Add mayonnaise to the bowl. Then, season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated in the mayonnaise.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to come together.
6. After chilling, stir the salad well and add the seasoning if necessary. Serve it cold. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, sweet macaroni salad has all-purpose cream. However, chicken macaroni salad doesn’t contain all-purpose cream.
You can store chicken macaroni salad for three to five days in the fridge.
You can keep macaroni salad moist by cooking the pasta properly. If you don’t cook the pasta enough, it won’t grab the dressing and the salad will dry out. On the other hand, if you overcook the pasta, it will become soggy.
Conclusion
This dish combines simple, everyday ingredients to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Its hearty, creamy, and tangy profile makes it a beloved dish for many Filipinos. So get your cooking tools and equipment and make this dish now!
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