Make your celebrations extra special with this Filipino Macaroni Salad with Ham. It’s perfect for Christmas, New Year, fiestas, potlucks, and birthdays! This classic Filipino dish shines in every home for a good reason. It blends tender elbow macaroni, juicy ham, sweet fruits, and a rich, creamy dressing. It always hits the spot!
Why Our Filipino Macaroni Salad with Ham Is a Crowd-Pleaser
Our recipe highlights fresh ingredients. It balances flavors, ensuring it’s not too sweet or tangy. We aim for the perfect consistency. This is not any salad. It’s a standout dish that will shine and earn lots of compliments.
Ingredient For Filipino Macaroni Salad
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to go. This way, you can just throw everything together and get the maximum freshness out of your salad.
The Main Ingredients
- 500g elbow macaroni. Cook it till its just about done – you don’t want it too hard or too soft !
- 2 cups of good quality ham, cubed up
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, diced
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits, with the excess liquid drained off
- 1 cup of fruit cocktail – again, drain off the excess liquid
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional, but a classic in a Filipino macaroni salad)
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped and blanched to keep them nice and crunchy
- 1 cup of mayonnaise (get the good stuff – Filipino-style is the best)
- 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose cream or whipping cream (either one will do)
- 1 tbsp sugar (taste it and add more if you think it needs it)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
How to Give It an Extra Kick
- 3 boiled eggs, chopped up
- A bit of sweet pickle relish
- Some finely chopped red bell pepper
- A handful of green peas
Step-by-Step Instructions to Get it Just Right
1. Cooking the Macaroni to Perfection
Boil your pasta in some salted water till it’s just al dente. Then drain it and let it cool completely – you don’t want it all soggy and messy.
2. Getting All Your Ingredients Ready
Chop your ham and cheese into even pieces. Drain excess liquid from your canned fruits. Blanch your carrots to keep them crunchy.
3. Making the Magic Happen – The Creamy Dressing
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweetened condensed milk
- All-purpose cream or whipping cream
- Salt and pepper This is the secret to getting that signature sweet-savory Filipino flavour.
4. Bringing it All Together
In a big bowl in the fridge (yes – the fridge!):
- Toss your macaroni with the dressing.
- Add in your ham, cheese, pineapple, fruit cocktail, carrots and raisins.
- Give it all a good stir until it’s fully coated.
5. Chill Out (Literally)
Pop it in the fridge for at least 3 hours – and overnight is even better. This is the best way to get that perfect texture and get all the flavours working together in harmony.
Serving Suggestions
| Occasion | Serving Tip |
| Christmas & New Year | Pair with roasted chicken or holiday ham |
| Fiests & Birthdays | Serve alongside Filipino spaghetti |
| Everyday Snack | Enjoy chilled with crackers |
A garnish of grated cheese or diced red cherries makes this dish vibrant and ready for any party.
Storage and Safety Tips
- Keep refrigerated at all times.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 to 5 days for best taste and freshness.
- Never leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours especially during hot weather.
Nutrition Highlights
Filipino Macaroni Salad has:
- Protein from ham and cheese
- Carbohydrates for energy.
- Vitamins from fruits and vegetables.
- It’s a treat in moderation.
Filipino Macaroni Salad Variations
| Version | Key Substitutions | Flavor Profile |
| Chicken Macaroni Salad | Replace ham with shredded chicken breast | Slightly lighter with savory notes |
| Budget-friendly Salad | Use luncheon meat instead of ham | Softer texture, more affordable |
| Healthier Option | Greek yogurt instead of all mayo | Less sweet, tangier taste |
| No Fruit Cocktail | Pineapple only | More savory-forward |
Expert Tips for Restaurant-Qualtiy Macaroni Salad
- Drain fruits thoroughly to avoid watery dressing.
- Use high-quality mayonnaise for best texture.
- Chill mixing bowl and utensils for a fresher salad.
- Add cheese last to prevent melting during mixing.
- Taste and adjust sweetness according to preference.
Conclusion
We’re excited to share our Filipino Macaroni Salad with Ham. It respects tradition and enhances both flavor and texture. This recipe is a delicious, creamy and unforgettable dish for your next gathering. Prepared with love and served chilled, it’s every Filipino’s comfort food.
Bring this classic salad to your table—and watch it disappear fast. 🍽️✨
How to Make Filipino Macaroni Salad with Ham
Make your celebrations extra special with this Filipino Macaroni Salad with Ham. It's perfect for Christmas, New Year, fiestas, potlucks, and birthdays! This classic Filipino dish shines in every home for a good reason.
📝 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Extra Kick
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni.
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Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it’s just right—not mushy, not firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the dressing.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, condensed milk, cream, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Give it a taste—add more sweetness if you like.
3. Combine everything.
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In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, ham, cheese, pineapple, fruit cocktail, carrots, and raisins. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold everything together.
4. Add the extras.
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If you’re using eggs, relish, bell pepper, or peas, toss them in now. They add color and flavor that make the salad even better.
5. Chill before serving.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors settle and makes the salad taste even creamier.
Note
❤️ Kitchen Notes & Tips
- Use cold macaroni—warm pasta absorbs too much sauce.
- Filipino-style mayo has a sweeter flavor that matches this recipe perfectly.
- This salad tastes even better the next day. Perfect for prepping ahead of parties.
- If you prefer a lighter version, cut the condensed milk in half.
