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  • Creamy Chicken and Ham Macaroni Salad



    This Filipino macaroni salad has both chicken and ham for double the protein and flavor. The all purpose cream makes it extra rich and creamy. Sweet pineapple, crunchy vegetables, and melted cheese throughout. This is what I make for Christmas and big family gatherings.

    By: Vanjo Merano Leave a Comment Published: 12/19/25

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    I make this Creamy Chicken and Ham Macaroni Salad every Christmas, and it has become one of those dishes people immediately recognize once it hits the table. This version is richer than most macaroni salads because I use mayonnaise together with all purpose cream. The cream gives the salad a smooth, silky texture, and people almost always comment on how creamy it is.

     

    Unlike other macaroni salad recipes that rely on a single protein, this Creamy Chicken and Ham Macaroni Salad uses both chicken and ham. I learned early on that dishes with more substance perform better, both at parties and in real food service settings.

    Sweet pineapple and raisins balance the savory chicken and ham, while carrots and bell peppers add crunch. I dice everything small so each bite has a little bit of everything.

    What Is Creamy Chicken and Ham Macaroni Salad

    Creamy Chicken and Ham Macaroni Salad is a Filipino style pasta salad made with elbow macaroni, diced chicken breast, ham, fruits, vegetables, and a rich dressing made from mayonnaise and all purpose cream. Filipino macaroni salad is known for being sweeter and creamier than Western versions, often appearing during holidays, birthdays, and large gatherings.

    This version keeps the sweetness balanced by relying on pineapple and raisins rather than heavy condensed milk. The addition of both chicken and ham makes the dish filling enough to serve as more than just a side.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Two proteins add substance
      Chicken provides mild flavor that absorbs the dressing well, while ham adds saltiness and depth. This is what makes Creamy Chicken and Ham Macaroni Salad filling enough for parties and potlucks.
    • Mayonnaise and all purpose cream create better texture
      Mayonnaise alone can feel heavy. The cream lightens the texture while keeping it rich and smooth.
    • Sweet and savory are properly balanced
      Pineapple and raisins bring sweetness, while cheese, chicken, and ham ground the dish with savory notes.
    • Uniform small cuts improve every bite
      Dicing everything evenly ensures consistent flavor and texture from start to finish.

    Ingredients You Need

    creamy chicken and ham macaroni salad ingredientscreamy chicken and ham macaroni salad ingredients

    For the salad

    • Boneless chicken breast – lean protein that blends smoothly with the dressing
    • Elbow macaroni – classic pasta shape that holds creamy sauce well
    • Ham – salty and smoky contrast to sweet ingredients
    • Nestlé All Purpose Cream – key to the silky creamy texture
    • Pineapple tidbits – sweet and slightly tangy balance
    • Green bell pepper – fresh crunch
    • Carrots – color, sweetness, and texture
    • Red onion – mild sharpness
    • Raisins – bursts of sweetness
    • Sweet pickle relish – tangy sweetness that cuts richness
    • Pimiento – color and mild flavor
    • Cheddar cheese – savory depth

    For the dressing

    • Mayonnaise – base of the dressing
    • Onion powder – savory background flavor
    • Garlic powder – mild aromatic depth
    • Salt – essential seasoning
    • Ground black pepper – subtle heat

    How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Ham Macaroni Salad

    1. Cook the macaroni
      Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil with salt. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and allow to cool.
    2. Cook the chicken
      Boil the chicken breast in fresh water until fully cooked. Let it cool slightly before dicing into small cubes.
    3. Season the pasta
      Combine cooled macaroni with mayonnaise, salt, and ground black pepper. Fold gently until coated.
    4. Add the proteins and mix ins
      Add chicken, ham, pineapple, bell pepper, carrots, red onion, raisins, sweet pickle relish, pimiento, onion powder, and garlic powder. Fold carefully.
    5. Add the cream and cheese
      Pour in Nestlé All Purpose Cream and add grated cheddar cheese. Fold until evenly creamy.
    6. Chill the salad
      Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for best results.
    7. Serve cold
      Transfer to a serving bowl and add extra cheese if desired.

    Tips in Cooking

    • Cook macaroni just until firm to prevent mushy texture
    • Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture
    • Fold gently to preserve structure
    • Allow time for chilling so flavors fully develop
    • Add a small splash of cream if the salad thickens after refrigeration
    Pinoy Macaroni SaladPinoy Macaroni Salad

    Best Ways to Enjoy

    Serve this Creamy Chicken and Ham Macaroni Salad cold alongside hot and crispy dishes. The contrast in temperature and texture makes it especially satisfying at parties and family gatherings.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Use heavy cream or half and half if all purpose cream is unavailable
    • Replace ham with leftover holiday ham or spam
    • Add condensed milk for a sweeter Filipino style version
    • Fold in chopped hard boiled eggs for additional protein
    • Swap bell peppers with celery for a milder crunch

    Storage and Leftovers

    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days
    • Add cream or mayonnaise if the salad looks dry
    • Do not freeze as the dressing will separate
    creamy chicken and ham macaroni saladcreamy chicken and ham macaroni salad

    What to Have with It

    • Pancit – A savory noodle dish that balances the creaminess of the salad
    • Chicken Lumpia – Crispy rolls that add texture contrast
    • Embutido – A hearty sliced meat dish that completes a party spread

    Common Problems and How to Fix Them

    The salad looks dry after sitting in the fridge overnight. Is it ruined?

    No, this is normal. The macaroni absorbs the dressing. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of Nestlé cream or mayo and fold it in gently. Keep adding a little at a time until it looks creamy again. I always keep extra cream on hand for this reason.

    I don’t have Nestlé cream. What can I use instead?

    Use heavy cream or table cream. Same amount, 250 ml. Heavy cream works best because it’s thick. Don’t use evaporated milk or regular milk. They’re too thin. If you only have sour cream, use half sour cream and half mayo, but the taste will be tangier.

    How do I keep this cold at an outdoor party?

    Serve it in a bowl set inside a larger bowl filled with ice. Replace the ice every hour. Or keep the main batch in a cooler and only put out half at a time. Refill the serving bowl from the cooler. Macaroni salad with meat can’t sit out more than 2 hours in warm weather.

    Can I prep the ingredients ahead and mix everything later?

    Yes. Cook the chicken and macaroni up to 2 days ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. Dice all the vegetables and store in containers. Mix everything together 3 to 4 hours before serving. This works well when you’re busy the day of the party.

    The cheese isn’t melting into the salad. What happened?

    You used pre-shredded cheese. It has anti-caking powder that stops it from melting. Buy a block of cheddar and grate it yourself. Also make sure the macaroni is still slightly warm when you add the cheese. If everything is cold from the fridge, the cheese won’t soften.

    This is the Creamy Chicken and Ham Macaroni Salad I bring to potlucks because people always ask for the recipe. The use of all purpose cream makes it stand out, while the balance of flavors keeps it from feeling heavy.

    Try this recipe and let me know your thoughts.

    Easy Chicken Macaroni Salad RecipeEasy Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe

    Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!

    Creamiest chicken macaroni saladCreamiest chicken macaroni salad

    Creamy Chicken and Ham Macaroni Salad

    Creamy Filipino style macaroni salad made with chicken, ham, fruits, vegetables, and a rich mayonnaise and cream dressing.

    Prep: 25 minutes

    Cook: 20 minutes

    Chilling Time: 1 hour

    Total: 1 hour 45 minutes

    Equipment

    • Large pot For boiling macaroni and chicken

    • Large mixing bowl For combining all ingredients

    • Colander For draining macaroni and pineapple

    • Large spoon or spatula For folding ingredients gently

    Instructions

    • Cook the macaroni – Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a cooking pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      1 pound elbow macaroni, 3 teaspoons salt, 2 quarts water

    • Cook the chicken – Using the same pot, boil the chicken breast in fresh water for about 12 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then dice into small cubes. Discard the water.

      2 pounds boneless chicken breast

    • Mix the base – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons salt, and ground black pepper. Gently fold until the macaroni is evenly coated.

      1 cup mayonnaise, 3 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

    • Add proteins and vegetables – Add the diced chicken, ham, pineapple tidbits, bell pepper, carrots, red onion, raisins, sweet pickle relish, pimiento, onion powder, and garlic powder. Fold until all ingredients are well distributed.

      6 ounces ham, 12 ounces pineapple tidbits, 1 piece green bell pepper, 2 pieces medium carrots, 1 piece medium red onion, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, 4 ounces pimiento, 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

    • Add cream and cheese – Pour in the Nestlé All Purpose Cream and add the grated cheddar cheese. Continue folding until the salad becomes creamy and well blended.

      250 ml Nestlé All Purpose Cream, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese

    • Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.

    • Serve – Transfer to a serving bowl before serving.

    • Share and enjoy!

    Notes

    Draining the pineapple: Put the pineapple tidbits in a strainer and let sit for 5 minutes. Press down gently to remove excess juice. Watery pineapple makes the salad soupy. Dicing tip: Cut all ingredients to about half-inch cubes for even distribution. This gives you a good mix in every spoonful. Folding technique: Use a folding motion instead of stirring to keep the macaroni and vegetables from breaking apart. Fold from the bottom up with a large spoon or spatula. Make-ahead: This tastes better the next day after the flavors have time to blend. Make it 1 to 2 days before your party for best results. Chicken temperature: Let the boiled chicken cool for about 10 minutes before dicing. Room temperature chicken mixes better with the cream than cold or hot chicken. Cheese tip: Grate cheese fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has coating that prevents smooth melting. Add extra grated cheese on top before serving for presentation. Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If the salad looks dry after a day, add a splash of cream or mayo and mix well. Food safety: Keep cold at all times. If bringing to a potluck, transport in a cooler with ice packs. Don’t leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 648kcal (32%) Carbohydrates: 51g (17%) Protein: 33g (66%) Fat: 35g (54%) Saturated Fat: 12g (60%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g Monounsaturated Fat: 9g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 115mg (38%) Sodium: 1277mg (53%) Potassium: 694mg (20%) Fiber: 3g (12%) Sugar: 10g (11%) Vitamin A: 968IU (19%) Vitamin C: 27mg (33%) Calcium: 114mg (11%) Iron: 2mg (11%)

    © copyright: Vanjo Merano

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    Vanjo Merano
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  • Mahjong Master Jennie Jethwani Brings the Game to L.A.’s Elite

    Jennie Jethwani is at the center of the clacking culture of mahjong, which is having a huge moment in Los Angeles

    Jennie Jethwani teaches the wildly popular game mahjong at ultra-trendy spots all over Los Angeles
    Credit: Courtesy of Jennie Jethwani

    Mahjong —yes, mahjong— is enjoying a modern resurgence, bringing traditions new and old to not just to kitchen and living rooms all over Los Angeles, but to some of the city’s toniest social clubs.

    Jennie Jethwani is a mahjong master and is taking her teaching skills to people’s homes and places like the Soho House and Club Joyful in Venice, where she will be teaching next month in a mahjong and mingle event (tickets are still available). The game’s profile is surging and not just with older Asians; it was featured in the 2018 romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians, which featured a pivotal mahjong scene. “Mahjong is having a moment with everyone,” Jethwani said. “It’s a fantastic people connector, and I am seeing rising interest in the game among millennials and Gen Z who love the strategy.”

    The game became wildly popular in China in the late 1800s, but in the centuries since, it has traveled the world. But this year, the U.S. has become mahjong-crazed, especially in Los Angeles, said Jethwani, who learned the game during the pandemic as a way to stay connected online with family all over the world. She wasn’t the only one. TikTok became inundated with videos of heated clacking tile games, and Jethwani was sought after for mahjong nights all over the place. “The scene started to get crazy, and now mahjong is everywhere,” she said.

    There are Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Filipino, and American Jewish styles of the game; there are 13-tile and 16-tile versions; and every household has its own system regarding points and scoring. Better yet, the sets themselves are gorgeous, collectibles doubling as objets d’art for collectors.

    “It’s a great way to make new friends and show people the benefits of playing on their brain health. I always loved teaching dance and naturally transitioned to teaching mahjong when I was asked to by Soho House,” Jethwani says. Now her business has exploded with requests for private events and one-on-one lessons.

    Michele McPhee

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