Growing up, one of the dishes that I looked forward to enjoying at Christmas was the Filipino-style macaroni salad that my Mom made. It was one of her most favorite dishes to prepare. I actually remember watching her preparing it at the dining table.
I always remember only having it at Christmas when I was little, but as an adult, we always had it during parties too.
Last Christmas, I had this craving for it so I gathered all the ingredients and made it and I was such a happy camper.
It is so easy to prepare with few ingredients. There was a time too that my Mom added chicken to it, but I prefer the one without the chicken.
Here’s the recipe for you to try, if you like.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. uncooked macaroni
- 14 oz. canned pineapple, crushed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 cup raisins
- 1-1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
- Cook macaroni as per package instructions. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add all the ingredients to the bowl and stir until all the ingredients are mixed well.
- Refrigerate for an hour before serving. Enjoy!
There was a time that I actually helped my Mom cut the cheese into cubes. She would always just buy a block of cheese then cut it into cubes. I didn’t have to do it here because I can buy cubed.
Both my husband and son don’t like raisins so they were very dismayed when they saw the raisins… LOL! I don’t know exactly why they don’t like them. I like raisins a lot.
I am planning to make this Filipino-style macaroni salad again next month for our anniversary or perhaps for Hubby’s birthday. I may not add the raisins for his sake. Hehe.
How about you? Do you like macaroni salad? How do you prepare it?
That macaroni salad looks so good and a sweet and savory treat. I will try and make this and test it out before i make it for a party.
This looks so amazing! I will have to make it for sure. I love macaroni salad.
were big macaroni salad fans but i never thought to try it filipino style! def going to make this for a few friends coming this weekend!
That looks like a really delicious recipe idea! Filipino food is really underrated if you ask me.
I’m not really a fan of traditional macaroni salad, but this might be a version that I would like more.
This pasta salad looks so creamy and delicious. Though, I’d side with your hubby and leave the raisins out. I might add in celery if I wanted a bit of a crunchy texture to go along with it, but I’m sure it’s tasty as is!
Some people actually add carrot too. But I think adding celery would be a great idea too. And yes, it sure is tasty. 🙂
Yum! This macaroni salad looks amazing. I’ll have to give it a try. I love that I can buy cube cheese.
I love family recipes that bring back so many happy memories! This sounds like a delightful dish, especially with the sweet pineapple.
This is a macaroni salad I would love to make. Very unique, and I’m sure my friends and family would like it.
That looks so yummy and creamy! My kids love Filipino food, especially the eggrolls 🙂
I love a good macaroni salad recipe and there’s so much that we can try. This looks good and there’s nothing like making a recipe that reminds you of home.
I have to admit I love a good macaroni salad and this one sounds absolutely delicious! I will have to see if I can grab everything to make this and try it for myself.
I always like to have a go-to salad for the summer, and this one looks like it would be a winner at all those summer picnics and BBQs. Can’t wait to give it a try.
This macaroni salad looks super yum! I’d love to give it a try! Thanks for sharing the recipe with us!
You’re welcome, Ana! 😊