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.

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

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

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.

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.

• 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

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

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.