Sweet, creamy, and bursting with color, the Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe is a classic Filipino party staple that brings joy to every bite. With its delightful combination of chewy macaroni, crisp apples, juicy fruit cocktail, and pillowy marshmallows, this salad is the ultimate treat for all ages. The magic truly happens when the rich, silky dressing of condensed milk and mayonnaise (or cream) ties everything together, creating a dish that’s equal parts dessert and side—perfect for celebrations or simply as a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Salad:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup fruit cocktail (drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits (drained)
- 1/2 cup diced apples
- 1/4 cup seedless grapes (halved)
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or all-purpose cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How to Make Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Macaroni
Start by boiling your elbow macaroni according to the package directions until just al dente—you want a little bite, not mushiness. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse thoroughly under cold water. This simple step instantly cools the pasta and removes extra starch, keeping your Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe perfectly fresh and not sticky.
Step 2: Prep and Combine the Fruits
While the pasta cools, gather your drained fruit cocktail, pineapple tidbits, diced apples, grapes, and mini marshmallows. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss everything together. This colorful medley sets the stage for the flavors and fun textures the dish is famous for!
Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the condensed milk, mayonnaise (or all-purpose cream), lemon juice, and sugar if you prefer a sweeter touch. Whisk until perfectly smooth and luscious. The lemon juice not only adds brightness but also preserves the fruit’s color, ensuring your Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Step 4: Combine and Toss Everything Together
Pour the dreamy dressing over the pasta and fruit mixture. Gently toss everything with a spatula or large spoon until each piece is well coated but not mushy. Take your time here—a gentle hand ensures all those delicate fruits and marshmallows retain their shape.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This crucial chilling time melds all those flavors and makes the salad refreshingly cool—a must for the authentic Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe experience.
How to Serve Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top your salad with a handful of extra mini marshmallows, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a few more fresh grapes just before serving. A little fresh mint adds a gorgeous pop of green and a hint of herbal flair, turning your bowl into a true table centerpiece.
Side Dishes
This salad shines beside other Filipino favorites like barbecue skewers, fried chicken, or a hearty spaghetti. It’s also awesome on its own as a light dessert or a sweet side for picnics and potlucks. The Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe is so versatile, it belongs at breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving in individual cups for a party-ready look, or layer in a clear trifle dish for a dazzling show of colors. For something extra special, use hollowed-out pineapples as natural bowls—your guests will love the surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually become deeper as they chill together, but don’t leave it out too long to avoid soggy pasta or overly soft fruit.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended since the creamy dressing and fruits can separate or change texture when thawed. If you must freeze, do so without the dressing and add it fresh after thawing—but for best results, enjoy it fresh from the fridge!
Reheating
This dish is best served chilled, not warm. Simply give the salad a gentle stir if it’s been sitting for a while, and serve it straight from the refrigerator—no reheating needed!
FAQs
Can I use pasta shapes other than elbows?
Absolutely! Small shells or ditalini work well, just keep the size bite-friendly so the salad holds together nicely.
What fruits can I substitute or add?
Feel free to swap in diced pears, peaches, or mandarin oranges. You can also add fresh mango or strawberries for extra flair.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut cream for the cream or mayonnaise, and use a dairy-free condensed milk to keep things lusciously creamy without the dairy.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
Simply add or reduce the condensed milk and sugar to your taste. Some prefer it extra sweet, while others like more natural fruit flavor to shine through.
Can I make this Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe a day ahead?
Definitely! Making it a day in advance actually enhances the flavors and ensures everything is perfectly chilled and melded.
Final Thoughts
If you love fun, creamy, and fruity dishes, don’t miss out on making this Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe at your next gathering! It’s a guaranteed hit that stirs up nostalgia and sparks new memories with every colorful spoonful. Dive in, get creative with your favorite fruits, and let this sunny salad bring smiles and excitement to your table!
Print
Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling)
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and creamy Filipino-style Macaroni Fruit Salad that combines sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. This refreshing salad is perfect for potlucks, parties, or as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup fruit cocktail (drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits (drained)
- 1/2 cup diced apples
- 1/4 cup seedless grapes (halved)
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or all-purpose cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let it cool.
- Prepare the Salad: In a bowl, combine macaroni, fruit cocktail, pineapple, apples, grapes, and marshmallows.
- Make the Dressing: Mix condensed milk, mayonnaise or cream, lemon juice, and sugar in a separate bowl.
- Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust sweetness by varying the amount of condensed milk.
- Substitute all-purpose cream for a lighter taste.
- Add nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture.
- Best served cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
