Description
This refreshing and creamy Macaroni Fruit Salad combines tender macaroni noodles, juicy fruits, crunchy almonds, and savory chicken all tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet mayo dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light main course, and can easily be customized with your favorite fruits.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dressing
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- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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Salad
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- 1 cup macaroni noodles, uncooked
- 1 pound cooked chicken, chopped (or rotisserie chicken)
- 2 Tablespoons onions, grated
- 2 cups grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits (or fresh chopped pineapple)
- 1 large red apple, diced
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled macaroni noodles, chicken, grated onions, halved grapes, chopped celery, pineapple tidbits, diced apple, and slivered almonds.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Stir before serving and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or replace it with chickpeas.
- Use your choice of sweet or tart apples for different flavor profiles.
- The salad can be made a day ahead; just stir before serving for best texture.
- Swap slivered almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
- For added freshness, add chopped herbs like parsley or mint before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
