Creamy Macaroni Fruit Salad with a wonderful sweet, creamy, tangy crunch and combination of flavors perfect for a potluck meal or easy side dish!
I’m ready to let go of the super hot summer days we’ve been having, but I’m definitely not ready to let go of summer pasta salads! Side dishes like this Macaroni Fruit Salad still accompany almost all of our dinners lately–they’re easy to make and go with everything! It’s also a great recipe for parties or bridal/baby showers.
This Macaroni Fruit Salad is creamy, fresh and delicious and a family favorite from my Grandma’s recipe box. I love that it’s a little different than your typical summer pasta salad recipes. I love the crunch from the apples and celery and the sweet flavor from the grapes and pineapple.
The chicken and noodles make it the perfect hearty meal or side salad. The sauce is similar to a cole-slaw type dressing. It’s creamy and sweet with a hint of tangy-ness.
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for more great recipes!
Macaroni Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup macaroni noodles , uncooked
- 1 pound cooked chicken , chopped (or use 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 macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In a small bowl mix together mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl add remaining ingredients, including cooked macaroni noodles.
- Pour sauce over top and toss to combine. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?!
RATE and COMMENT below! I would love to hear your experience.
Liz says
I love this recipe!
Laura says
It came out really tasty. Kids loved it. Easy, quick and nice way to give fruits to kids. A must for kids party in my home.
Lauren Allen says
Thanks Laura, I’m so happy you liked it!
Lisa says
This salad is delicious! My kids and husband enjoyed taking the leftovers in their lunches the next day. I will definitely make this salad again. It would be a great dish to take to a summer potluck.
Lauren Allen says
Thanks Lisa, I’m so happy your family enjoyed it!
Dianna says
Lauren, I have become a huge fan of you and your wonderful recipes! I made this macaroni fruit salad last week and my husband and I both really enjoyed it. I shared some with a friend and they enjoyed it as well. I actually posted it on my blog today…giving full credit and links back to you.
Lauren Allen says
Thank you so much Dianna–I’m glad you found me! Thanks for making and sharing 🙂
Debbie Lucas says
Hello Lauren, do u have a cookbook with these recipes in it, that we can purchase? Can u email and let me know. I am not very good with my computer it takes me forever to write down. Let me know ! Thanks Debbie Lucas
Lauren Allen says
I wish I did, but I don’t! At the top of each post, and inside each recipe card is a “print” button, if that helps! Thanks for following along and for your support.
CAROL says
I think I could probably just live on this. Pasta,protein,fruit what else do we need? Very, VERY good!!! thanks for the recipe.
Sana says
Is it necessary to add the onions grated?? Does it taste good with Onions uncooked???
Lauren Allen says
I’m sure that would still be yummy, or you can leave them out!