Description
A refreshing and creamy Macaroni Fruit Salad combining tender macaroni noodles with juicy grapes, crisp celery, pineapple tidbits, and diced apples, all tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing with a hint of cider vinegar and sugar. This colorful salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Salad
- 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, chopped 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
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- To prevent apple pieces from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding.
- For a nut-free version, omit the slivered almonds or substitute with seeds.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Adjust sugar and salt in the dressing to taste.
