Description
Macaroni Fruit Salad is a creamy, sweet Filipino-style salad combining tender elbow macaroni with a medley of fruit cocktail, pineapple tidbits, grapes, and mini marshmallows, all dressed in a luscious mixture of sweetened condensed milk and mayonnaise or cream. This delightful salad is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or as a refreshing dessert that offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup fruit cocktail, drained
- 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Dressing
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or all-purpose cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Optional Garnishes and Additions
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked and cooled elbow macaroni, drained fruit cocktail, pineapple tidbits, halved seedless grapes, and mini marshmallows. Mix gently to combine these sweet and tender components.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and mayonnaise or all-purpose cream until the mixture is smooth and well blended. If you prefer a sweeter salad, stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Mix Dressing with Salad: Pour the dressing over the macaroni and fruit mixture. If using, add shredded cheddar cheese at this point. Gently fold all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deliciously refreshing salad.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired for a festive touch and extra sweetness. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with all-purpose cream for a less tangy and more dessert-like flavor.
- This salad is best served chilled to fully enjoy its creamy texture and refreshing taste.
- This recipe is a popular potluck and holiday dish in Filipino cuisine, perfect for festive occasions.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, adjust or omit the sugar according to your taste.
- The cheddar cheese adds a slight savory contrast but can be omitted for a purely sweet salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook (except pasta boiling)
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
