Description
A refreshing and creamy macaroni fruit salad combining tender noodles with juicy grapes, crisp celery, pineapple, apples, and tender chicken, all tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing with a hint of cider vinegar and sweetness. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light, satisfying meal.
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. 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 a quicker preparation or leftover cooked chicken.
- Rinsing the cooked macaroni with cold water stops cooking and cools the noodles for the salad.
- Adjust sugar based on sweetness preference and type of pineapple used.
- Chilling for longer than an hour enhances flavor melding.
- For a nut-free version, omit the slivered almonds or substitute with sunflower seeds.
