Macaroni Fruit Salad – A Sweet & Creamy Light Delight

This Macaroni Fruit Salad is a refreshingly creamy twist on traditional pasta salad—blending sweet fruits, tender macaroni, and a light, tangy dressing into a uniquely satisfying dish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a guilt-free side or snack, this chilled salad brings tropical vibes to your plate while keeping things light and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Meets Savory – A balance of juicy fruits and tender pasta.
Cool & Creamy – A chilled, refreshing dish for warm weather or year-round snacking.
Lightened Up – Made with smart swaps to keep it easy on calories.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – A hit at gatherings and family tables alike.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry elbow macaroni
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned in juice, drained)
• 1 cup mandarin oranges (canned in juice, drained)
• 1 small apple, diced
• ½ cup seedless grapes, halved
• ¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise
• ¼ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1–2 tsp honey or low-calorie sweetener, to taste
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.

2. Prep the Fruit
While the pasta cools, drain the canned fruits and chop fresh fruits if needed. Pat fruit dry with paper towels to reduce extra moisture.

3. Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey (or sweetener), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

4. Combine Everything
In a large bowl, gently mix the cooled macaroni with all the fruits. Pour the dressing over the top and stir gently to coat everything evenly.

5. Chill & Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving. Stir gently before plating.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 160
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 4g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g
(A refreshing option that fits well into a balanced eating plan.)

Tips for Success

• Choose Your Sweetener: Adjust sweetness to taste with honey, agave, or a no-calorie sweetener.
• Pasta Pro Tip: Don’t overcook—slightly firm pasta holds up better in the salad.
• Add Crunch: Sprinkle in a tablespoon of chopped walnuts or shredded coconut for texture.
• Fruit Swaps: Use strawberries, blueberries, or even peaches depending on the season.

Why This Recipe Works

This fruity macaroni salad is both comforting and refreshing, offering a burst of tropical flavor without being overly heavy or rich. The yogurt-mayo dressing gives it that creamy texture you crave while staying light enough to enjoy any day of the week.

Macaroni Fruit Salad is a cheerful, colorful addition to any table—and one you can feel good about enjoying. With just the right balance of creaminess, sweetness, and tang, this dish is a go-to for potlucks, picnics, or simply treating yourself to a fresh and fun side that satisfies without the guilt.