If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s equal parts nostalgic comfort and vibrant party fare, this Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to! A creamy, dreamy blend of sweet fruits, tender macaroni, and a rich, tangy dressing, this Filipino-inspired salad is beloved for its unique combination of flavors and textures. It’s delightfully easy to throw together and always brings a cheerful pop of color and a dash of playfulness to any gathering—whether it’s a family holiday, a summer potluck, or just a regular Tuesday that deserves something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe is in its simple ingredients—each one adds a burst of flavor, color, or a fun twist of texture that makes every bite interesting. By choosing quality, fresh ingredients, you’ll create a salad that truly sings!
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled: The mild, tender base that ties together all the creamy and fruity magic.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained: Adds tropical tanginess and juicy sweetness in every mouthful.
- 1 cup fruit cocktail, drained: Delivers a medley of flavors and pops of color that make each spoonful a surprise.
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained: Offers citrusy brightness and extra juiciness to balance the creamy dressing.
- 1/2 cup red or green grapes, halved: For fresh, crisp bursts of flavor (choose seedless for easy eating!).
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: The secret to that sweet, luscious, and distinctly Filipino flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Gives the salad its classic creamy richness, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds just the right touch of tanginess to keep things interesting.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Salty, creamy, and just a bit surprising—trust us and try it!
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows: For pillowy sweetness and that delightful chewy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Accentuates all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from taking over.
How to Make Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
Start by whisking together the sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, sour cream, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This combination is where all the magic begins, blending velvety sweetness with a touch of tang for that irresistible creamy-sweet flavor you’ll recognize in every bite of this Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe.
Step 2: Add the Macaroni
Once your dressing is smooth and dreamy, add in the cooked and completely cooled elbow macaroni. Folding in the macaroni now allows it to soak up some of that delicious dressing, giving it a rich flavor throughout. Be gentle: you want those pasta shapes to stay whole and tender!
Step 3: Fold in the Fruits, Cheese, and Marshmallows
Now comes the fun part! Add the drained pineapple, fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, halved grapes, mini marshmallows, and shredded cheddar (if you’re using it). Fold everything together with a light hand so the fruit retains its shape and the marshmallows don’t break down. You’ll see your salad transform into a bowl of sunshine with every turn of the spoon.
Step 4: Chill to Perfection
Once combined, cover your bowl and refrigerate the Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe for at least one hour. This chilling step not only cools the salad to just the right temperature, but also gives those flavors time to blend and mellow, creating a harmony between the sweet, creamy, and tangy elements.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, give your salad a gentle stir and transfer to your prettiest serving bowl. Watch the smiles spread as everyone digs in to this refreshingly unique and utterly delicious treat!
How to Serve Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe

Garnishes
If you want to make your Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe the star of the table, sprinkle the top with extra mini marshmallows, a handful of bright maraschino cherries, or a dusting of shredded coconut. A few chopped toasted nuts add a wonderful crunch and eye-catching finish for special occasions!
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with a spread of classic Filipino party foods—think crispy fried chicken, pancit, or even sweet ham. For backyard picnics, serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a refreshing salad bar. The sweet-and-savory flavor goes especially well with salty, smoky mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe into individual dessert cups for parties or serving it in a fun, hollowed-out pineapple for a tropical twist. For a playful kid-friendly version, let little hands sprinkle their toppings at the table—watch how creative they get!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. As the salad sits, the flavors continue to meld, but for best texture and freshness, try to enjoy it as soon as possible. Stir gently before serving to refresh the creamy dressing.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the creamy dressing and fruits can separate or become watery after thawing. If you do have extra, share the goodness with friends or enjoy another helping within a day or so—no freezer needed!
Reheating
This Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe is always served chilled, never heated! Simply spoon directly from the fridge and serve. If it’s been sitting out, pop it back in the fridge to keep it cold (and safe to eat).
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe a few hours ahead gives the flavors extra time to blend. Just be sure to keep it well-chilled until serving.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the mayo and sour cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives, use a coconut-based sweetened condensed milk, and skip the cheese or use vegan cheddar. The results are just as decadent and satisfying.
Can I use fresh fruits instead of canned?
Of course! Fresh pineapple, grapes, and even mango or apples can be delicious in this salad. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid very well, as too much juice can make the dressing watery.
Why do some versions include cheddar cheese?
The salty, creamy bite of cheddar cheese is a Filipino twist that adds depth and balances the sweetness. It might sound unusual, but give it a try—the flavor combination is surprisingly delightful!
What if my salad turns out too sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk, or add a little extra sour cream or mayonnaise for balance. You can also skip the mini marshmallows if you like your Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe on the less-sweet side.
Final Thoughts
This Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe always makes me smile, and I truly hope it becomes a cherished favorite for your family, too. Give it a whirl the next time you’re celebrating (or just want to brighten up the week) and get ready for happy faces all around. Enjoy every creamy, fruity spoonful!
Print
Macaroni Fruit Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and creamy Macaroni Fruit Salad that blends sweet fruits with pasta, dressed in a luscious mixture of sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a simple treat!
Ingredients
Macaroni Salad:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
Fruit Mix:
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup fruit cocktail, drained
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup red or green grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, sour cream, and salt until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni to the dressing, then gently fold in the fruits, mini marshmallows, and cheese if using. Mix until evenly combined.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve cold.
Notes
- You can use fresh fruits for a different twist.
- Enhance with chopped nuts or coconut for extra texture.
- Best consumed on the same day, but can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Filipino-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg