Sweet and Refreshing Fruit Macaroni Salad
Easy and Popular Macaroni Salad Recipe
Introducing a creamy, sweet, and delightful macaroni salad that the whole family will love! Fresh fruits and vegetables add a refreshing zest, making it a wonderful side dish. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand. One cup refers to a standard Korean paper cup (approximately 200ml). Add a touch of joy to your everyday meals or special occasions!
Main Ingredients- 2 cups Macaroni (standard paper cup measure)
- 1/2 Korean Melon (Chamoe)
- 1/4 Carrot
- 1/3 Cucumber
- 1/2 Red Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cook the macaroni. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the macaroni and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, continue to cook for about 10 minutes. To check for doneness, carefully remove a piece of macaroni, let it cool slightly, and cut it in half. Once cooked, rinse the macaroni under cold running water to cool it down, then drain thoroughly in a colander. (Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking, and add more water if it evaporates too much.)
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables and fruit for the salad. You’ll need 1/4 carrot, 1/3 cucumber, 1/2 red onion, and 1/2 Korean melon. For the Korean melon and cucumber, remove the seedy inner part and use the peel as well. Dice all the prepared ingredients into small, uniform cubes, similar in size to the macaroni, for a visually appealing salad.
Step 3
Remove excess moisture from the prepared vegetables and fruit. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery and to ensure the dressing adheres well.
Step 4
Combine all ingredients and mix the dressing. In a large bowl, add the drained macaroni along with the diced vegetables and fruit. Pour in 2 cups of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of mustard sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Gently toss everything together until the macaroni, vegetables, and fruit are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more sugar or salt if desired.
Step 5
The finished macaroni salad is delicious right away, but it’s even better when chilled. Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate before serving. Stored properly, it can be enjoyed for 2-3 days. For an extra touch, consider adding bell peppers or hard-boiled eggs.