🇵🇭🍇 Filipino Macaroni Fruit Salad

Filipino Macaroni Fruit Salad is a beloved Filipino dessert made with tender elbow macaroni, sweet fruit cocktail, creamy condensed milk dressing, nata de coco, and cheese. It’s a chilled, festive dish commonly served during Christmas, birthdays, and family celebrations.

Prep Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Chill: 4 hours
• Total: About 4½ hours

Servings

8–10 servings

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Ingredients

Salad Base

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 can (30 oz / 850 g) fruit cocktail, drained
• 1 cup nata de coco (coconut jelly), drained
• 1 cup kaong (sugar palm fruit), drained
• 1 cup diced apples (optional)
• 1 cup shredded young coconut (optional)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Creamy Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup all-purpose cream or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cheese

• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the Macaroni

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Cook elbow macaroni until slightly firm (al dente).
3. Drain and rinse with cold water.
4. Let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Fruits

1. Drain fruit cocktail, nata de coco, and kaong well.
2. Pat gently with paper towels to remove excess liquid.

3. Make the Cream Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine:
   • Mayonnaise
   • Condensed milk
   • All-purpose cream
   • Vanilla extract
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add macaroni, fruits, coconut jelly, kaong, and cheese.
2. Fold gently until evenly coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

5. Serve

• Top with extra cheese or fruit pieces before serving.
• Serve chilled.

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Variations

🍍 Tropical Filipino Mac Salad

Add:

• Pineapple chunks
• Mango cubes
• Coconut strips

🍒 Extra Creamy Version

Add:

• More all-purpose cream
• Cream cheese for a richer texture

🍫 Sweet Party Version

Add:

• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate chips
• Candied cherries

🥥 Buko Macaroni Salad

Increase:

• Young coconut
• Nata de coco
• Coconut flavor

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Storage

• Refrigerator: Keeps for 3–5 days in an airtight container.
• Keep chilled until serving.

Tips for the Best Filipino Macaroni Fruit Salad

• Cool the macaroni completely before mixing to prevent a watery salad.
• Drain canned fruits very well—the dressing stays thicker.
• Let it chill overnight for the flavors to blend.
• Use good-quality mayonnaise and cream for the classic Filipino creamy taste.

🍒🥭🇵🇭 A sweet, creamy, and nostalgic Filipino dessert that’s always a hit at gatherings!