Pasta Fruit Salad
A vibrant and refreshing pasta fruit salad combining sweet fruits with tender pasta, dressed in a tangy yogurt and orange juice mixture. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 3 c. medium pasta shells (uncooked) ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1 large navel orange, peeled, sectioned and halved ⓘ
- 1 c. red grapes, halved
- 1 c. green grapes, halved
- 1 medium apple, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large firm banana, cut into 1/4-inch slices ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) carton plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. orange juice concentrate ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells until al dente, then drain and rinse well in cold water.
- Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl and add the drained pineapple chunks, orange segments, halved red grapes, halved green grapes, chopped apple, and banana slices.
- In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt and orange juice concentrate to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and fruit mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the fruit salad. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, substitute honey or agave syrup for the orange juice concentrate. For a creamier texture, Greek yogurt can be used instead of plain yogurt. This dish is versatile, allowing for various fruits like berries or melons, making it suitable for different seasons or personal tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta Fruit Salad is perfect for potlucks or picnics and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. Serve it on a bed of greens for added color and nutrition. For a sweet treat, enjoy it alongside Can Do Chocolate Cake or Cereal Crunch Cookies to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some moisture, so adding a little extra yogurt or orange juice before serving can help revive the salad. Avoid freezing as the texture of the fruit and pasta may change when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Fruit Salad contains roughly 124 calories, with 1g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this salad?
Yes, feel free to substitute any short pasta shape you have on hand, such as fusilli or penne. Just ensure it is cooked al dente for the best texture. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options can also work well, fitting various dietary preferences.
Is it necessary to chill the salad before serving?
Chilling the salad helps the flavors meld together and improves the overall taste and texture. It's best to let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but you can prepare it the night before for a convenient option.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. If you're concerned about the fruit browning, adding a little lemon juice to the chopped apple and banana can help maintain its color.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).