Fruity Pasta Salad Recipe – Apple, Pineapple & Grape Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Fruity Pasta Salad Recipe – Apple, Pineapple & Grape Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for something quick, easy, and a little bit different for lunch or a light dinner. This Fruity Pasta Salad is exactly that. It’s a burst of fresh flavors, a little sweet, a little savory, and seriously addictive. I first made this when I was craving something refreshing on a hot summer day, and it’s been a family favorite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your typical pasta salad. Forget heavy mayo-based dressings – we’re going for light and bright here! The combination of sweet fruits like apple, pineapple, and grapes with the pasta is surprisingly delicious. It’s ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute potluck. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the kids (and adults!) to eat a little more fruit.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful salad:

• 2 instant pasta packs (approx. 200g)
• 2 pasta tastemaker packets (included with pasta)
• 1/3 apple (about 75g), any variety – I like using a crisp green apple!
• 1/2 cup grapes (about 75g), halved if large
• 1/2 cup pineapple (about 80g), diced
• 2 tbsp mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using instant pasta is a total game-changer here. It cooks up in just minutes, which is perfect when you’re short on time. Don’t skip the tastemaker – it adds a lovely savory base that balances the sweetness of the fruit.

I love the combination of apple, pineapple, and grapes, but feel free to experiment with your favorites! The mint leaves really lift the whole salad, so don’t leave those out. A little sprinkle of black pepper adds a subtle warmth that ties everything together. It sounds odd, but trust me on this one!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, bring some water to a boil. Add the instant pasta and the tastemaker packets. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente – meaning it’s cooked through but still has a little bite.
2. Once cooked, drain the pasta immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely. This is important, or the fruit will get mushy!
3. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large salad bowl.
4. Now for the fun part! Add the chopped apple, pineapple, grapes, and chopped mint leaves to the bowl.
5. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
6. Finally, sprinkle with black pepper and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is key for the best texture.
• Chill time is your friend. Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
• Taste as you go. Adjust the black pepper to your liking.

Variations

This salad is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: Mild. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes. My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny bit of finely chopped green chili!
• Festival Adaptations: Summer Picnics/Brunch. This is perfect for a summer picnic or a light brunch. Pack it in a container and it travels beautifully.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan pasta and ensure your tastemaker is plant-based. There are some great vegan pasta options available now!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use gluten-free pasta. It’s just as delicious!

Serving Suggestions

This Fruity Pasta Salad is great on its own as a light lunch or side dish. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. I often serve it with a side of crispy papadums for a little extra crunch.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so it might be a little drier the next day. You can add a splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil to freshen it up.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• Is this pasta salad best served immediately? While it’s good right away, it tastes even better after chilling for a bit.
• Can I use different types of fruit in this salad? Absolutely! Strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, or even peaches would be delicious additions.
• What kind of pasta works best for this recipe? Instant pasta is the quickest and easiest, but you can also use rotini, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or penne.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the salad? If you prefer a less sweet salad, use a tart apple and reduce the amount of pineapple.
• Can this salad be made ahead of time? Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead of time. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might need to add a little more before serving.