(Family Features) Skip boring dishes and instead dive into a sweet, satisfying macaroni salad that’s perfect for enjoying al fresco.
With fresh ingredients and appetizing flavor, this Apple and Mandarin Macaroni Salad is more than just a side – it’s a meal on its own. Grilled chicken breast is complemented by mandarin oranges and the sophisticated sweetness and crisp texture of Envy apples. Named America’s No. 1 apple for taste, crispness, aroma and appearance, according to an independent sensory test by Forward Agency, the apples are a delightful way to enhance your favorite dishes.
This recipe calls for firing up the grill to cook chicken to juicy perfection, mixing your own homemade macaroni salad and dicing up a beautiful apple, making it an ideal dinner option for summer evenings at home.
Visit EnvyApple.com to find apples at a grocer near you.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Apple and Mandarin Macaroni Salad
2 thinly sliced chicken breasts1/2 package cream cheese, softened1/4 cup Greek yogurt1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot1 lemon, zest only1 tablespoon lemon juice1 can (10.7 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained, juice reserved2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided20 turns fresh cracked pepper, plus additional, to taste, dividedwater1/2 pound macaroni1 Envy apple, dicedAllow chicken breasts to sit at room temperature 20 minutes.Mash softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, chopped shallot, lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons reserved mandarin juice, chopped parsley, salt and pepper. Set aside.Preheat grill or saute pan to high heat. Season chicken breasts with drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper, to taste.Grill chicken breasts until internal temperature reaches 165 F. If using saute pan, cook 2 minutes on each side then finish in 400 F oven 5-10 minutes. Allow chicken to cool then dice into small chunks.Bring medium or large pot of salted water to boil. Add macaroni and cook until tender. Drain and pour hot noodles into large mixing bowl.Gently stir in cream cheese mixture until noodles are well coated. Let cool slightly.Add diced chicken, apples and mandarin oranges; stir to combine. Serve warm or chill in refrigerator to serve cold.