Fruit Salad Recipe -

Fruit Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish, perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a light dessert or snack any time of the year. This recipe combines a variety of fresh and canned fruits, each bringing its unique flavor and texture, creating a colorful and tasty medley. The addition of instant vanilla pudding mix to the salad gives it a sweet, creamy glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits. This fruit salad is not only easy to make but also a healthy and delicious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients:

2 cups strawberries, sliced
2 cans sliced peaches (15 oz. each) – one can with the juices reserved, the other drained
1 can mandarin orange segments (11 oz.) – drained
1 can pineapple chunks (15 oz.) – drained
2 bananas, sliced
1 green or red apple – cored and diced
1 ½ cups blueberries – washed and drained
1 ½ cups purple grapes – washed and cut in half
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix (regular or sugar-free)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Wash, drain, and prepare the fruits as described in the ingredients list: slice the strawberries and bananas, core and dice the apple, wash and drain the blueberries, and cut the grapes in half. For the canned fruits, drain the mandarin oranges, one can of peaches, and pineapple chunks. Reserve the juices from one can of peaches.

Step 2: Combine Fruits in a Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, drained and sliced peaches, drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple chunks, sliced bananas, diced apple, blueberries, and halved grapes. Gently toss the fruits together.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Pudding Mix
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixed fruits. This not only adds a tangy flavor but also helps to keep the fruits like apples and bananas from browning. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix over the fruit.

Step 4: Add Reserved Peach Juice
Pour the reserved juice from one can of peaches over the fruits and pudding mix. Gently stir the fruit salad until all the ingredients are well combined and the fruits are coated with the pudding mix. The pudding mix with the fruit juices will create a light, creamy glaze.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the fruit salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the pudding to thicken slightly, creating a creamy texture.

Step 6: Serve Chilled
Serve the fruit salad chilled. It can be eaten on its own or served alongside other dishes.

Cooking Note:

Be gentle while stirring the fruit salad to avoid mashing the softer fruits like bananas and strawberries.

Serving Suggestions:

Fruit Salad can be served as a refreshing side dish at barbecues and picnics, or as a healthy dessert option. It’s also perfect for breakfast or brunch, served alongside yogurt or granola.

Tips:

Fruit Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other fruits based on availability and preference. Melons, kiwi, and raspberries are great additions.
Pudding Mix: Using instant vanilla pudding mix is crucial, as it thickens without cooking.
Serving Immediately: If serving immediately, you can add the bananas last to prevent them from browning too quickly.

Prep Time:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving (varies based on the fruits and serving size)
Protein: 1-2g per serving
Sodium: Minimal

Conclusion

This Fruit Salad recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a variety of fruits in a single dish. The vanilla pudding glaze adds a unique touch that enhances the natural sweetness and flavor of the fruits, making it a favorite among both adults and children. Whether you're looking for a healthy dessert, a potluck dish, or just a refreshing snack, this fruit salad is an excellent choice.