Annie'S Fruit Salad
A vibrant, sweet fruit salad featuring a mix of fresh and canned fruits, topped with strawberry Jell-O for a refreshing, colorful treat suitable for gatherings and family fun.
Ingredients
- 3 fresh red apples, unpeeled and diced ⓘ
- 3 bananas, sliced ⓘ
- 3 tangerines, peeled and sectioned ⓘ
- 1 large seedless grape pod ⓘ
- 1 large can fruit cocktail
- 1 large can peaches, diced ⓘ
- 1 large can pears, diced
- 1 large can pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1 small can Mandarin oranges ⓘ
- 1 small can maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped coconut ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all the fresh and canned fruits together in a large container, including all juices from the canned fruits.
- Prepare one large box of strawberry Jell-O according to the package directions.
- Pour the prepared Jell-O over the mixed fruits.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, consider adding some fresh berries or swapping out the apples for pears. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of canned fruit and increase fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. To enhance the flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the salad. Make sure to use a large enough bowl to accommodate all ingredients without overflowing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing fruit salad as a light dessert or as a side dish at picnics and barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a brunch spread. For a fun twist, consider topping it with whipped cream or yogurt. This dish also makes a great accompaniment to other sweet treats like Clown Cakes or even as a light complement to Watermelon Sherbet Treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit may lose some texture over time, but it will still be delicious. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruit will change. If serving again, gently mix to redistribute the Jell-O and fruit before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Annie'S Fruit Salad contains roughly 227 calories, with 2g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite fruits. Just keep in mind that some fruits like bananas may brown quickly, so add them just before serving. You can also use seasonal fruits to keep the salad fresh and exciting.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses only fruit and Jell-O. Just check the Jell-O packaging for any non-vegan ingredients if you're concerned about gelatin. Alternatively, you can use agar-agar to create a plant-based gelatin.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just ensure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight!
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).