Aunt Winona'S Fruit Salad
A creamy, sweet fruit salad with a rich cream cheese and sour cream base, combined with marshmallows, fruit cocktail, and pecans for a delightful treat suitable for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whip and chill the cream cheese and sour cream.
- After chilled, mix in the whipped Dream Whip, miniature marshmallows, fruit cocktail, and chopped pecans.
- Chill overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. If you don’t have Dream Whip, you can substitute with homemade whipped cream or whipped topping. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can enhance flavor, and feel free to mix in other fruits like bananas or berries for variety. This dish is a hit for potlucks and pairs beautifully with Real Lemon Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fruit salad chilled as a delightful side dish at gatherings or as a light dessert. It pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a brunch spread. For a fun twist, try serving it in individual cups or jars. It also complements well with dishes like Spicy Corn Casserole, creating a colorful and tasty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change. If the salad thickens, you can stir in a bit of additional sour cream or fruit juice to refresh its consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Winona'S Fruit Salad contains roughly 406 calories, with 8g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 4g 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! While the recipe calls for fruit cocktail, you can customize it with your favorite fruits. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or diced apples work well. Just ensure to keep the total volume similar to maintain the balance of flavors.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
This fruit salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Aunt Winona's Fruit Salad is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients apart from dairy. It's a great option for gatherings where dietary restrictions are a concern, and it can be a hit among vegetarians.
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).