Cinnamon Fruit Medley(Great Salad For Christmas)
A vibrant and festive fruit medley with a hint of cinnamon and sweetness, perfect for holiday gatherings and adding a colorful, flavorful touch to Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup red hot candies ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 egg yolks ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced bananas ⓘ
- 3 cups diced apples ⓘ
- 1 cup tiny marshmallows ⓘ
- 1 cup seedless green grapes halved
- 1/2 cup whipping cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine red hot candies, vinegar, and salt in a small saucepan.
- Cook over low heat until candies are dissolved, stirring constantly.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks and then add honey, margarine, and lemon juice, mixing well.
- Gradually add the warm candy mixture into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
- Cook the mixture over low heat until thickened, then remove from heat and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced bananas, diced apples, marshmallows, halved grapes, whipped cream, and chopped pecans.
- Pour the cooled cinnamon sauce over the fruit mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chilled, garnished with additional pecans if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the whipping cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. You can also replace the red hot candies with cinnamon extract for a less sweet option. Ensure to use ripe bananas for better flavor and texture. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to add other fruits like pears or berries based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Fruit Medley makes a delightful addition to any holiday table, especially alongside Flossie'S Dinner Rolls. Serve it as a light dessert or a festive side dish. Garnish with extra pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an added touch. Pair it with a warm beverage for a cozy experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may become slightly mushy, so it's best to consume it fresh. If you prefer a chilled serving, let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Fruit Medley(Great Salad For Christmas) contains roughly 937 calories, with 9g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1757mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit mixture and the cinnamon sauce separately in advance. Combine them just before serving to keep the fruits fresh and crunchy. Storing them separately helps maintain the texture and flavor of the fruit.
What can I substitute for red hot candies?
If you're looking for a less intense sweetness, consider using cinnamon syrup or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon mixed with sugar. This will still provide that warm cinnamon flavor without the heat from the candies.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. However, ensure that the margarine used is plant-based, as some brands may contain dairy. It's a great addition to vegetarian recipes during festive gatherings.
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).