Club Fruit Salad
A colorful, fruity salad featuring pineapple, orange, grapes, and marshmallows, combined with whipped cream and pecans for a sweet, refreshing treat perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1 slightly beaten egg ⓘ
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 can (2 1/2 cups) pineapple tidbits ⓘ
- 2 cups Tokay grapes ⓘ
- 1 large orange ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup broken pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine pineapple juice, orange juice, sugar, cornstarch, and beaten egg in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.
- Dissolve unflavored gelatin in lemon juice and add to the cooked mixture; cool thoroughly.
- Drain pineapple tidbits, reserving juice, and chop or leave whole as desired.
- In a large bowl, gently fold the cooled gelatin mixture with pineapple, grapes, orange slices, marshmallows, pecans, and whipped cream.
- Pour the mixture into an 11 x 7 x 1 1/2-inch pan.
- Chill until set, about 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative, such as Stevia, and use sugar-free gelatin. Feel free to swap out the grapes for another favorite fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, depending on availability. If you want added flavor, consider adding a splash of coconut extract to the gelatin mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Club Fruit Salad makes a refreshing dessert or side dish at gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Marjorie'S 'Big' Banana Pudding for a delightful dessert spread. Consider garnishing with fresh mint for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed chilled. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the marshmallows and fruits may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Club Fruit Salad contains roughly 414 calories, with 3g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.
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 fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit can enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. You can use fresh pineapple chunks, seasonal berries, or even diced apples. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if the fresh fruit is less sweet than the canned varieties.
Is it necessary to use gelatin?
While gelatin helps the salad set and gives it a unique texture, you can make a version without it. Simply mix the ingredients and chill them until they are cold, although the salad won't hold its shape as well. You can also try using agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just ensure that it is covered well in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when served. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to incorporate any separated juices.
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).