Comfort Fruit Salad

Prep: 15 min Serves: 8

Comfort Fruit Salad is a vibrant, sweet, and slightly boozy dessert featuring a medley of fresh and canned fruits accented with orange marmalade and Southern Comfort. Perfect for gatherings or a refreshing treat, its bright flavors and colorful presentation make it a delightful choice for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (1 lb.) can pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 (1 lb.) can grapefruit sections, drained
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved
  • 1 cup Mandarin orange sections
  • 1 cup peaches, cut up
  • 3/4 cup sweet orange marmalade
  • 1/4 cup Southern Comfort

Instructions

  1. Combine pineapple chunks, grapefruit sections, orange sections, cherries, peaches, and warm orange marmalade. Slightly mix and remove from heat.
  2. Mix the warmed orange marmalade with Southern Comfort.
  3. Pour the mixture over the prepared fruits and mix well.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fresher taste, consider using fresh fruit instead of canned options. If you're looking to reduce sugar, substitute the Southern Comfort with a sugar-free syrup. You can also replace the marmalade with a fruit preserve that has less sugar. Adjust the fruit mix based on availability, and feel free to add some nuts for extra crunch. This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round.

Serving Suggestions

This Comfort Fruit Salad is perfect as a light dessert or a side dish for a summer barbecue. It pairs beautifully with Bagel Chips for a crunchy contrast. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a brunch spread. For a refreshing drink, consider serving with a glass of Diabetic Low Calorie Punch for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit may release some juice, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing the salad as the texture of the fruit may change. When ready to serve, you can add a splash of fresh citrus juice to brighten the flavors again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Comfort Fruit Salad contains roughly 85 calories, with 0g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

85 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.2g
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 22g 8% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 11.6g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3.7mg
Potassium 38.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.8mcg
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Calcium 18.2mg 1% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 for this salad?

Yes, using fresh fruit can enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. Just be sure to cut the fresh fruit into similar sizes as the canned fruit to ensure even mixing and presentation. Fresh fruits like berries, apples, or pears can also add a delightful twist.

How can I make this salad more festive for a holiday gathering?

To make the salad more festive, consider adding seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or sliced strawberries for color. You can also garnish with mint leaves or serve in a hollowed-out pineapple for an eye-catching presentation. Drizzling some honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also add a special touch.

Is this fruit salad suitable for a diabetic diet?

While this fruit salad contains fruits that are generally healthy, the addition of Southern Comfort and sweet marmalade can increase the sugar content. For a diabetic-friendly version, consider using sugar-free marmalade and reducing the amount of Southern Comfort, or omitting it entirely. Always consult a healthcare provider for dietary advice.

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).

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