Four-Cup Salad
A light, tropical fruit salad featuring sweet pineapple, tangy mandarin oranges, and shredded coconut, all topped with creamy sour cream. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing dessert, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges.
- Add shredded Angel Flake coconut to the drained fruit.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator.
- Just before serving, stir in sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the original recipe, consider adding mini marshmallows for extra sweetness or substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option. Ensure the fruit is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the salad. You can also use fresh fruit instead of canned for a fresher taste, but be mindful of the added prep time.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a delightful side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Fried Do-Nut Holes or can serve as a light dessert on its own. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or fresh mint for an elegant touch, and serve chilled for the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become watery over time, so it's best consumed fresh. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruit and coconut will change. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if it separates.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four-Cup Salad contains roughly 131 calories, with 2g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% 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 use fresh pineapple and oranges instead of canned?
Yes, using fresh pineapple and mandarin oranges can enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces and drain any excess juice to maintain the right consistency in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Unfortunately, this recipe is not vegan due to the use of sour cream. However, you can substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut yogurt, to make it suitable for a vegan diet while still maintaining a creamy texture.
How can I make this salad more festive for a holiday gathering?
To make this salad more festive, consider adding pomegranate seeds or chopped nuts for color and crunch. You can also serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple for a fun presentation that will impress your guests at holiday 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).