Fresh Fruit Salad With Creamy Orange Dressing
A vibrant and refreshing fruit salad featuring a medley of fresh seasonal fruits, topped with a creamy orange dressing and toasted pecans. Perfect for brunch, picnics, or light desserts, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness, tartness, and crunch, appealing to all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 10 small apricots, hulled and halved ⓘ
- 1 pt. strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into chunks ⓘ
- 3 kiwis, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb. seedless green grapes, halved ⓘ
- 1 c. whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped pecans, toasted ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh mint, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle apple chunks with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
- Place all the prepared fruit in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the thawed orange juice concentrate with the whipped cream until well combined.
- Pour the orange dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat.
- Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans and minced fresh mint over the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the orange dressing. For a different twist, replace the Granny Smith apples with a sweeter variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp. If fresh mint is unavailable, a few drops of mint extract can provide a similar flavor. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side to dishes like Monday Night Roast Dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant fruit salad chilled as a light dessert or a refreshing side at brunch. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a healthy snack. For added elegance, consider garnishing with edible flowers or serving in individual bowls for a more sophisticated presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the dressing may cause the fruits to soften, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If reheating is necessary, avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture; instead, enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Fruit Salad With Creamy Orange Dressing contains roughly 533 calories, with 4g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (291% of the Daily Value) and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium.
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 other fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in seasonal fruits like peaches, blueberries, or even citrus segments. Just ensure that the fruits are ripe for the best flavor. This salad is versatile and can accommodate your personal preferences or whatever you have on hand.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten this fruit salad, substitute the whipping cream with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with less fat. You can also reduce the amount of orange juice concentrate or use a fresh orange juice for a more natural sweetness, making it suitable for various dietary needs, including vegetarian recipes.
Is this fruit salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, this fruit salad is ideal for picnics! Just remember to pack the orange dressing separately and toss it with the fruit right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. With its vibrant colors and flavors, it will be a hit at any outdoor gathering.
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).