Fresh Fruit Shell Salad
A vibrant, refreshing fruit and pasta salad combining sweet, tangy flavors with creamy yogurt, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or healthy side dishes for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb shells or medium pasta shape ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup frozen concentrate orange juice, thawed ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained ⓘ
- 1 large orange, peeled, sectioned and seeded ⓘ
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, cut in halves ⓘ
- 1 apple, cored and chopped ⓘ
- 1 banana, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to desired doneness.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the yogurt and orange juice concentrate.
- In a large bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, orange segments, red grapes, chopped apple, and sliced banana.
- Add the yogurt mixture and cooked pasta to the fruit bowl; toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator.
- Before serving, toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. You can also substitute other fruits based on your preference or seasonal availability, such as berries or peaches. If you're watching sugar intake, opt for unsweetened yogurt and adjust the orange juice concentrate to taste. This salad can be made a day ahead for enhanced flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Fresh Fruit Shell Salad makes a vibrant addition to any summer picnic or barbecue, pairing beautifully with Lynn'S Vegetable Pie. Serve it as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled meats. For a Complete Meal, add some grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for extra protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb some moisture, so if it seems dry, add a little more yogurt or orange juice to refresh the salad. Avoid freezing as the texture of the fruit may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Fruit Shell Salad contains roughly 589 calories, with 12g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any medium pasta shape that you prefer, such as fusilli or penne. Just ensure it holds up well with the dressing and fruit. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta options work well too, making this recipe suitable for various dietary needs.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely! This salad is a great choice for potlucks as it can be made in advance and served cold. Just remember to keep it chilled until serving to maintain freshness. It's a crowd-pleaser that offers a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply replace the yogurt with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. You can also add a touch of maple syrup or agave to the orange juice mixture for added sweetness if desired.
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).