Fruit 'N' Nut Salad
A vibrant and nutty fruit salad featuring fresh apples, oranges, bananas, raisins, cherries, and crunchy pecans, perfect for a refreshing, sweet treat suitable for gatherings or casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, orange segments, raisins, chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and nut mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, gently stir in the sliced bananas.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor. To enhance the fruit's sweetness, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dressing. Make sure the bananas are added just before serving to prevent browning. This salad is great for gatherings, especially alongside recipes like the Winter Warm Up Open House Punch.
Serving Suggestions
This Fruit 'N' Nut Salad makes a delightful side dish for brunch or holiday gatherings. It pairs well with savory dishes like roasted chicken or a light sandwich. You can also serve it as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal. For a touch of elegance, garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving. For more ideas, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's best to keep the bananas separate and add them fresh before serving to maintain their texture. If the salad becomes too watery, draining off excess liquid before serving can help restore its consistency. Avoid freezing, as the texture will be compromised.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit 'N' Nut Salad contains roughly 490 calories, with 4g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit and nut mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the bananas just before serving to prevent them from browning. The flavors will meld beautifully if allowed to chill together, making it a great do-ahead dish for events.
What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute maraschino cherries with fresh pitted cherries or even diced strawberries for a different flavor profile. This change will give the salad a fresh twist while still keeping it colorful and appealing.
Is there a vegan alternative for this salad?
Absolutely! You can easily make this salad vegan by replacing mayonnaise with a plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise. Additionally, ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly, as some sugar is processed with bone char. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious salad!
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).