Fruit Salad(From The Files Of Louella Scott Williams)
A refreshing fruit salad featuring a mix of canned fruits and vanilla pudding, perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, or as a light dessert for family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and save juice from the peaches, pears, and pineapple.
- Mix 2 1/2 cups of this juice with one large box of instant vanilla pudding until well combined.
- Drain the mandarin oranges.
- Discard the juice from the mandarin oranges.
- Combine all the drained fruits and the pudding mixture in a large bowl.
- Add some maraschino cherries to the mixture and gently fold to combine.
- Chill before serving if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your fruit salad, consider adding a splash of lemon or lime juice to prevent browning and add brightness. You can substitute fresh fruit for canned options; however, be sure to adjust the pudding mixture to account for extra moisture. For a twist, try including a handful of shredded coconut or using flavored pudding like banana. This dish pairs beautifully with Cake With Jello.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit salad is perfect for summer gatherings and can be served as a refreshing side dish or dessert. Consider pairing it with grilled meats for a balanced meal. It also works well alongside light dishes like Marinated Vidalia Onions or as a topping for yogurt. For added flair, serve in individual cups with a sprig of mint on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit may release additional juices, but this won't affect the flavor. Avoid freezing, as the pudding mixture may separate upon thawing. To refresh the salad before serving, give it a gentle stir to recombine the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Salad(From The Files Of Louella Scott Williams) contains roughly 255 calories, with 1g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% 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 fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit in this recipe! Just chop your favorite fruits into bite-sized pieces and mix them with the pudding. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of juice to achieve the right consistency for the pudding mixture.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this fruit salad healthier, consider using a sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix. You can also increase the amount of fresh fruit and reduce the canned fruit to cut down on added sugars. Adding nuts or seeds can provide healthy fats and protein, making it a more balanced option.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit salad a day in advance. Just mix the fruits and pudding as directed, but wait to add any delicate fruits like bananas until serving time to prevent browning. Store it in the fridge to keep it fresh and chilled for your 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).