Grandma Orr'S Fruit Salad
A light and fruity dessert salad featuring canned pineapple, oranges, cherries, whipped cream, and nuts, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks with a sweet, creamy flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain together pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cherries, and keep the juice.
- Mix together the egg yolk, flour, and sugar with a fork.
- Add enough drained fruit juice to this mixture to equal 1/2 cup. Stir well.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts and marshmallows to taste.
- Fold in one-half pint of freshly made whipped cream, whipped until stiff peaks form with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt in place of whipped cream. If you don't have fresh whipping cream, a store-bought alternative can work, but ensure it’s labeled as 'whipped topping' for best results. Substitute chopped walnuts or pecans for the nuts based on your preference. Adjust the sweetness with more or less sugar depending on your fruit's natural sweetness. This fruit salad is perfect alongside Sunday Morning Coffee Cake for brunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful fruit salad in individual bowls or a large decorative dish. It's a refreshing addition to any potluck or summer gathering and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or alongside a light lunch. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it after a savory dish like the Holiday-Crown Cheese Ball. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may release some juice, so give it a gentle stir before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruit and cream may change significantly. If desired, you can re-whip the cream slightly before serving to restore its fluffiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Orr'S Fruit Salad contains roughly 1101 calories, with 36g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (131% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (97% of the Daily Value), and protein (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 660mg per serving (29% 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, fresh fruit can be used instead of canned options. Choose ripe pineapple, mandarins, and cherries for the best flavor. Just be sure to adjust the juice quantity accordingly to maintain the right consistency in the mixture.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Use a plant-based whipped cream alternative and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly. You can also replace the chopped nuts with seeds if allergies are a concern.
What can I do if I don't have marshmallows?
If you don’t have marshmallows, consider using mini meringues or chopped dried fruits like apricots or raisins for added texture and sweetness. This will still provide a nice contrast to the creamy fruit salad while keeping the dish enjoyable.
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).