Harvest Fruit Salad
A vibrant and refreshing fruit salad featuring pineapple, mandarins, pears, kiwi, and apples, topped with a sweetened pineapple glaze, perfect for light desserts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice, and set the pineapple chunks aside.
- Pour the reserved pineapple juice into a small saucepan and add sugar and flour.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Quickly stir in the lightly beaten egg and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat, cool, then refrigerate before serving.
- Combine the drained mandarin oranges, chopped pears, sliced kiwi, and chopped apples in a large bowl.
- Pour the cooled pineapple glaze over the fruit salad and mix gently.
- Serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Harvest Fruit Salad, consider adding a splash of citrus juice, like orange or lemon, to brighten the fruit. If you want a healthier twist, substitute honey for sugar or use a sugar substitute for a diabetic-friendly option. You can also experiment with seasonal fruits like berries or grapes for additional color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant Harvest Fruit Salad as a refreshing dessert or a light snack. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can serve as a side dish for brunch. For a delightful treat, enjoy it alongside the Chocolate Cookie Torte or as a light finish after the hearty Snicker Bar Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit may release some juice, but the salad will still taste great. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruit may change. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the glaze.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harvest Fruit Salad contains roughly 494 calories, with 6g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% 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?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit can add a delightful texture and flavor to the Harvest Fruit Salad. Just ensure the fruit is ripe and in season for the best taste. You could use fresh pineapple, oranges, and pears to create a more vibrant dish.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by omitting the egg and using a vegan substitute, such as cornstarch or silken tofu, to thicken the glaze. You can also replace the sugar with agave syrup or maple syrup to keep it plant-based.
How can I make this salad more festive for a holiday gathering?
To make your Harvest Fruit Salad more festive, consider adding pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and crunch. You can also garnish it with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic touch or serve it in hollowed-out fruit bowls for an eye-catching presentation.
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).