Jerry'S Easy Fruit Salad
A quick and colorful fruit salad with a sweet vanilla pudding flavor, combining canned fruits, pecans, and bananas for a crowd-pleasing dessert or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix peach pie filling, fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, cherries, and pecans in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the mixture.
- Stir well to combine and chill in the refrigerator.
- Before serving, cut bananas into pieces and add to the salad, stirring gently.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, consider using fresh fruit instead of canned options, such as ripe peaches or fresh pineapple. You can also swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if desired. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. To give it an extra zing, a splash of fresh lemon juice can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fruit salad as a delightful side dish for barbecues or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Annabeth's Favorite Sausage Foldovers for a satisfying meal. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream. It also makes a refreshing breakfast option when paired with yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The bananas may brown over time, so consider adding them just before serving if you plan to store the salad. It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the fruits may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jerry'S Easy Fruit Salad contains roughly 1066 calories, with 14g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 16g 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 fruit salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit salad a day ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients except for the bananas, which should be added just before serving to prevent browning. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I use instead of instant vanilla pudding mix?
If you don't have instant vanilla pudding mix, you can use a homemade custard or simply skip it for a lighter salad. Alternatively, a sprinkle of gelatin mixed with a bit of sugar can mimic the texture and help bind the fruits together while adding a touch of sweetness.
Is this fruit salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this fruit salad can easily be made vegan by ensuring that the pudding mix is plant-based. Many brands offer vegan-friendly instant pudding options. Additionally, all the fruits and nuts in the recipe are naturally vegan, making it a great choice for anyone following a vegan diet.
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).