Kim'S Fruit Salad
A delightful and creamy fruit salad combining sweet marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and colorful fruit cocktail, perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or a refreshing dessert option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together Cool Whip and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add fruit cocktail, pecans, colored marshmallows, and red cherries to the mixture and combine well.
- Chill the salad until cooled and ready to serve.
- Serve on lettuce leaves if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the Cool Whip with Greek yogurt. If you're not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds work well too. To add a citrus twist, a splash of orange juice can enhance the fruit flavor. Make sure to mix gently to maintain the texture of the fruit. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side for barbecues.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit salad is delightful on its own or served on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a sweet side to savory dishes like Warm Slaw(Amish). Consider adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top for extra texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may soften over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reassemble after storage, simply stir gently to combine, but avoid over-mixing to keep the fruits intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kim'S Fruit Salad contains roughly 735 calories, with 12g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (102% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 717mg per serving (31% 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 fruit cocktail?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh fruit! Just ensure you cut the fruits into similar sizes for even distribution. Keep in mind that the freshness might alter the overall sweetness, so adjust the quantities of other ingredients accordingly.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
To enhance the color, consider adding diced strawberries, kiwi, or blueberries. You can also use different varieties of colored marshmallows for a more vibrant look. Mixing in some pineapple chunks or mandarin oranges can add both color and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as all the ingredients are plant-based, with the exception of cream cheese. Make sure to choose a vegetarian-friendly cream cheese alternative if strict adherence to vegetarian recipes is necessary.
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).