Layered Fruit Salad
Layered Fruit Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dessert perfect for gatherings and family occasions. Its combination of sweet, tangy fruits with toasted coconut creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Light and easy to prepare, it appeals to fruit lovers and those seeking a healthy, colorful treat.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, unpeeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz.) can apricot halves, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can sliced peaches, drained ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling ⓘ
- 3 bananas, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup flaked coconut, toasted
Instructions
- Layer apples, apricots, pears, peaches, and pineapple in a large bowl.
- Combine orange juice and lemon juice.
- Pour the juice mixture over the layered fruit.
- Spread cherry pie filling on top of the fruit layers.
- Cover and chill for 2 hours.
- Arrange sliced bananas over the pie filling.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut on top and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought. You can substitute the canned fruit with fresh fruit if it’s in season, which can enhance the taste. If you're looking for a vegan option, ensure that the cherry pie filling is free from gelatin. Toast the coconut just before serving for maximum freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant layered fruit salad as a refreshing dessert or a colorful side dish at your next gathering. It pairs beautifully with Barbecue(Spicy-Sweet) for a summer cookout. For added texture, serve alongside crunchy snacks like pita chips or nut clusters.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover fruit salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the bananas from browning, consider adding a little extra lemon juice. Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of the fruits will change once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Fruit Salad contains roughly 267 calories, with 2g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g 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 use different fruits in this layered salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the salad with your favorite fruits. Berries, kiwi, or even grapes could be great additions. Just ensure that the fruits are compatible in terms of sweetness and acidity for the best flavor balance.
How can I make the fruit salad more festive for holidays?
To make this salad more festive, consider adding seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or mandarin oranges. You could also mix in some chopped mint for a fresh touch, or serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple for a fun presentation.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this fruit salad is great for meal prep! You can layer the fruits in advance and store them separately from the banana and coconut. Add these just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
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).