Lite Fruit Salad
A light, refreshing fruit salad featuring a mix of fresh and canned fruits, marshmallows, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in sweet preserves. Perfect for a quick, satisfying snack or a colorful side dish at gatherings, it offers a delightful combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir the preserves to make mixing easier.
- Drain all canned fruits thoroughly.
- Add pineapple, apple, diced peaches, halved maraschino cherry halves, marshmallows, and pecans to the preserves.
- Gently fold in the mandarin orange slices, taking care not to break them up too much.
- Refrigerate the salad to chill before serving.
- Make the salad early in the day for softer marshmallows.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using low-sugar preserves or substituting yogurt for the preserves. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to keep the apple from browning. If you prefer a different texture, try using frozen fruit instead of canned, as it adds a refreshing chill. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, which pairs beautifully with the apple.
Serving Suggestions
This Lite Fruit Salad is a delightful side for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light dessert. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or a fresh green salad. For an extra touch, serve it in individual cups and garnish with a mint leaf. It also makes a lovely addition to brunch spreads alongside dishes like Cinnamon Munch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, but be aware that the marshmallows may soften further. If you'd like to enjoy it chilled again, simply give it a gentle stir before serving, but avoid freezing as the texture will change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lite Fruit Salad contains roughly 659 calories, with 8g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 7g 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 fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit can add a wonderful texture and flavor to this salad. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the proportions if needed. Fresh peaches, oranges, and apples would work beautifully, but keep in mind that fresh fruit may not have the same sweetness as canned varieties.
How can I make this recipe more festive for a party?
To make this Lite Fruit Salad more festive, consider adding holiday-themed ingredients like pomegranate seeds or seasonal fruits like cranberries. You can also serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple or watermelon for a fun presentation. A sprinkle of shredded coconut on top can add a tropical flair that guests will love.
What can I do if I don't have pecans?
If you don't have pecans, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a crunch. Each option will bring its unique flavor to the salad while maintaining the delightful texture. Just make sure to chop them coarsely to match the size of the other ingredients.
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).