Low-Fat One Cup Salad

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A light, sweet salad combining tropical fruits, marshmallows, and coconut with a creamy base, perfect for casual gatherings or a refreshing dessert option.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. miniature marshmallows
  • 1 c. pineapple chunks, unsweetened
  • 1 c. mandarin oranges, unsweetened
  • 1 c. no-fat sour cream or no-fat plain yogurt
  • 1 c. flaked coconut
  • 1/2 c. Nutty Nuts (or Grape-Nuts) cereal

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fun twist, try adding chopped apples or grapes for extra crunch and flavor. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using fresh fruit instead of canned. This salad is very versatile; feel free to swap in your favorite mix of fruits. A sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the taste as well. For a creamier texture, increase the no-fat sour cream or yogurt a bit.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this refreshing salad as a light dessert or a side dish at picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches like a Patty Melt. For a complete meal, consider complementing it with a protein-rich dish or a light soup. Garnish with a sprinkle of flaked coconut on top for added visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become a bit watery as the fruits release their juices, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits and marshmallows will not hold up well after thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Low-Fat One Cup Salad contains roughly 941 calories, with 13g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

941 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.3g 27% DV
Total Fat 40.8g 52% DV
Carbs 134g 49% DV
Fiber 5.9g 21% DV
Sugar 51.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 554.1mg 24% DV
Potassium 473.4mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 5.4mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 369.3mcg 41% DV
Vitamin C 27.3mg 30% DV
Vitamin D 2.2mcg 11% DV
Calcium 291.6mg 22% DV
Iron 10.4mg 58% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk

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 other fruits in this salad?

Absolutely! You can substitute with your favorite fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi. Just ensure that they are unsweetened and cut into bite-sized pieces to maintain a balance of flavors and textures. Mixing different fruits not only enhances the taste but also adds color to the dish.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

To make this salad vegan, replace the no-fat sour cream or yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Ensure that the marshmallows used are vegan-friendly, as many traditional marshmallows contain gelatin derived from animal products.

How can I make this salad more filling?

You can add a source of protein to make it more filling. Consider mixing in some chopped nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds. Alternatively, you can also incorporate a scoop of a protein-rich yogurt or cottage cheese to provide extra sustenance.

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).

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