Mabel'S Fruit Salad
A vibrant and refreshing fruit salad featuring a mix of sweet berries, citrus, and crunchy pecans, perfect for summer gatherings and light desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all fruit and pecans in a large bowl.
- Mix lemon instant pudding with 2 cups of the reserved juice from pineapple and mandarin oranges.
- Blend the pudding mixture and pour it over the fruit and pecans.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, consider adding some mint leaves or substituting the pecans with walnuts for a different texture. If you prefer a creamier texture, you could blend the pudding mixture with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Make sure to use ripe bananas and fresh strawberries for the best flavor. This recipe can also be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, similar to Alvena'S Fruit Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fruit salad chilled as a delightful side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a light dessert after a hearty meal. You can also serve it alongside Peggy'S Easy Punch for a refreshing beverage option, making it a hit at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The fruit may release some juices, so give it a gentle stir before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruit will change. If you’d like to refresh it, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mabel'S Fruit Salad contains roughly 516 calories, with 3g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g 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 frozen fruit instead of fresh?
While fresh fruit is ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen fruit if necessary. Just be aware that it may be softer and release more juices. Drain any excess liquid thoroughly before mixing it into the salad.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Mabel'S Fruit Salad vegan, simply use a plant-based instant pudding mix and ensure that the canned fruits are packed in juice rather than syrup. This way, the salad remains delicious while accommodating a vegan diet.
What can I do if I don't have instant pudding?
If you don't have instant pudding, you can create a similar creamy dressing by mixing yogurt with a bit of honey and lemon juice for sweetness and tang. This alternative still binds the fruit together nicely and adds a delightful flavor.
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).