Mom'S Holiday Fruit Salad
A festive and colorful fruit salad featuring a sweet egg-based dressing, whipped cream, and a variety of fresh fruits, perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 c. red grapes, halved and pitted ⓘ
- 2 oranges, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 small bottle maraschino cherries, drained and cut in half ⓘ
- 1/2 pt. whipped cream ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 c. pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- sliced bananas ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, mix eggs, vinegar, and sugar; cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Add butter to the saucepan and remove from heat, allowing the mixture to cool.
- Combine all prepared fruits—red grapes, oranges, maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, and sliced bananas—in a large bowl.
- Fold in the whipped cream and the cooled egg mixture gently until evenly combined.
- Refrigerate the fruit salad overnight to let flavors meld.
- Add sliced bananas just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version of this fruit salad, consider using Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream. You can also substitute the sugar with honey or a sugar alternative for a healthier option. If you want to add an extra crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Ensure the fruits are fresh and ripe for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful fruit salad as a refreshing side dish for holiday gatherings or pair it with Mary'S Strawberry Ice Cream for a sweet dessert. It also complements savory dishes like grilled chicken or fish. Garnish with mint leaves for an added touch of freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may release some juices, so it's best to stir gently before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits and whipped cream may change. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Holiday Fruit Salad contains roughly 793 calories, with 6g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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 make this fruit salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit salad a day in advance. Just assemble all the fruits and the egg mixture, then fold in the whipped cream right before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while maintaining the freshness of the fruits.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
You can customize the fruit salad by adding seasonal fruits like diced apples, strawberries, or kiwi. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly, especially if you include tart fruits. This flexibility allows you to create your own unique version of this classic recipe.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
To make a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with a mixture of cornstarch and water for thickening, and use a plant-based whipped cream. Maple syrup or agave can replace sugar for sweetness. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without the animal products.
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).