Old Time Fruit Salad
A nostalgic fruit salad featuring a creamy lemon dressing, fresh apples, grapes, pineapple, nuts, and marshmallows, perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine eggs, sugar, and softened butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Refrigerate until cool.
- Peel, core, and chop the apples.
- Place the chopped apples, grapes, pineapple chunks, nuts, and marshmallows in a large bowl.
- Add the cooled cooked dressing to the fruit mixture.
- Mix well and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt to the fruit salad before serving. You can substitute the nuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. If you prefer a sweeter salad, use honey instead of sugar in the dressing. This fruit salad pairs beautifully with Open-Faced Cucumber Tea Sandwiches for a refreshing meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fruit salad chilled as a delightful side dish at picnics or gatherings. It's perfect alongside main courses like grilled chicken or seafood. You can also enjoy it as a light dessert on its own or pair it with Honey Graham Squares for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may meld more as it sits, making it even tastier. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits can change. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to revive its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Time Fruit Salad contains roughly 570 calories, with 6g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g 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 salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other seasonal fruits like berries, bananas, or peaches. Just be mindful of the fruit's moisture content, as it can affect the dressing's consistency.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg substitute. Use a vegan butter alternative and consider a plant-based yogurt to create a similar creamy dressing without using eggs.
How can I make the dressing thicker?
To thicken the dressing, you can cook it a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you could add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little water) while cooking to help it thicken up.
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).