Overnight Fruit Salad
A delightful and creamy fruit salad featuring pineapple, cherries, and mandarin oranges, infused with a homemade egg yolk dressing and topped with whipped cream. Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or special occasions, it offers a sweet, tangy flavor with a light, fluffy texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple chunks in heavy syrup, drained, reserving 2 Tbsp. syrup ⓘ
- 3 egg yolks ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 2 cans (17 oz. each) pitted white Royal Anne cherries, drained ⓘ
- 2 cans (11 oz. each) mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 1 cup whipping cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Chill a small bowl and beaters from an electric mixer.
- Place pineapple chunks in a large bowl; set aside.
- In the top of a double boiler over hot water, combine egg yolks, sugar, vinegar, reserved pineapple syrup, butter, and salt.
- Stirring constantly, cook mixture about 4 minutes or until thickened.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Chill the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Add cherries, mandarin oranges, and marshmallows to the pineapple chunks.
- Stir in the chilled dressing.
- In a chilled bowl, beat whipping cream until peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the fruit mixture.
- Chill overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat whipping cream. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute with a lighter whipped topping. To add a twist, try adding shredded coconut or chopped nuts to the fruit mixture. For a more tart flavor, add a splash of fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the fruits. This recipe is versatile, allowing for the inclusion of seasonal fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Overnight Fruit Salad in individual bowls or a large glass trifle dish for an impressive presentation. It pairs beautifully with Sweet Potato Biscuits for a delightful brunch. For an extra treat, enjoy it alongside Brownie Cupcakes. This salad is perfect as a light dessert or a refreshing side dish for summer gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the fruits may lose some texture. Avoid freezing, as the cream and fruits do not thaw well. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Fruit Salad contains roughly 1227 calories, with 12g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 943mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit instead of canned options. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness, as fresh fruits may not be as sweet as those in syrup. Chopped apples, grapes, or fresh berries are great alternatives. However, be aware that fresh fruits may not hold up as well overnight, so serve it soon after preparation.
How long can I keep this salad in the fridge?
The Overnight Fruit Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness and texture. After that, the fruits may start to release juices, making the salad watery. Remember to keep it covered to prevent the whipped cream from deflating.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute egg yolks with a mixture of cornstarch and plant-based milk for the dressing. Use coconut cream instead of whipping cream, and ensure that all fruits and other ingredients used are free from animal products. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this delightful fruit salad.
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).