Pecan Fruit Salad
A sweet, tropical fruit salad featuring pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, and pecans, tossed with creamy sour cream—perfect for light desserts, potlucks, or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine pineapple, frozen coconut, miniature marshmallows, mandarin orange sections, and chopped pecans in a large bowl.
- Toss the mixture with sour cream until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavors, consider adding diced apples or bananas for extra sweetness and texture. You can substitute the frozen coconut with shredded coconut for a fresher taste. If you're looking to lighten up the dish, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream, providing a nice tang. This Pecan Fruit Salad is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit salad makes a refreshing side dish for barbecues or picnics and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats. For a more festive touch, serve it alongside a light dessert like the Quick Tangy Punch. It's also a perfect addition to brunch spreads, complementing items like pancakes or muffins.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become a bit watery as the fruits release their juices, so give it a good stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits won't hold up well once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Fruit Salad contains roughly 1128 calories, with 15g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. It also contributes 17g 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 salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. However, for the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to mix in the sour cream just before serving. This keeps the ingredients fresh and prevents the fruits from becoming too mushy.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts altogether or add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative. Ensure that the marshmallows used are vegan, as many contain gelatin. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of the Pecan 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).