Pecan Salad
A delightful and sweet pecan salad combining tropical pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, marshmallows, and crunchy pecans, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine pineapple tidbits, flaked coconut, mandarin oranges, miniature marshmallows, sour cream, and chopped pecans in a large bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Chill the salad for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider substituting the miniature marshmallows with chopped fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version. If you prefer a nut-free option, sunflower seeds can replace the pecans. Make sure to drain the canned fruits thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Pecan Salad makes a delightful side dish for barbecues or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a light dessert. For an extra special touch, consider serving it alongside dishes like Quich or Butter Twist Sesame Cookies for a varied meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad can become watery over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving. It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the fruits and marshmallows may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Salad contains roughly 1001 calories, with 14g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. It also contributes 11g 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, this salad benefits from chilling for several hours or even overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you're looking for a nut-free alternative, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. For a similar flavor, you could also use walnuts or almonds, chopped roughly, to maintain the crunchiness.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarian diets?
Absolutely! This Pecan Salad is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for gatherings where dietary restrictions are a consideration. It’s also a fun way to incorporate fresh fruits into your meals.
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).