Summer Fruit Salad For A Crowd
A refreshing and colorful summer fruit salad combining tropical and seasonal fruits, perfect for gatherings, picnics, or family parties with sweet, tangy flavors. Suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 large cans pineapple chunks including juice ⓘ
- 2 large cans mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 watermelon, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks ⓘ
- 1 ripe melon, cut into 1-inch chunks ⓘ
- 2 cups seedless grapes (red or green) ⓘ
- 1 quart small strawberries or half large ones ⓘ
- 2 cups blueberries ⓘ
- 6 cups nectarines, peeled and sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour enough orange juice over the fruit to almost cover it.
- Add a cup or two of pineapple juice for sweetness.
- Serve well chilled, either by itself or over sherbet.
- For smaller groups, cut the recipe in half; double it for larger crowds.
- When taking the fruit to a cookout or picnic, bring two bowls.
- Serve one bowl and keep the other on ice in a cooler for later.
- Enjoy as a favorite at family gatherings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a colorful variation, consider adding a handful of cherries or diced kiwi to the mix. If you're short on fresh fruit, frozen fruit can be a great substitution, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of pineapple juice; start with less and add more to taste. This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with Sue'S Bourbon Slushies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing salad chilled as a light dessert or side dish at BBQs and family gatherings. It goes well with grilled meats and can be served alongside other summer staples like Cornmeal Dumplings. For an extra twist, consider serving it over a scoop of sherbet for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the fruits fresh, avoid adding the orange juice until just before serving. If you need to rehydrate the fruit, a splash of juice can help restore flavor. However, note that some fruits may release moisture over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Fruit Salad For A Crowd contains roughly 1276 calories, with 6g protein, 326g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 8g 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 canned fruit instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned fruit, but be sure to choose fruit packed in juice rather than syrup for a healthier option. Just drain any excess liquid to prevent the salad from becoming too watery. Canned peaches or pears can also work well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the fruits from browning?
To prevent browning, especially with apples or bananas, you can toss them with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad. This will help maintain color and freshness. Additionally, serving the salad immediately after preparation can minimize browning.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While you can prepare the fruit a few hours in advance, it's best to combine everything and add the juices just before serving to keep the fruits fresh and vibrant. If making it the night before, store the fruits separately from the dressing.
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).