Three Fruit Salad
A vibrant, creamy fruit salad combining pineapple, mandarins, cherries, and crunchy pecans, ideal for parties and gatherings, offering a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavours.
Ingredients
- 2 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1 c. salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 c. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 c. canned pineapple bits, drained ⓘ
- 2 c. mandarin orange sections, drained and diced ⓘ
- 1 c. maraschino cherries, diced ⓘ
- 1 c. canned Royal Anne cherries, pitted and quartered
- 1 c. chopped pecans ⓘ
- 2 c. whipped topping ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, salad dressing, lemon juice, and sugar until smooth.
- Lightly mix in the drained pineapple bits, drained and diced mandarin orange sections, diced maraschino cherries, quartered Royal Anne cherries, chopped pecans, and whipped topping.
- Pour the mixture into a 10 or 12-cup Bundt pan.
- Cover the top tightly with plastic wrap and freeze until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese and reduce sugar. If you prefer fresh fruit, use fresh pineapple and oranges instead of canned. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon. This Three Fruit Salad can also be a delightful side for American recipes like grilled meats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Three Fruit Salad as a refreshing dessert at summer gatherings or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or can be enjoyed alongside savory dishes like a light quiche or Mother-In-Law Salad for a balanced meal. Garnish with fresh mint for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. For the best texture, avoid refreezing once thawed. If desired, you can serve it slightly softened for a creamier consistency that enhances the fruity flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Fruit Salad contains roughly 1764 calories, with 17g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 140g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1659mg per serving (72% 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 absolutely use fresh fruit! Just ensure that the fruits are ripe and cut them into small pieces to maintain a similar texture. Fresh pineapple and mandarin oranges will add a bright flavor to the salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based whipped topping. You can also substitute the salad dressing with a vegan version or make your own by mixing vegan mayonnaise with a bit of lemon juice.
Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?
Certainly! You can reduce the sugar to your taste or use a sugar substitute. Additionally, using unsweetened whipped topping and fresh fruits can help balance the sweetness, making it more suitable for those who prefer less sugary desserts.
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).