Tubettini Fruit Salad
A vibrant and refreshing fruit salad combined with tender tubettini pasta, sweet canned fruits, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings, this dessert offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages and can be prepared ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. tubettini, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 can fruit cocktail, drained ⓘ
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can pineapple tidbits, drained ⓘ
- 2 cans Mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups fruit juice ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 2 tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 bag miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 1 large container Cool Whip ⓘ
- cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine fruit juice, sugar, salt, eggs, and flour in a saucepan.
- Cook on low heat until mixture bubbles and thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Add drained canned fruits and cooked tubettini to the cooled sauce, mixing well.
- Pour the sauce mixture into a large container with the tubettini and fruit, and mix thoroughly.
- Add miniature marshmallows and fold in gently.
- Fold in large container of Cool Whip.
- Garnish with cherries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, consider using fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries instead of canned options. If you need a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. For added texture, try mixing in some chopped nuts. Make sure to let the sauce cool completely before adding the tubettini and fruits to avoid mushiness.
Serving Suggestions
This Tubettini Fruit Salad is perfect for potlucks or summer barbecues. Serve it chilled for a refreshing side dish or dessert. It pairs beautifully with other dishes like grilled chicken or can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own. Garnish with extra cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad might become slightly watery as it sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Refrain from freezing, as the texture of the Cool Whip and fruits will not hold up well after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tubettini Fruit Salad contains roughly 950 calories, with 18g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 670mg per serving (29% 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 like chopped apples, grapes, or berries instead of canned fruits. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to maintain the balance of flavors and textures in the salad.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. This will ensure that the dish remains gluten-free while still achieving the desired consistency.
How can I make this salad healthier?
To make it healthier, consider reducing the sugar or using a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. You could also add more fresh fruits and omit the marshmallows for a lighter, fruit-forward 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).