Wanda'S Holiday Fruit Salad
A vibrant, sweet fruit salad featuring pineapple, oranges, apples, grapes, bananas, and pecans, dressed with a homemade pineapple-flavored glaze—perfect for festive gatherings and family desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple; reserve the juice.
- In a small saucepan, add the pineapple juice, sugar, flour, and beaten egg.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Allow the dressing to cool.
- Combine the chopped apples, halved grapes, sliced bananas, and drained mandarin oranges in a large bowl.
- Add the chopped pecans and the cooled dressing to the fruit mixture.
- Stir well to coat all the fruit evenly.
- Chill the fruit salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some shredded coconut or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. You can also use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin oranges for a brighter taste. This fruit salad can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant fruit salad makes a perfect side dish for holiday gatherings or summer picnics. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Broccoli-Mushroom Casserole or Cheesy Squash Casserole. Consider serving it alongside a light protein like grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit may release some juice, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of the fruit can change when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wanda'S Holiday Fruit Salad contains roughly 340 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% 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 different fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite fruits. Berries, kiwi, or peaches can be great additions. Just be mindful of the fruit's ripeness and texture, as some may release more juice than others.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can make this fruit salad vegan by omitting the egg in the dressing and replacing the sugar with a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup. Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the dressing for a smooth consistency.
How can I make the dressing thicker without using an egg?
To thicken the dressing without an egg, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. Mix it with a bit of cold juice before adding it to the saucepan to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture reaches your desired thickness.
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).