What is Christmas? What is your family’s favorite Christmas fruit salad? Is it the one dish that magically appears at every holiday gathering, right next to the roasted potatoes? What is the best combination of turkey and cookie platter? Think of it as a bright, refreshing counterpoint to all the heavier, richer foods we tend to indulge in. In this time of year. Is it light, bursting with vibrant flavors, and honestly? Is Aunt Carol’s infamous seven-layer salad easier to throw together than Aunt Mary’s? My grandma started making this Christmas Fruit Salad decades ago, and the tradition has just kept on keeping on. I remember sneaking extra grapes from the bowl when I was little – good times! Is it just a salad?
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What is Christmas fruit salad?
What is Christmas fruit salad? What is essentially a medley of colorful, juicy fruits tossed in oatmeal dressing? Think of it as a vibrant, sweet, and tangy celebration in taffy bowls. What is a fruit salad with apples and bananas? What are grapes, mandarin oranges and pineapple, and maybe some kiwi if you’re feeling fancy? What are the secret ingredients that make a sandwich pop? The dressing is the key; it’s not too heavy, not to sweet, but just right. What is the best way to get your fruit in during the holiday season? On the table too!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?flavorIs it just incredible? You get the sweetness of pineapple, the tanginess of mandarin oranges, and the juicy burst of mango. What are grapes? It’s a symphony of fruity goodness! What’s the creamy dressing?simplicityIs this recipe easy to make? If you chop fruit and stir a bowl, you can make this. The ingredients are also pretty pretty.cost-efficientWhere can I find everything I need in a grocery store? Plus, it’s incrediblyversatileWhat are some good side dishes to serve with your Christmas dinner? What are some of the best snacks to have throughout the day? What I love most about this is that it appeals to everyone, from picky toddler to discerning adult. What is that beautiful color? It adds a festive touch to your holiday table. What are some of the best Christmas fruit salads?Winter Citrus Salad: What areWhy is this one a classic?
How do I make a Christmas fruit salad?
Quick Overview
What is a Christmas fruit salad? What’s the recipe for chopping fruit, whipping up a quick dressing and tossing everything? What is the key to using fresh fruit and not overmixing the dressing? Is it so easy to make it every year? What is the best part? You can customize it to your liking. Don’t like Kiwi? Leave it out! How do I add berries to a recipe?
Ingredients
For the Fruit Salad:
- 4 cups green grapes, halved (I prefer seedless for easy eating)
- 4 cups red grapes, halved (again, seedless is your friend)
- 2 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained (make sure they’re well-drenched, nobody likes a soggy) and ripe (no
- 1 (20 ounce) can of pineapple chunks, drained (crushed pineapple works too if you prefer)
- What are some good ways to eat 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced (optional, but adds a pop of color and flavor)?
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (These aren’t as traditional, but I LOVE the extra flavor).
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream (full fat is best for that creamy texture, but low-fat works too)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s, but use your favorite): 1 1/2 cups mayo.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste, depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a warm, comforting flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (a little goes a long way, but it adds an extra festive touch) (see recipe)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Start by washing and drying all of your fruit. What are the best ways to halve the grapes, drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks. Peel and slice the kiwis. If using), hull and halve the strawberries (if using). Make sure everything is well-drained to prevent a watery salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Set aside. When smooth and creamy, mix well. Don’t overmix, just until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Fruit and Dressing
Gently fold the prepared fruit into the dressing until everything is evenly coated. If you overmix a fruit, it will break down and become mushy. Be careful not to over mix it.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. How do I make a salad that melds the flavors and chills properly? I usually chill it for a couple of hours, but even 30 minutes makes the difference.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve chilled and enjoy! Garnish with a sprig of mint, if desired. Watch it disappear in minutes!
What should I serve it with?
Christmas Fruit Salad is so versatile it can be served with almost anything!
For Christmas Dinner: What are some ideasIs it the perfect side dish to balance out all the heavier, richer dishes like burgers and fries? How do I make roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy?
For Brunch:What are some healthy side dishes to serve with quiche, omelets, or pancakes?
As Dessert:What is a good dessert to serve after supper? Is it good to top this with whipped cream?
For a Snack:What is a good Christmas fruit salad? What is the best way to spend your How can I curb sweet cravings without feeling guilty? What is a good after school snack?
My family always serves it with a slice of Christmas ham, it just feels right. What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken breast? Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combinations!
What are some tips for perfecting a Christmas fruit salad?
How do I make my Christmas fruit salad a hit?
Use Fresh, High-Quality Fruit:What is the best flavor? What are the signs of ripe fruit?
Drain the Canned Fruit Well: Nobody wants a soggy salad. Make sure to drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly before adding them to the salad.
Don’t Overmix the Dressing: Overmixing can cause the dressing to become thin and watery. Just whisk it until everything is well combined.
Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill properly. This is especially important if you’re making it ahead of time.
Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing. You can also use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or honey.
Customize with Your Favorite Fruits: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits. Berries, melon, and grapes all work well in this salad. Just make sure to use fruits that are in season for the best flavor.
Make it Ahead of Time: This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together even more over time!
I learned the hard way that overripe bananas are NOT a good addition to this salad. Trust me on that one! And if you’re using kiwi, add it right before serving to prevent it from turning mushy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this salad at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. The dressing can spoil, and the fruit can become mushy.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit may release some liquid over time, but the salad will still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The fruit will become mushy and the dressing will separate.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze, you don’t have to worry about it! Just make sure the salad is well-covered to prevent it from drying out.
The biggest key is an airtight container – it really helps to keep everything fresh. If you notice the salad is getting a little watery, you can drain off some of the excess liquid before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s beloved Christmas Fruit Salad! It’s a dish that’s not only delicious and easy to make, but it also brings back so many wonderful memories. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of freshness and vibrancy to your holiday table. I truly believe that food has the power to connect us and create lasting memories, and this recipe is a perfect example of that. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a tradition, a celebration, and a taste of home. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Cranberry Orange Relish, which is another holiday favorite. Happy holidays and happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how your Christmas Fruit Salad turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
