Mixed Fruit Salad Recipes


Mixed Fruit Salad Recipes

Mixed Fruit Salad Recipes — Four nostalgic vintage fruit salads featuring pineapple, oranges, bananas, marshmallows, and creamy or pudding-based dressings. These sweet, colorful salads were staples at mid-20th-century potlucks and family gatherings.

Recipes on this page

✨ Jump directly to a classic recipe:

🥗 Classic Mixed Fruit Salad

A sophisticated fruit salad featuring a rich, homemade cooked dressing folded with stiffly whipped cream.

Ingredients

  • 1 large can pineapple, drained
  • ½ lb grapes, seeded
  • 2 oranges, sectioned
  • 2 bananas (add just before serving)
  • 15 large marshmallows, quartered
  • Nut meats (optional)

Dressing

  • ¼ tsp dry mustard, 5 tbsp sugar
  • Juice of 1 lemon, ½ tsp salt
  • 2 eggs (beaten), ½ pint heavy cream (whipped)

Preparation Instructions

  1. Prep: Cut and thoroughly drain pineapple, grapes, and oranges.
  2. Dressing: Cook mustard, sugar, lemon juice, eggs, and salt until thickened. Cool completely, then fold in whipped cream.
  3. Assemble: Layer fruit/marshmallows with dressing in a bowl. Refrigerate at least 4 hours. Add bananas just before serving.

🍋 Tutti Frutti Lemon Salad

A zesty and effortless salad that uses instant pudding mix to create a bright, creamy coating for canned fruits.

🍽️ Serves: 10

Ingredients

  • 8¾ oz can pineapple tidbits (undrained)
  • 11 oz can mandarin oranges (undrained)
  • 17 oz can fruit cocktail (undrained)
  • ½ cup flaked coconut (optional)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 pkg instant lemon pudding mix
  • 2 bananas, ½ pint whipping cream

Preparation Instructions

  1. Mix: Combine all undrained fruits in a large bowl. Sprinkle pudding mix over and toss lightly. Chill thoroughly.
  2. Finish: Just before serving, fold in sliced bananas and top with whipped cream.

🍒 Fruit Salad with Cooked Dressing

A classic chilled salad that benefits from a long, 24-hour soak in its creamy, homemade dressing.

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 2 eggs (beaten), 4 tbsp vinegar, 4 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp butter, 1 cup whipped cream

Fruit

  • 2 cups each: maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, orange sections

Preparation Instructions

  1. Cook: Combine dressing ingredients in a double boiler until thick. Cool slightly, then fold in whipped cream.
  2. Marinate: Mix dressing with fruit and marshmallows. Refrigerate 24 hours before serving.

🍊 Instant Pudding Fruit Salad

A quick, crowd-pleasing dessert salad that uses a combination of instant pudding flavors for a vibrant, fruity base.

🍽️ Serves: 8–10

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg vanilla instant pudding
  • 1 pkg orange or lemon instant pudding
  • 1 can mandarin oranges
  • 1 can pineapple chunks
  • 1 banana, sliced

Preparation Instructions

  1. Cook: Prepare both pudding mixes together using 3 cups total liquid (fruit juices + water).
  2. Assemble: Cool slightly, add drained fruit, and refrigerate. Add sliced banana just before serving.

FAQ

Can these fruit salads be made ahead of time?

Yes. Most taste better when chilled several hours or overnight.

When should bananas be added?

Add bananas just before serving to prevent browning.

How long do these salads keep?

Covered and refrigerated, they’re best within 2–3 days.

Can fresh fruit replace canned fruit?

Yes, but you may need to adjust liquid or add extra whipped cream for proper moisture.

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