Fruit Salads

Here are my two favorite go to recipes for fruit salad. One for home and one for large gatherings, holidays, and social events. Although, I do make smaller batches of the second recipe for home also. The great thing about fruit salads is that you can add or subtract any fruit, add more of one and less of another, etc. to tailor it to your preference. You can also add as much or as little dressing or whipped cream as desired.

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Tam’s Picnic Fruit Salad

4 medium golden Delicious apples, diced
4 medium Red Delicious apples, diced
2 cups seedless green grapes, halved
2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
1 large can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup raisins
1/3 cup maraschino cherries, halved
1 small can diced pineapple, drained but reserve 1 Tbsp

Dressing:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup sugar or sucralose
1 Tbsp pineapple juice

Cream together dressing ingredients. Gently toss with fruit. Cover and chill at least 4 hours before serving.

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Tam’s Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Perfect for large family reunions, holiday gathering, huge office party, or other social events.

3 medium Red Delicious apples, diced
3 large bananas, sliced
lemon juice concentrate
2 cups seedless green grapes, halved
2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
2 cups (2 cans drained) peaches, diced
2 cans pears, drained and diced
1 large can mandarin oranges, drained
1 jar maraschino cherries, halved
4 Tbsp maraschino cherry juice
3 to 3-1/2 cups whipping cream
1 Tbsp vanilla
optional ingredients (see below)

Pre-soak banana slices in enough lemon juice concentrate to cover. This slows oxidation and darkening as well as adding another layer of flavor. Be sure to gently stir or lift slices if stuck together so both sides are coated.

Meanwhile, whip the whipping cream with vanilla and 4 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice until thickened.

Drain banana slices in colander.

In extra large mixing bowl fold everything together.

Transfer to a large serving bowl or leave in mixing bowl, cover, and refrigerate to chill overnight and to allow flavors to meld.

Optional:

May also add shredded coconut, diced pineapple (drained), sliced kiwi, raisins (gold or black), or diced mango. You can even add berries!

Serve in edible bowls made from pre-chilled cantaloupe, honeydew, or Christmas melons after cutting in half and the seeds have been scooped out. Or, serve over melon slices. Or, may dice and toss the melon in with rest of salad.

Add chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, or almond slivers.

Although not required, you may add 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar or choice of sugar substitute to whipped cream before whipping. It will become naturally sweeter, however, as it chills overnight without any added sugar.

May fold in mini-marshmallows if desired.

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