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Mom’s Fruit Salad for #SundaySupper #ChooseDreams

Mom's Fruit Salad | Magnolia Days

It’s amazing how an everyday object becomes part of tradition. A simple serveware piece signifies a special moment. It isn’t that it is fine crystal or china. It is because that piece has been a fixture on your family’s table for as long as you can remember. The moment you see it you know what is in it. You smile because you know good food is ahead and great memories go with it. Such is the case with a glass bowl at my parent’s house. It has held one of two family recipes over the years; cucumber salad and mom’s fruit salad.

The glass bowl is not plain. It has a decorative textured pattern. That pattern is what makes it a serving piece instead of a regular mixing bowl. Texture makes it stand apart and the same goes for the fruit salad. I’ve always liked the rustic look because of how the apple and orange pieces are cut. It isn’t done with a fancy slicer or by segmenting. The fruit is cut with a paring knife while holding it over the bowl and letting the pieces fall in and pile on top of each other.

Mom's Fruit Salad | Magnolia Days

Mom’s fruit salad is served as a side dish. It can also be a dessert or snack. It has apples, bananas, an orange, cherries, pecans, and a creamy-like dressing made with… oh wait, hang on, let me share some back story first…

Mom's Fruit Salad | Magnolia Days

The salad needed a little tweaking. The final ingredient of the original recipe has brought the same reaction from a bunch of people: “Ewe, yuck”. I totally understand because it does sound odd. The other aspect is that it is not the healthiest ingredient to finish a fruit salad. So I “healthified” it and made it taste just as good with less fat. What did I change? I used non-fat plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Yes, you read that right. The original recipe called for mayo on a fruit salad. Go ahead and say it, I know you want to.

Mom's Fruit Salad | Magnolia Days

How do you make a recipe healthier? Is it with different cooking methods such as roasting instead of deep frying? Or do you substitute ingredients? Sunday Supper has partnered with American Family Insurance to share recipes and how-tos for turning your favorite family recipe or comfort food into a healthier version. Scroll down to see a list with links to recipes where you will also find tips and tricks. Also check out AmFam’s Family Favorite Recipes Pinterest board for more inspiration. Special thanks to Katie of Ruffles & Truffles for hosting this event.

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Mom's Fruit Salad | Magnolia Days
5 from 1 vote
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Mom’s Fruit Salad

A recipe for Mom's Fruit Salad made with apples, bananas, orange, cherries, pecans, and a creamy dressing. It is a low-fat side dish or dessert.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Author Renee

Ingredients

  • 2 apples
  • 2 bananas
  • 1 seedless orange
  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherries cut in half
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons non-fat plain yogurt

Instructions

  1. Peel and core the apples, cut into bite-sized pieces, and place pieces in a large bowl.
  2. Peel and cut bananas into 1/3-inch slices. Add slices to the bowl.
  3. Cut off the outside peel and pith of the orange. Cut the orange flesh into bite-sized pieces over the bowl so the juice and flesh pieces drop into the bowl while cutting.
  4. Add cherries, pecans, lemon juice, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of yogurt to the bowl. Gently stir to combine. Add more yogurt if desired for a creamier dressing.
  5. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

A recipe for Mom's Fruit Salad made with apples, bananas, orange, cherries, pecans, and a creamy dressing. It is a low-fat side dish or dessert.

Look at this list of family favorite recipes turned healthy. Visit each one because these talented Sunday Supper contributors have great ideas on how you can easily make healthier versions for your favorites too:

Savory Recipes

Sweet Recipes

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Sunday Supper LogoWould you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? Click here: Sunday Supper Movement

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own.

Recipe Rating




Farrah

Sunday 16th of December 2018

I’m searching the Internet for a mayo fruit salad. My Granny used to make a mayo based fruit salad and my mom is longing for it. I’m going to try and recreate it for our Christmas dinner with this recipe (with mayo lol) thank you.

Susan

Wednesday 25th of June 2014

woah, woooah mayo? Really? Glad you made that change, not sure how I feel about the original version because as you were listing everything out I'm like yeah sounds good. Mayo no. no mayo. Greek yogurt, yes, good.

Renee

Wednesday 25th of June 2014

Yes, really. Mayo but now with yogurt. Glad you like the change.

Bill

Wednesday 25th of June 2014

I have my Grandmother's dining room set and her crystal and silver. I know what you mean about memories of having those family heirlooms! Such memories! Delicious looking salad, Renee!

Renee

Wednesday 25th of June 2014

What a treasure those pieces from your grandmother must be for you Bill. Use them and enjoy them as much as you can.

Julie

Monday 23rd of June 2014

I've heard of using mayo in fruit salad, but your version with Greek yogurt sounds much tastier!

Renee

Wednesday 25th of June 2014

Thanks Julie

Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere

Monday 23rd of June 2014

Everything about this fruit salad is perfection! I'd love to dive into a big bowl right now!

Renee

Monday 23rd of June 2014

Thanks so much Sarah.