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 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…
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.
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
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
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Peel and core the apples, cut into bite-sized pieces, and place pieces in a large bowl.
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Peel and cut bananas into 1/3-inch slices. Add slices to the bowl.
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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.
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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.
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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
- Angel Hair & Zucchini Noodles with Fresh Tomato Sauce by Ruffles & Truffles
- Baked Vegetable Egg Rolls by Curious Cuisiniere
- Beef Stroganoff by Country Girl in the Village
- Buffalo Cauli-Tots by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Corn and Crab Chowder by The Dinner-Mom
- Crab Cake Salad by Family Foodie
- Grilled Portabella Mushrooms On Red Pepper Slaw with Cucumber Dressing by Seduction In The Kitchen
- Healthy Chicken Salad by Run DMT
- Lighter Chipotle Beef Tacos by Alida’s Kitchen
- Meatballs with Vegetable Noodles and Fresh Tomato Sauce by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Roasted Cauliflower Mac & Cheese by The Messy Baker
- Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms and Spinach by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Tex Mex Enchilada Skillet Lasagna by Neighborfood
- Zucchini Meat Lasagna by Peanut Butter and Peppers
Sweet Recipes
- Chewy Coconut Granola Bars by Savvy Eats
- Enlightened Southern Banana Puddings by The Weekend Gourmet
- Mom’s Fruit Salad by Magnolia Days
- Strawberry Vanilla Canapés by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Superfood Pancakes by girlichef
- Zucchini Carrot Cake by The Foodie Army Wife
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own.
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
Delish…with the yogurt! And, I love the special bowl!
Renee says
Thanks Marjory and it really is a special bowl.
Stacy says
Yeah, I probably would say “Yuck!” too and I am a fan of mayo. My grandmother always made a fruit salad that looks like your mom’s but I don’t think it had anything creamy in it. I’ll have to double check with my mother. She called it ambrosia and it turned up at most Sunday dinners and special occasions. I love your version with yogurt, Renee!
Renee says
Ambrosia usually has coconut in it and I think marshmallows. My dad loved ambrosia and one day I need to post a recipe for it too.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
Great sub with the yogurt!
Renee says
Thanks Dorothy
Katie says
Ok, I have to admit…the original ingredient is definitely interesting! I’ve never heard of that combination before.
I do love a fresh fruit salad…perfect way to end a meal for me!
Renee says
The original ingredient does perplex a lot of people. Believe it or not, it is still good with it too. Just maybe not as healthy.
Constance Smith (@FoodieArmyWife) says
My mom always made the best fruit salad – we had it at every major holiday supper. Mayo might sound weird, but I bet it was good, and with the yogurt , even better!
Renee says
Yes, the mayo sounds weird but it is still good. I thought all fruit salads were made that way when I was a kid.
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
This is such a pretty dish! Love the yogurt substitute…for the mayo. lol Im sure either way it was good, but I am excited to try the healthier version. Mmmm
Renee says
Thanks Shannon. I like the salad both ways.
Deanna Samaan says
This so pretty! I love a good fruit salad and this is perfect!!!
Renee says
Thank you Deanna
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
I love the combination of fruit in this salad, with pecans its even better!
Renee says
Yes, pecans really add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad.
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
I loved your description of the serving bowl. It brought to mind so many of my own family favorite pieces. And great sub with the yogurt. I have to admit, it does sound better than mayo. 🙂
Renee says
It’s amazing to realize how special every day bowls and platters are once we attach the memories to them.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I am soo not a mayo girl, so your version sounds right up my alley! I actually make a couple of creamy fruit salads and they are so good!
Renee says
I have to admit I’m a mayo girl and there is always a jar in the fridge.
Beate says
Yes, I said it…mayo in fruit salad; that is an interesting addition 🙂
Love your post, Renee.
Renee says
Thanks Bea and you made me smile to say it.
Run DMT says
Yep, mayo is odd. Plain yogurt is a much better substitute. 😉
Renee says
Odd and yet I’ve enjoyed that original salad all my life.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
What a great fruit salad! I love how simple it is and the fruit you used in it! Yum!
Renee says
Thanks Jennifer.
Shaina says
What a beautiful salad, and using yogurt is much more appealing to me than mayo. I could eat this any time of day!
Renee says
I’ve eaten it for breakfast and a snack. It is so much better than just plain fruit.
Heather // girlichef says
Okay, I know exactly what you’re talking about – my grandma made a fruit salad with mayo! But, I would much prefer your version, it sounds so delicious – and it is so rustically beautiful.
Renee says
Nice to see there was someone else out there who made fruit salad with mayo.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
You made fruit salad look so desirable. This recipe sounds amazing. Pinned.
Renee says
Thanks a bunch Jennie and you know I appreciate the pin.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
Everything about this fruit salad is perfection! I’d love to dive into a big bowl right now!
Renee says
Thanks so much Sarah.
Julie says
I’ve heard of using mayo in fruit salad, but your version with Greek yogurt sounds much tastier!
Renee says
Thanks Julie
Bill says
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 says
What a treasure those pieces from your grandmother must be for you Bill. Use them and enjoy them as much as you can.
Susan says
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 says
Yes, really. Mayo but now with yogurt. Glad you like the change.
Farrah says
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.