Mom’s Fruit Salad for #SundaySupper #ChooseDreams

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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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

• 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

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.

Would 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.