Let’s talk about Christmas. What is the quintessential side dish that everyone should have on their table? What is your family’s Christmas fruit salad? Is this a fruit salad? Isn’t it a shame that the restaurant manages to steal the show even with all the amazing roasts and desserts? If you’re anything like me and find yourself craving something light and refreshing amidst all the noise, then I’m going to be honest. If you’re looking for a lighter holiday fare, then this Christmas Fruit Salad is *exactly* what you need. Is this salad like a Ambrosia Salad? What makes it perfect for the holidays? I swear my kids start asking about it the day after Thanksgiving!

What is Christmas fruit salad?

Christmas Fruit Salad: A party in a bowl! What is essentially a medley of fresh, colorful fruits tossed in light, sweet, and creamy dressing. What are some of the best fruits to use in a smoothie? What is your family’s favorite season? What are some of the best mandarin oranges? ), pineapple, grapes, and maraschino cherries. What is the name of a Christmas tree? My grandmother used to make it, and now I do it. Is it that simple?

Why do I love this recipe?

What is a Christmas fruit salad? It’s a holiday experience.

Flavor:Is the combination of sweet, tart, and creamy addictive? The citrusy tang of mandarin oranges perfectly complements the sweetness of the pineapple. What is the best dressing for a salad?
Simplicity:Is this one of those recipes that’s almost *too* easy? Is it possible to throw together a complete meal in 15 minutes? What is a lifesaver for busy mom like myself during the busy holiday season?
Cost-What are some of the best fruits to buy in season? What are the best sales to keep an eye out for in the weeks leading up to Christmas?
Versatility:What are some good side dishes to serve as a snack? I’ve been known to sneak a bowl of cereal for breakfast!

What I love about this recipe is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters seem to enjoy it. It reminds me of my childhood Christmases, which is always a bonus. What are some of the best holiday salads? What’s a bit like the tradition of sweet Potato Casserole, but way fresher and more vibrant. In my humble opinion, this is the best thing to What are some of the best Christmas Salad Recipes?

How do I make a Christmas fruit salad?

Quick Overview

How do I make this Christmas fruit salad? What are some easy ways to make a creamy dressing? Everything is together. What is the best part? You can easily adapt it to your preferences. Don’t like grapes? Leave them out! I love strawberries, why not throw them in?

Ingredients

For the Fruit:

1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained (Make sure they are *well* diluted! Soggy salad is a no-no.)
1 (20 ounce) can of pineapple chunks, drained (Again, drain, Drain!
2 cups green grapes, halved (I prefer seedless, but that’s just me.)
One cup red grapes, halved. 1 cup.
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved (These are optional, but I think they add a nice flavor to any dish) (I like them very much).
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (Only if they look good! Sometimes winter strawberries are disappointing.)
1 cup blueberries (Adds a lovely pop of color!

For the Dressing:

What is the best sour cream to use?
1/2 cup mayonnaise (Don’t knock it till you try it! It adds a nice tang)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (Adjust to taste. Some people like it sweeter, some less so).
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.)

How do I follow all

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Wash and chop all of your fruit into bite-sized pieces. Make sure everything is nicely drained to prevent a watery salad. I usually do this step first so that the fruit can sit in a colander while I prepare the dressing.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Gently fold the fruit into the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. I find that it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Christmas Fruit Salad: Serve chilled and enjoy! I like to garnish it with a few extra maraschino cherries or mint.

What should I serve it with?

Christmas Fruit Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes.

With Christmas Ham: A Christmas Story.The sweetness of the fruit salad perfectly complements the saltiness of ham. What is a classic pairing?
What is the best way to serve roast Just like with ham, the fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the turkey.
As a light dessert:After a heavy meal, this fruit salad is an enjoyable treat. It’s light, refreshing, and not too sweet.
At Brunch:What’s your favorite holiday brunch recipe?

In my family, we always serve it with our Christmas ham. It’s just not Christmas without it! Sometimes I’ll even add a scoop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.

What are some of the best ways to prepare a Christmas fruit salad?

What are some tricks to make a delicious Christmas fruit salad?

How do you drain fruit well?What is the most important tip for salad dressing?
Why use fresh, high quality fruit? The better the fruit, the better the salad. Choose fruits that are ripe, but not too soft.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the dressing watery and the fruit mushy. Gently fold everything together until just combined.
Chill Before Serving: Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become even more refreshing.
Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the dressing and adjust the sugar to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter salad, while others prefer a more tart one.
Add a Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt can help to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Get Creative with the Fruit: Feel free to experiment with different fruits! Try adding kiwi, mango, or pomegranate seeds for a unique twist.

I learned the hard way about draining the fruit properly. One year, I was in a rush and didn’t drain the pineapple well enough. The salad ended up being a watery mess! Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes to drain everything thoroughly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Christmas Fruit Salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the fruit may release some liquid over time, so it’s best to drain off any excess liquid before serving.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this fruit salad, as the fruit will become mushy and the dressing will separate.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze on this recipe, this does not apply.

I usually make this the day before Christmas to save time on the big day. It actually tastes better after it’s had a chance to chill in the fridge overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use light sour cream and mayonnaise?

Absolutely! It will slightly alter the creaminess of the dressing, but it’s a great way to cut down on calories.

Can I add nuts to this salad?

Yes, you can! Pecans or walnuts would be a great addition. Just be sure to add them right before serving so they don’t get soggy.

Can I use canned fruit cocktail instead of fresh fruit?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Canned fruit cocktail tends to be very sweet and can make the salad too sugary. Fresh fruit is always the best option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and drain off any excess liquid before serving.

What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?

If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can try using Greek yogurt or whipped cream. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor and texture of the dressing slightly.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it: my family’s beloved Christmas Fruit Salad Recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I truly hope you give it a try this holiday season. It’s a fantastic way to add a little freshness and brightness to your Christmas table. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Cranberry Fluff Salad or my Watergate Salad – they’re both equally festive and delicious. Happy holidays, and happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how your Christmas Fruit Salad turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and feel free to share any variations you try. I’m always looking for new ideas!