Citrus Delight Winter Fruit Salad
This Citrus Delight Winter Fruit Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dessert that beautifully combines various fruits with a creamy, tangy pudding mix base. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter dinners, this dish showcases the season's best flavors in a light and delightful presentation. The mix of tropical pineapple, zesty orange, and sweet apples, with a touch of banana, creates a luscious salad everyone will love. Best prepared a day in advance, it allows the flavors to meld for a truly memorable dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pineapple tidbits
2 (15 ounce cans, drained)
Orange juice concentrate
1 (6 ounce can, dissolved)
Instant lemon pudding mix
1 (3.5 ounce package)
Bananas
3 (sliced)
Pears
1 (2.5 lb can, cut up)
Apricots
1 (2.5 lb can, cut up)
Peaches
1 (2.5 lb can, cut up)
Mandarin oranges
1 (15 ounce can, drained)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the pineapple tidbits, and set the juice aside.
2
In a medium bowl, dissolve the orange juice concentrate into the reserved pineapple juice until well combined.
3
Sprinkle in the instant lemon pudding mix and whisk until thoroughly blended and smooth.
4
Add the sliced bananas, cut pears, apricots, and peaches into the juice mixture. Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits to incorporate all fruits evenly.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the pudding to set.
6
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and enjoy this delightful and refreshing winter treat!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Delight Winter Fruit Salad?
This is a refreshing dessert salad that combines canned and fresh fruits with a dressing made from orange juice concentrate and lemon pudding mix.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
For the best results and flavor development, the salad should be refrigerated for at least 24 hours.
What flavor of pudding mix is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses a 3.5 ounce package of instant lemon pudding mix.
Is the orange juice concentrate used as a liquid or a solid?
The orange juice concentrate should be dissolved into the reserved pineapple juice before mixing with other ingredients.
Do I need to cook the pudding mix?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that uses instant pudding mix whisked into juice.
What should I do with the pineapple juice from the cans?
The pineapple juice should be reserved after draining the tidbits and used as the base for the pudding dressing.
How many bananas are required?
The recipe calls for three sliced bananas.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned pears or peaches?
Yes, you can substitute fresh fruit, though canned fruit is specified for ease and consistent texture in this winter version.
What size cans of fruit are used for the pears and peaches?
The recipe uses 2.5 lb cans for the pears, apricots, and peaches.
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
The acidic citrus juices from the orange concentrate and pineapple juice help to preserve the color of the bananas.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a perfect addition to holiday tables.
Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?
Yes, an instant sugar-free lemon pudding mix can be used as a substitute.
What is the best way to incorporate the mandarin oranges?
Mandarin oranges should be gently folded in at the end to prevent them from breaking apart.
Is this fruit salad dairy-free?
Most instant pudding mixes contain some dairy derivatives, so you should check the specific brand's label if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch to the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
While the fruit is gluten-free, you must verify that your specific brand of instant pudding mix is certified gluten-free.
Can I use frozen orange juice concentrate?
Yes, use a 6 ounce can of frozen concentrate, allowing it to dissolve into the juice mixture.
Should the pineapple be tidbits or chunks?
The recipe calls for pineapple tidbits for a more uniform bite-sized texture.
Can I make this salad on the same day I serve it?
While possible, the flavor and consistency are significantly better if allowed to set for 24 hours.
What if I don't have apricots?
You can substitute the apricots with extra peaches or even canned mango for a different flavor profile.
How many cans of pineapple are needed?
You will need two 15 ounce cans of pineapple tidbits.
Do I need to add extra sugar?
No, the sweetness comes from the fruit syrups, juice concentrate, and the pudding mix.
Can I add marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows are a common addition to this style of salad and can be folded in before chilling.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this fruit salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it will change the texture of the fruit and the pudding base.
Is this salad considered a side dish or a dessert?
It is versatile and can be served as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?
Concentrate is preferred for its intense flavor and thicker consistency once mixed with the pudding.
What size is the mandarin orange can?
A 15 ounce can of drained mandarin oranges is required.
Does this salad require a large bowl?
Yes, given the volume of fruit and juice, a large mixing bowl is recommended.
Can I use vanilla pudding instead of lemon?
Yes, vanilla pudding works well, though it will lack the signature citrus tang of the lemon version.