Heavenly Church Picnic Fruit Medley
This delightful fruit medley has been a cherished recipe in our community for generations, lovingly prepared by my mother for every church picnic and dine-in gathering. The vibrant combination of sweet and tangy flavors from the cherry and peach pie fillings, complemented by the fresh fruits, creates an irresistible dish that brings joy to everyone who tastes it. It's the perfect side dish for any gathering, and its simple preparation means you can whip it up in no time while still impressing your friends and family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cherry pie filling
1 (21-ounce can)
Peach pie filling
1 (21-ounce can)
Bananas
4 (sliced)
Fruit cocktail
3 (cups, chunky style)
Strawberries
2 (cups, thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large serving bowl, combine the cherry pie filling and peach pie filling, stirring gently to combine.
2
Add the sliced bananas, chunky fruit cocktail, and thinly sliced strawberries to the bowl.
3
Carefully fold all the ingredients together until well mixed, taking care not to mash the bananas.
4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld together.
5
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to re-engage the ingredients, and enjoy the refreshing taste of this beloved dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Church Picnic Fruit Medley?
It is a cherished, vibrant fruit salad recipe featuring a combination of cherry and peach pie fillings with fresh bananas, strawberries, and fruit cocktail, traditionally served at church gatherings.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires cherry pie filling, peach pie filling, sliced bananas, chunky fruit cocktail, and thinly sliced strawberries.
How many bananas should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 sliced bananas.
What size cans of pie filling are required?
You will need one 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling and one 21-ounce can of peach pie filling.
How much fruit cocktail is used in the medley?
The recipe specifies 3 cups of chunky style fruit cocktail.
How should the strawberries be prepared?
The strawberries should be thinly sliced before being added to the mix.
Is there any cooking involved in this recipe?
No, this is a simple no-cook recipe that involves combining and folding ingredients together.
How long should the fruit medley be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I prevent the bananas from becoming mushy?
Carefully fold the ingredients together gently to ensure you do not mash the sliced bananas.
Is this dish served cold?
Yes, it is best served chilled after being refrigerated for several hours.
Can I serve this at a summer picnic?
Absolutely; its refreshing taste makes it a perfect dish for summer picnics and outdoor gatherings.
What flavor profile does this salad have?
The medley offers a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors from the fruit and pie fillings.
Who originally created this recipe?
This recipe was a family favorite lovingly prepared by the author's mother for generations.
What type of bowl should I use?
A large serving bowl is recommended to accommodate all the fruit and fillings comfortably.
Should I stir the salad before serving?
Yes, give the salad a gentle stir before serving to re-engage all the ingredients.
Is this considered a side dish or a dessert?
It can be served as either a sweet side dish or a refreshing dessert.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead is encouraged to allow the flavors to fully develop.
How many cups of strawberries do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of thinly sliced strawberries.
Is the fruit cocktail drained or used with syrup?
The instructions imply adding the chunky fruit cocktail directly, which typically includes its own juices for moisture.
What makes this recipe 'Heavenly'?
Its name comes from its popularity at church picnics and its beloved, irresistible sweet flavor.
Is this a good recipe for a potluck?
Yes, it is specifically designed for church picnics and potlucks where large groups gather.
Can I substitute the pie fillings?
The traditional recipe uses cherry and peach, but you could experiment with other fruit pie fillings if desired.
What is the preparation time for this salad?
The hands-on preparation is very quick, taking only a few minutes to slice the fruit and mix everything together.
Is this recipe vegan?
Most fruit pie fillings and fresh fruits are vegan, but you should check the labels on the canned pie fillings to be certain.
Does this salad contain any nuts?
No, the original recipe does not list nuts as an ingredient.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most fruit pie fillings are thickened with cornstarch, which is gluten-free, but check the labels to ensure no wheat-based thickeners were used.
Can I use fresh peaches instead of pie filling?
The recipe relies on the syrup from the pie filling to create the 'sauce' for the medley, so using fresh peaches would change the consistency significantly.
What is the first step in making the medley?
The first step is to combine the cherry and peach pie fillings in a large serving bowl.
How many ingredients are in the Heavenly Church Picnic Fruit Medley?
There are 5 main ingredients: cherry pie filling, peach pie filling, bananas, fruit cocktail, and strawberries.