Tropical Sunshine Fruit Medley
Brighten up your day with this delightful Tropical Sunshine Fruit Medley! Combining a colorful array of fresh fruits with a creamy lemon pudding dressing, this salad is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or as a refreshing side at any meal, this fruit medley is sure to impress. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy days. Enjoy this healthy treat that brings a taste of the tropics to your table!
8
Servings
100
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant Lemon Pudding
1 (3 ounce) package (none)
Chunk Pineapple
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Mandarin Oranges
1 (12 ounce) can (drained)
Bananas
2-3 (peeled and sliced)
Strawberries
1 pint (sliced)
Kiwi Fruit
2-3 (peeled and sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the chunk pineapple and mandarin oranges, setting them aside in a large mixing bowl.
2
Reserve 1 cup of the pineapple juice for later use.
3
In a separate bowl, prepare the instant lemon pudding by mixing it with the reserved pineapple juice until smooth and well combined.
4
Pour the pudding mixture over the drained pineapple and mandarin oranges in the mixing bowl. Gently stir to coat the fruit evenly.
5
Right before serving, add the sliced bananas, strawberries, and kiwi fruit to the bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the fresh fruits remain intact and prevent browning.
6
Serve chilled for optimal freshness and enjoy your Tropical Sunshine Fruit Medley!
Nutrition Information
0.2g
Fat
25g
Carbs
0.6g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
18.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Sunshine Fruit Medley?
Tropical Sunshine Fruit Medley is a vibrant fruit salad that combines canned and fresh fruits like pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas, strawberries, and kiwi, all coated in a tangy lemon pudding dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this fruit salad?
The main ingredients include a package of instant lemon pudding, canned chunk pineapple, canned mandarin oranges, fresh bananas, strawberries, and kiwi fruit.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains about 100 calories.
Is this Tropical Sunshine Fruit Medley gluten-free?
Yes, based on the tags and ingredients provided, this recipe is gluten-free.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, it is tagged as vegan and uses fruit juice instead of milk to prepare the pudding mixture.
Can I prepare this fruit medley ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base of canned fruits and pudding ahead of time, but it is best to add the fresh bananas, strawberries, and kiwi right before serving to keep them fresh.
How do I prevent the bananas in the salad from browning?
To prevent browning, add the sliced bananas just before serving and gently toss them with the lemon pudding mixture, which contains citric acid from the pineapple juice.
What kind of pudding is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for one 3-ounce package of instant lemon pudding.
Do I need milk to make the lemon pudding for this recipe?
No, you do not use milk. The pudding mix is combined with 1 cup of reserved pineapple juice for a dairy-free dressing.
What should I do with the juice from the canned pineapple?
You should reserve 1 cup of the pineapple juice to mix with the instant lemon pudding.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You can use fresh pineapple, but you will need to ensure you have 1 cup of pineapple juice or a similar citrus juice to mix with the pudding.
Can I substitute other fruits in this medley?
Yes, you can customize the salad with other tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or grapes depending on your preference.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will this fruit salad stay fresh?
While it is best served immediately, it can stay fresh in the fridge for about 1-2 days, though the fresh fruits may soften over time.
Is this a healthy dessert option?
Yes, it is a low-fat, fruit-based dessert that provides a refreshing and lighter alternative to traditional heavy sweets.
Can I add nuts to this fruit medley?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts can provide a nice crunch to the salad.
What size package of instant lemon pudding is needed?
The recipe requires a standard 3-ounce package of instant lemon pudding.
Do the kiwi fruits need to be peeled?
Yes, the kiwi fruit should be peeled and sliced before being added to the medley.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, as frozen strawberries can become mushy when thawed.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe is very low in fat, containing only about 0.2g per serving.
What is the sugar content per serving?
There are approximately 18.75g of sugar in each serving, coming from both the fruit and the pudding mix.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, children usually love the bright colors and the sweet, creamy lemon flavor of this fruit salad.
Can I use a different juice if I don't have enough pineapple juice?
Yes, you can use orange juice or even water as a substitute, though pineapple juice provides the best tropical flavor.
Should this be served cold?
Yes, for the best taste and refreshing quality, serve the Tropical Sunshine Fruit Medley chilled.
What occasions is this fruit salad best for?
It is perfect for summer barbecues, family reunions, potlucks, or as a quick weeknight side dish.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
It is a very quick recipe that takes only about 10-15 minutes to assemble once the fruits are prepped.
Can I add marshmallows to this salad?
Yes, adding mini marshmallows is a popular variation that adds a different texture and sweetness.
Is there protein in this dish?
Each serving contains a small amount of protein, approximately 0.6g.
Can I double this recipe for a large group?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to scale up by doubling all the ingredients to serve a larger crowd.