Why You’ll Love this Fresh Mixed Fruit Salad
There are five irresistible reasons why this Fresh Mixed Fruit Salad will become your go-to recipe for any occasion.
First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare—just mix, chill, and add bananas before serving.
Second, the combination of peach pie filling with fresh fruits creates a perfect sweet-tangy balance.
Third, it’s make-ahead friendly, actually improving with that 24-hour chill time.
Fourth, the vibrant colors make for a stunning presentation.
Finally, it’s versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or as a side dish.
Can you imagine anything more invigorating on a warm day?
What Ingredients are in Fresh Mixed Fruit Salad?
This fresh mixed fruit salad brings together a delightful combination of canned fruits, frozen berries, and fresh bananas to create a revitalizing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how the different textures and flavors complement each other.
The peach pie filling acts as a sweet binding agent, coating the other fruits with just the right amount of sweetness while adding a luscious texture to the mix.
- 1 (20 ounce) can peach pie filling
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained well
- 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained well
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen sweetened strawberries, sliced (not drained)
- 2 bananas, sliced (added just before serving)
When shopping for ingredients, quality matters. Look for peach pie filling with visible fruit pieces rather than just a smooth puree.
For the canned fruits, make sure to drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from diluting the salad. The frozen strawberries, however, shouldn’t be drained as their syrupy juices add wonderful flavor to the mix.
And for the bananas? Always choose ones that are ripe but still firm, with minimal brown spots, since they’ll hold their shape better in the salad. Might I suggest buying them slightly underripe if you’re shopping a day or two before making the salad?
How to Make this Fresh Mixed Fruit Salad
Making this fresh fruit salad couldn’t be easier, and the results are absolutely worthy of your next family gathering or potluck. To begin, grab a large serving bowl—and I do mean large, as this recipe makes a generous amount.
Combine 1 (20 ounce) can of peach pie filling, 1 (20 ounce) can of well-drained pineapple chunks, 1 (11 ounce) can of well-drained mandarin oranges, and 1 (10 ounce) package of frozen sweetened strawberries. Remember, unlike the other canned fruits, you’ll want to keep all that strawberry juice for extra flavor, so don’t drain them.
Once you’ve combined these ingredients, give everything a gentle fold with a rubber spatula. The key word here is gentle—you don’t want to crush those mandarin segments or break up the strawberry slices too much.
Now comes the hardest part: waiting. Cover your beautiful creation with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a full 24 hours. This resting time is non-negotiable, folks. It allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle and get to know each other, creating a harmonious blend that’s greater than the sum of its parts. For long, slow cooking of fruit compotes, a Le Creuset Dutch oven provides excellent heat retention and distribution.
Just before you’re ready to serve, it’s banana time! Slice 2 ripe bananas and gently fold them into the chilled fruit mixture. Why add them at the last minute? Bananas have a tendency to brown and become mushy when they sit too long, and nobody wants brown bananas in their colorful fruit salad.
For an elevated presentation, consider serving your creation in a premium soup bowl from a quality kitchenware collection.
A quick toss, and your fresh mixed fruit salad is ready to dazzle your guests. And can we talk about how the peach pie filling creates the most delicious sauce that coats every piece of fruit? Divine.
Fresh Mixed Fruit Salad Substitutions and Variations
While the classic combination of peaches, pineapple, mandarin oranges, strawberries, and bananas creates a delightful melody of flavors, don’t feel locked into this exact fruit lineup for your salad.
I love swapping in seasonal berries—blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries work beautifully.
For a tropical twist, try adding mango chunks or kiwi slices. Not a fan of canned peaches? Fresh peaches or nectarines make a wonderful substitute in summer months.
You can also experiment with the sauce base.
Replace peach pie filling with vanilla yogurt or a honey-lime dressing for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless!
What to Serve with Fresh Mixed Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit salad deserves equally delightful companions on your table, creating a balanced meal that satisfies every craving.
I like pairing it with protein-rich options like grilled chicken skewers or a simple quiche for brunch. For something lighter, think yogurt parfaits or a small bowl of cottage cheese.
Want to go all-in on breakfast vibes? Serve alongside waffles with a dollop of whipped cream—decadent but balanced. A cup of herbal tea or mimosa completes the spread, depending on the occasion.
My favorite combo? A slice of warm banana bread with butter melting on top.
Final Thoughts
After creating countless fruit salads over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the simple joy this dish brings to any table.
There’s something magical about combining nature’s sweetest offerings into one colorful bowl of goodness.
Remember, the beauty of fruit salad lies in its flexibility.
Don’t have peaches? Swap in nectarines.
Strawberries looking sad? Blueberries work wonderfully.
Your creativity is the only limit.
What matters most is sharing these vibrant, nutritious treats with people you care about.
For a bold alternative that balances flavors, try the traditional Thai Drunken Noodles that artfully combine sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements.
Isn’t that what good food is really about?
Nourishing bodies while creating memories around the table.
For an Asian-inspired alternative that comes together quickly, consider making a deconstructed Egg Roll Bowl with fresh vegetables and savory sauces.
