Thanksgiving Feast: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
PREP TIME
20 minutes mins
RESTING TIME
6 hours hrs
TOTAL TIME
6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
SERVINGS
6 -8 servings
Ingredients
FOR THE PINEAPPLE CUSTARD:
â–¢ 3 tablespoons pineapple juice from the can of Dole Pineapple Chunks
â–¢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
â–¢ 1/4 cup sugar
â–¢ 3 egg yolks
â–¢ 1 tablespoon cornstarch
â–¢ 1 tablespoon butter
FOR THE FRUIT SALAD:
â–¢ 20 oz pineapple tidbits drained (save 3 tablespoons for the pineapple custard)
â–¢ 1 cup jarred cherries drained (not cherry pie filling or topping)
â–¢ 15 oz mandarin oranges drained
â–¢ 1 cup grapes
â–¢ 2 cups marshmallows mini or large (halved if using large)
â–¢ 1 cup whipped cream beat into firm peaks
â–¢ 2 bananas sliced
â–¢ 1 green apple diced
Instructions
FOR THE PINEAPPLE CUSTARD:
In the bowl of a double boiler, combine the pineapple juice, lemon juice, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch and butter.
Set over a double boiler and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool before adding to the fruit salad.
FOR THE FRUIT SALAD:
Combine all the ingredients except the whipped cream and bananas. Fold in the cooled pineapple custard and whipped cream.
Refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours. Add the sliced bananas and apples just before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Recipe Tips
What makes this salad especially special is the addition of marshmallows that get soft and sponge-like as the salad sits overnight. Be sure to let it sit for at least 6 hours.
Use the right kind of cherries! You want jarred or canned cherries packed in thin, liquid juice. Do not use cherry pie filling or topping.
This fruit salad is incredibly versatile! You can use any fruit you have on hand. I also sometimes like to add 1/2 cup shredded coconut.
Okay, so you've seen my amazing Thanksgiving Fruit Cocktail Salad recipe, but let me tell you a little secret: this isn't just for holidays! I make variations of this creamy fruit salad all year round, and it’s always a huge hit. The beauty of a 'fruit cocktail salad' is its versatility – it's all about combining your favorite colorful pieces of fruit with a delicious, often creamy, dressing. When I'm not making it for a big feast, I often dial down the sweetness a bit or swap out some fruits based on what’s in season. For instance, in summer, I love adding fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries alongside the classic mandarin oranges and grapes. Sometimes, I'll throw in sliced kiwi or even fresh peaches. The key is to keep a good mix of textures and colors, just like the vibrant blend with those crisp diced green apples and juicy mandarin oranges you see in the original recipe. And those white marshmallows? They're essential for that unique, soft texture once they've soaked up the dressing! Speaking of the dressing, while my pineapple custard base is incredible, you can absolutely experiment! For a lighter version, I’ve sometimes used a blend of Greek yogurt and a touch of honey, or even a simple vanilla pudding mix folded into whipped cream for that lovely white custard or whipped cream dressing feel. It still gives you that creamy texture that makes this salad so irresistible, but with a slightly different flavor profile. The marshmallows are non-negotiable for me, though – they soak up the dressing and get wonderfully soft, making every spoonful a dream. One of my favorite things about this type of fruit salad, especially with the creamy dressing, is how perfect it is for potlucks or picnics. It travels well, and since it’s best when it sits for a few hours, it's a fantastic make-ahead option. Just remember my tip about adding the bananas and apples right before serving to keep them from browning. I've learned that the hard way! For presentation, serving it in a large, elegant white bowl really makes those colorful pieces of fruit pop. Whether you're looking for a refreshing side dish, a light dessert, or a colorful addition to your brunch spread, this 'fruit cocktail salad' concept is your friend. It's so easy to customize, and honestly, seeing all those colorful pieces of fruit in a big white bowl just makes everyone smile. Don't be afraid to get creative with your fruit choices and enjoy creating your own family favorite!