Heavenly Fruit Salad

         This has to be one of my all time favorite dessert recipes. I have had it forever, it seems. It is creamy and dreamy, and has almost all the colors of the rainbow. Kids love this, but I believe adults love it more knowing how much fruit is inside. We are not messing around with using anything fake here.

You want fresh fruit, nothing but fresh. I do use 1 small box of Jello instant pudding, only vanilla will do here.

            Should we mention how healthy it is? I think that is obvious, but let’s not tell the kids. This fruit dessert can be made throughout the year, using the fruits that are freshest each season.

We are not drowning out the flavor of the fruits by adding thick whipping cream either. The amount of pudding used is barely enough to cover all the fruit pieces. This version will be the star of the dinner table.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            How can I store the leftovers?

                        I very seldom have leftovers, however, it can be stored in a tightly covered container, in the refrigerator, for up to 2 days.

            Can I use frozen fruit instead?

                        Frozen fruit can become mushy when it thaws. Fresh fruit is the healthiest, tastiest and best way to go here.

            Can I prepare ahead of time?

                        You can cut the fruit a day in advance. I would place it in a colander inside another smaller bowl. This will allow it to drain the liquids off. Do not slice the bananas ahead of time.

                        The topping can also be made one day ahead also, keep it separate. The next day, let the topping sit out and come to room temperature for 20 minutes.

Suggestions:

            Use a variety of fresh fruits, with a wide variety of color.

            Some fruits need to be planned ahead of time. Such as a pineapple. You want your fruits to be ripened fully.

            Do not slice or add the bananas until shortly before serving.

            I have friends who have used Greek yogurt as the topping for the fruit. They say it is fantastic.

What Ingredients do you need for Heavenly Fruit Salad:

            1 small box of Jello brand instant vanilla pudding

            15 ounces of cut pineapple (you can use canned, but fresh is better tasting)

            2 mandarin oranges, separated

            1 bunch of green grapes, cut in half

            1 bunch red grapes, cut in half

            1 quart strawberries, sliced or cut into chunks

            Add other fruits that you like such as cherries, all sorts of melons, and apples

How to make Heavenly Fruit Salad:

First Step:

Slice or cut all your fruit choices

a)

b)

c)

Second Step:

Place fruit in a colander and let drain, (melons will usually be all you need to drain)

a)

b)

Third Step:

Slice the bananas as the last fruit

Fourth Step:

Mix up the small box of instant pudding

Pour the pudding into the bowl with the fruit and gently fold all together.

           This dessert does not last long in my house with my family. For a change, if there are any leftovers from this, my kids ask for that as a snack instead of some sugary treat. Why would any parent argue with that?