Ah, now we’re getting into festive Southern flavors! The Kentucky Christmas Fruit Salad is a classic holiday side—sweet, tangy, creamy, and usually studded with colorful fruits and sometimes nuts or maraschino cherries. 🎄🍓🍊
Here’s a traditional version:
Kentucky Christmas Fruit Salad
Serves 6–8
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows (optional)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2–3 tbsp sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit:
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, apples, and grapes.
- If using marshmallows and nuts, add them now.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream, sugar or honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine:
- Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently stir until everything is coated.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving to let flavors meld.
- Serve:
- Spoon into a festive bowl or individual cups. Optional garnish: extra cherries or a sprinkle of nuts on top.
✅ Pro tips:
- For extra holiday flair, fold in pomegranate seeds for a pop of red and a subtle tartness.
- Some versions add shredded coconut or a splash of orange juice for extra sweetness.
- Make it a day ahead—fruit salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge!
If you want, I can give you a “Kentucky Christmas Fruit Salad Deluxe” version that includes cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and a little rum flavor for a truly decadent holiday treat.
Do you want me to do that?
