A Colorful Southern Fresh Fruit Salad with Coconut and Nuts
Fruit Salad is a bright and refreshing Southern favorite that brings together a variety of fresh fruits, sweet raisins, crunchy nuts, and grated coconut. Lightly sweetened and chilled before serving, this easy recipe makes a beautiful addition to holiday tables, family gatherings, brunches, or summertime meals.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe reflects the Southern tradition of celebrating seasonal fruit with simple preparations that 1allow fresh flavors and natural sweetness to shine.
Ingredients
- 1 large apple (diced)
- 2 cups grapes (seedless)
- 2 tangerines (diced)
- 1 orange (diced)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 bananas (sliced)
- 1 cup candied cherries (chopped)
- 3/4 cup coconut (grated)
- 1 cup strawberries (diced)
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
Serves: 6
Instructions
- Place the diced apple, seedless grapes, tangerines, orange, raisins, sliced bananas, chopped candied cherries, grated coconut, diced strawberries, walnuts, and pecans into a large mixing bowl.
- Gently toss the fruit and nuts together until evenly combined.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the mixture and stir lightly to distribute it throughout the salad.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and the fruit to become well chilled.
- Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light dessert.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- A colorful fruit salad that’s perfect for holidays, brunches, and summer gatherings.
- Chilling before serving allows the fruit flavors to blend beautifully.
- Add the bananas just before chilling to help maintain their texture.
- Serve in a glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the fresh fruit.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
