Grandma's Old Fashioned Fruit Salad

Grandma's old fashioned fruit salad with mayonnaise is easily my favorite holiday fruit salad. This creamy fruit salad recipe comes together quickly with just some fresh fruit, chocolate chips for added sweetness, and a 2-ingredient dressing. Just like my grandma used to make!

When I was small this fruit salad was one of my favorite holiday treats that my grandmother used to make. She always had a few different desserts for us to choose from but I always loved this one the best! I think we all did.

I used to beg her to make it more often and she would always say that "it wouldn't be special if you ate it every time I saw you!"  You know I didn't care about the whole special thing.  

My dad, who used to admire how tough she was, knew too!  Before I end up in tears from missing them both so much I will get back to the topic at hand. My Grandma's Fruit Salad.  I still can't believe how simple it is to make.  Really! this old fashioned fruit salad with mayonnaise and whipping cream does not have to be made with specific amounts of anything.  Use whatever your favorite fruits are, a little more or a little less will not matter!  

It can be made to feed an army or just one.  As cheap or expensive as you want to make it.  More or less calories.  You get to make all of the decisions. Her technique is what is important.  

If you enjoy old-fashioned holiday recipes like this, you need to check out this recipe for Grandma's Chocolate Eggnog Pudding Cake and Grandma's Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake.

They perfect to any special occasion meal such as Mom's Old Fashioned Stovetop Pot Roast or Holiday Roast Beef or Sweet Balsamic Pork Roast.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• This recipe is so easy to make!
• You can easily customize it and you the fruits you love.
• The chocolate chips provide a little sweetness to the fruit and creamy dressing.
• This recipe is a great way to get kids to eat more fruit!

Ingredients in Old Fashioned Fruit Salad

Don’t be intimidated by the prep involved in making this fruit salad. it really only takes a few minutes to get all of the fruit cut into pieces.

• Apple
• Pear, canned, drained
• Peaches, canned, drained
• Banana
• Grapes
• Pineapple, canned, drained
• Orange
• Chocolate chips
• Heavy or whipping cream
• Mayonnaise

How to Make Fruit Salad with Mayonnaise

Here are the step-by-step photos and instructions for making this old fashioned fruit salad or what I like to lovingly call a holiday fruit salad. For the complete instructions, check the recipe card further down on the page.

The proportion of fruits is up to you.  You have the option of creating a fruit salad out of drained, canned fruit cocktail and pineapple to all fresh.  All fruits work here. Use your favorites.  

Make sure to use only enough mayonnaise to coat all of the fruit.  

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Next, using a hand held mixer, whip your heavy cream until stiff peaks form, a few minutes on high.  

Slowly add to your fruit salad.  

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Stir until all of the fruit is coated with whipping cream.  

Add as many chocolate chips as desired.

Dump into a large enough serving bowl to hold all of your fruit salad or place in bowls for each individual serving.  

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Garnish with extra chocolate chips and extra sliced grapes if desired. 

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Substitutions

Don’t have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this fruit salad recipe.

• Miracle Whip or sour cream may be used as substitutions for mayonnaise.
• If you don't have the whipping cream, prepared whipped cream from the freezer section of the grocery store may be used.
• Substitute any of the fruits on the list with fruits that you like.
• Add a touch of honey for sweetness, instead of the chocolate morsels.

Variations

Want to personalize this fruit salad recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

• You can omit the chocolate chips.
• Add a little toasted coconut.
• Stir in some nuts for added crunch.

Equipment

All you need are a handful of basic kitchen tools to whip up this old fashioned fruit salad.

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Large spoon or spatula for stirring

Storage

Refrigerator: Store holiday fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Freezer: I have not tried freezing the completed recipe, but I don't recommend it. You may freeze the fruit, without the dressing, in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator.

Tips

• Make sure to cut the fruit into bite-size pieces.
• Cut up the apples last, or you can toss them in a little lemon juice or mayonnaise to prevent browning.

FAQ

Do you have questions about my grandma's fruit salad recipe? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about making an old fashioned fruit salad with dressing.

More Fruit Salad Recipes

If you specifically want more fruit salad recipes, try this easy grape salad recipe and strawberry cheesecake fluff salad.

I am going to tell you exactly how she did it.  Actually, if you would rather watch how she did it have a look at the video below.

My Grandma's Fruit Salad Video