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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Grandma's Old Fashioned Fruit Salad

    Published: Aug 1, 2022 · Modified: May 14, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 8 Comments

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    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!

    Closeup photo of a fruit salad topped with chocolate chips and sliced grapes. The salad is served inside a decorative bowl and is surrounded by fruits and utensils.

    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 Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding 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.

    Overhead photo of all the ingredients.
    • 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.  

    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.  

    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.  

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

    Overhead photo of prepared fruit salad served inside a decorative bowl and surrounded by ingredients and utensils.
    Overhead photo of prepared fruit salad topped with chocolate chips and sliced grapes and served inside a decorative bowl surrounded by ingredients and utensils.

    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
    Closeup photo of a fruit salad topped with chocolate chips and sliced grapes. The salad is served inside a decorative bowl.

    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.
    Closeup photo of the fruit salad served onto a small plate with a fork. The salad is topped with chocolate chips and sliced grapes. The fork is standing upright digging into the salad.

    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.

    Is it OK to make a fruit salad the night before?

    Yes, you can make the night before and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just note the really juicy citrus fruits will prevent you from being able to make this salad too far in advance. They produce a lot of liquid and so it’s best served shortly after it’s made.

    Can you taste the mayonnaise in the fruit salad?

    No. The mayonnaise adds a wonderful creaminess to the salad, but you cannot taste it.

    More Fruit Salad Recipes

    If you specifically want more fruit salad recipes, try this easy grape salad recipe, orange fluff salad 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

    YouTube video

    Grandma's Old Fashioned Fruit Salad with Mayonnaise

    Karin and Ken
    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!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 243 kcal

    Equipment

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

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup apple, your favorite variety, peeled, cored and diced
    • 1 cup pear, canned or fresh, drained or peeled, cored and diced
    • 1 cup peaches, drained or peeled, cored and diced
    • 1 cup banana, peeled, sliced
    • 1 cup grapes, seeds removed or seedless, cut in half
    • pineapple, drained, optional
    • orange, peeled, diced, optional
    • ½-1 cup chocolate chips, more or less to taste
    • 1 cup heavy cream, 35 %, measurement is a rough estimate
    • ¼ cup mayonaise measurement is a rough estimate
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • 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.  
    • Decide which fruits you wish to include in this amazing fruit salad.
    • Wash, peel and chop fruit into bite sized pieces. Place into large mixing bowl.
    • Make sure to use only enough mayo to coat all of the fruit.  
    • Next, using a hand held mixer,  whip your heavy cream until stiff peaks form, a few minutes on high.  
    • Slowly and gently add to your fruit salad. 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.  
    • Garnish with extra chocolate chips and extra sliced grapes if desired.
    • Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Tips:
    • Make sure to cut the fruit into bite-size pieces.
    • Either cut up the apples last or toss in a little lemon juice or mayonnaise to prevent browning.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 59mgPotassium: 196mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 543IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 0.3mg
    Keyword canned fruit, dessert, easy, fruit cocktail, fruit dessert, fruit salad, fruit salad with mayonnaise, holiday fruit salad, old fashioned fruit salad
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

           

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    Comments

    1. Cheryl Wilson says

      April 20, 2024 at 4:54 pm

      5 stars
      I would like to make this recipe using bananas the night before using..but I'm concerned about them turning brown. If I dip them in lemon first will that help?

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        April 20, 2024 at 5:10 pm

        If it’s possible I would add the bananas before serving to avoid them darkening. I don’t think the lemon juice will help unfortunately and I don’t know of a solution to your problem. I feel awful. I wish I did. Hope you’re still able to enjoy this salad. All the best. Karin

    2. Dee says

      March 24, 2023 at 11:18 pm

      5 stars
      Loved every bite Thx for this easy recipe I wished I had leftovers I wanted more after everyone left lol I still can’t believe how good it tasted I still can’t believe how well the Mayo worked Thx for this recipe 💕

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        March 31, 2023 at 7:32 pm

        I’ve loved this fruit salad recipe for my entire life and I’m so glad you enjoyed it too. Thank you for taking the to comment and let me know. You made my day. All the best. Karin

    3. vicki says

      January 29, 2023 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      Your recipe was exactly what I was looking for. Same one I remember but couldn't remember how much mayonnaise. The sour cream instead of mayonnaise is also an excellent idea.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        January 29, 2023 at 4:22 pm

        I have loved this recipe for as far back as I can remember. No matter how much fruit I use I make sure it’s all coated in mayo before adding the whipped cream. I always use hellmans too. Just like my grandma. Hope you enjoy this salad as much as we all do! Take care and all the best. Karin

    4. Louise says

      November 03, 2017 at 9:14 pm

      5 stars
      I was surprised how good this turned out. I included walnuts and everyone loved it. Thank you for sharing. I will be making this again.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        November 04, 2017 at 9:40 am

        Glad you all loved it! It is one of my all time favorite recipes! Thank you for taking the time to let me know! You made my day! Take care. Karin

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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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