by Julia Williams

Created on: April 12, 2007   Last Updated: May 04, 2007

This deliciously sweet fruit salad is equally good as a side dish or a dessert. If you love the flavor of pistachio pudding, you won't be able to stop with just one helping of this salad. It's quick and easy to make, and always a crowd favorite at picnics and casual get-togethers.

PISTACHIO FRUIT SALAD
1 box Pistachio pudding
1 container of Cool Whip
1 can of Pineapple Chunks or Crushed, drained

1 large apple, diced
1 medium banana
1 cup mini marshmallows
2 tablespoons walnuts

In a large bowl, mix the pudding and cool whip until thoroughly blended. Fold in pineapple, apple, banana, marshmallows and walnuts. Chill before serving.

When I want to serve a true fruit salad (i.e., less sugar and more fruit), the recipe below is the only one I use. The best part is that the delicious dressing can be used for just about any fruit, in any combination! In addition to the fruit listed in the recipe, try it with cherries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, plums, pears or cantaloupe.

TROPICAL FRUIT SALAD IN TANGY DRESSING
1 mango, peeled, pitted and chopped
2 oranges, cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices
1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
2 bananas, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 cup whole raspberries or blackberries
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 cup plain lowfat yogurt
freshly grated lime peel (optional)

Combine all of the fruit in a large salad bowl. Mix the honey, lime juice and yogurt in another bowl. Pour dressing over fruit and toss gently. Chill several hours before serving.

I hope you enjoy these delicious fruit salads!

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