Old-Fashion Fruit Cocktail Salad with Mini Marshmallows

Recently when Hubby and I were out “antiquing” we found some of those awesome Jello Molds. You know the ones I’m talking about. People actually hung them in the kitchen as a decoration when they weren’t making Lime Jello with Chopped Lettuce. And yeah, that’s a thing people.

While I adore the molds, a jello salad with  chopped lettuce is part of my childhood I’d love to forget.

Now good, old fashion Fruit Cocktail Salad is one memory I adore. As a kid, it was like being allowed to have dessert on our Easter plate. A Fruit Cocktail Salad wasn’t something you served up just any old-time. It was reserved for special gatherings like Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter.

Today just happens to be one of those special days. What’s so special about today? Well, in addition to National Crouton Day, Frog Jumping Day, Apple Pie Day and Women’s Health Day, it’s also National Fruit Cocktail Day. So glad that this wonderful salad from my childhood has its own special place in the National Day Register.

Oh, one last thing. Did you know that during Prohibition fruit salads and shrimp salad were often served in martini glasses as a way of utilizing a glass that could no longer be used as intended? Maybe that’s why some of these dishes are known as “cocktail” despite the fact that they contain no spirits of any kind.

Fruit Cocktail Salad with Mini Marshmallows
2 Apples, cut into chunks
7-Up, enough to cover apples
1/2 lb Grapes, cut in half
1/4 cup Maraschino Cherries, cut in half
1 large can Fruit Cocktail, well-drained
1 small can Mandarin Oranges, drained
3 Bananas, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup Mini-Marshmallows (optional – kids love them)
1 pint Heavy Cream, whipped
1 tablespoon Sugar
1/4 cup Walnuts, chopped

Place mixing bowl and whip attachment for STAND mixer in freezer to chill. Slice apples into bite size pieces. Place in a bowl and cover with 7-up. (The 7-up will prevent the apples from turning brown and give them a light, sweet taste). Set aside.

Rinse grapes, cut in half and place in a large glass serving bowl. Cut cherries in half, add to grapes. Drain fruit cocktail and add to grape mixture. Peel and break apart oranges, add to the fruit mixture. Peel and coin-cut bananas. Add to fruit cocktail mixture, toss lightly.

In the chilled mixing bowl, pour heavy cream. Whip on low until foamy. While mixer is running, add sugar. Increase speed to medium-high and whip until firm peaks form.

Drain apples and pat dry. Add to fruit cocktail mixture, toss to blend. Fold in whipped cream and mini-marshmallows.

Just before, chop walnuts and add to salad. Stir gently to blend. Serve and enjoy.

Author: Rosemarie's Kitchen

I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and avid home cook.I believe in eating healthy whenever possible, while still managing to indulge in life's pleasures. View all posts by Rosemarie's Kitchen