Ambrosia - Healthy Winter Fruit Salad

According to Foodtimeline.org, traditional ambrosia fruit salad became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the southern United States. Most recipes call for a layering of oranges and coconut flakes with some sweetener, usually sugar. Many modern versions call for mixing in whipped topping, yogurt or even sour cream and are served with holiday meals.

The ambrosia recipe that follows is more traditional in that it contains only fruit, with oranges, apples and pecans being more readily available in autumn and winter. Rather than process grapes and cherries, a canned fruit cocktail is used. To keep the salad healthy, use the variety that is labeled as being in natural juice, not heavy syrup or artificial sweetener.

Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It makes a healthy and delicious topping over cereal on cold winter mornings.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

2 large oranges
2 large apples
2 cans (15 oz) fruit cocktail in natural juice
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans) - or more to taste
1/2 cup coconut flakes - or more to taste
2 bananas

Peel and section the oranges, removing as much pith as possible, and any seeds.
Cut orange sections into bite-sized pieces.
Core and peel apples and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Combine oranges and apples into large, non-metal bowl.
Drain fruit cocktail, reserving liquid. Fold in with other fruit.
Sprinkle in nuts and coconut.
If the salad looks too dry, add in a splash of liquid from the fruit cocktail.
Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Just before serving, peel bananas, cut into small pieces and add to the Ambrosia salad.

Serve in dessert cups, or as a meal-size portion in a cereal bowl.