Fruit Salads

Whether you are planning a picnic, a dinner with friends or something for the kids to snack on you can't go wrong with fruit. It's versatile, good for you and easy to use. These fruit salads are quick and easy to mix up. In no time you will have a finished dish that everyone will enjoy.These also make super potluck dishes as well. Don't hesitate to use fruit that is in season or to substitute your own personal favorite fruit in these easy to make recipes. You could substitute pears for apples, orange slices for mandarin oranges, blueberries for raspberries - the choices are endless. Carry a basket of fresh fruit on your summer outings as well. Then you will always have something for those who are dieting or may not be able to eat the prepared dishes for some reason. Washed and ready to go is a perfect in the car snack too, especially when traveling with kids. Fruit on the counter provides an easy alternate to sugary snacks for both kids and adults. It's high in potassium and vitamin c as well as lots of other vitamins and minerals.
Fruity Apple & Banana Salad
This salad will be a big hit with the younger crowd.

2 cup diced unpeeled apples
2 cup sliced bananas
2 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup drained pineapple bits
1 cup raisins
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
2/3 cup mayonnaise
Toss the apples and bananas immediately with the lemon juice to keep from turning brown. Then add the pineapple, raisins, walnuts and maraschino cherries. Toss with the mayonnaise until fruit is coated.
Makes 12 servings

Hawaiian Cole Slaw
Tropical twist to an old favorite, shared from a friend.
8 cups fresh, shredded green cabbage
2 11 oz. can mandarin oranges
2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 Tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup mayonnaise or miracle whip
Oriental noodles
Grate the cabbage the cabbage into a large bowl. Drain the mandarin oranges but save the juice. Drain and measure the pineapple. Add salt and spices to the cabbage. Add orange juice and pepper and toss lightly salad. Add the drained fruit, tossing it all. Next stir in the mayonnaise. Chill well before serving. Sprinkle oriental noodles on top before serving.
Kid Friendly Fruit Salad
Chop a mixture of your favorite fruits.
•grapes
•apples - cut into chunks
•peaches - cut into chunks
•bananas - sliced
•pineapple chinks
•Cool Whip - 8 ounces
Mix the cut up fruit into a bowl. Sprinkle lemon juice over the apples to keep from turning brown.
Fold in the tub of Cool Whip - carefully coating the fruit. Keep refrigerated