Easy & Refreshing Orange Julius Style Fruit Salad: A 10-Minute Delight
Imagine the creamy, zesty flavor of your favorite Orange Julius, now in a vibrant and unbelievably simple fruit salad! This “Dump Fruit Salad” combines the sweet succulence of peaches, the bright tang of mandarin oranges, and juicy pineapple chunks, all enrobed in a luscious vanilla and orange-infused “sauce.” Perfect for any gathering, a quick weeknight dessert, or a refreshing side dish, this recipe comes together in under 10 minutes, promising a taste that will transport you straight to sunny days. Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with minimal effort.
More Than Just a Recipe: Standing Up for a Cause with #OrangeInspiration
Life often presents us with unexpected calls for help – whether it’s supporting a friend through a tough time, contributing to a community event, or lending a hand to a family member in need. These moments remind us of the powerful connections we share and our inherent desire to make a difference. Recently, my dear friend Justine, from Full Belly Sisters, reached out with a heartfelt request, inviting me to join her in a crucial mission: raising awareness and vital funds for cancer research through Cycle For Survival.
We all carry the burden of knowing someone whose life has been touched by cancer, whether they are bravely battling it now or have sadly succumbed to its grasp. When Justine shared her commitment to Cycle For Survival and asked for my support, there was no hesitation. I was all in. The initiative, symbolized by the color orange, resonates deeply, inspiring us to infuse our culinary creations with this vibrant hue to amplify the message of hope and healing. Thus, this Easy Fruit Salad was born, a delicious contribution to a truly meaningful cause. #OrangeInspiration is more than just a hashtag; it’s a rallying cry for resilience, research, and recovery.
Unpacking Cycle for Survival: Fighting Rare Cancers Together
Cycle for Survival is an extraordinary movement dedicated to conquering rare cancers. Founded in 2007, this dynamic initiative has already achieved remarkable milestones, raising an astounding $61 million and counting. These funds directly fuel pioneering clinical trials and cutting-edge research studies, igniting new hope for countless individuals and families grappling with rare cancer diagnoses. The impact of every dollar donated is profound, directly translating into tangible advancements in understanding and treating these complex diseases.
It’s a sobering reality that over 50% of people diagnosed with cancer are fighting what are classified as rare cancers. This extensive category includes devastating conditions such as brain, pancreatic, cervical, stomach, thyroid, and ovarian cancers, as well as all pediatric cancers. Despite their prevalence, these rare forms often struggle to attract the significant research dollars that are crucial for developing new therapies and treatments. Consequently, patients facing these diagnoses are frequently left with heartbreakingly limited options, making the work of Cycle for Survival even more critical.
The contributions from Cycle for Survival have made an indelible mark on the landscape of cancer research, contributing to more than 100 groundbreaking clinical trials and research studies. Beyond individual projects, the organization also supports major research initiatives that are poised to fundamentally transform the way cancer is diagnosed, treated, and ultimately, overcome. This comprehensive approach ensures that the funds are utilized to maximum effect, pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
A cornerstone of this effort is the invaluable collaboration with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). As the world’s oldest and largest private cancer center, MSKCC is unwavering in its commitment to providing exceptional research and care for individuals diagnosed with rare cancers. A unique strength of MSKCC lies in its incredibly close collaboration between doctors and researchers. This synergistic environment means that new drugs and therapies, once developed in the lab, can be rapidly translated and moved to patients’ bedsides, offering quicker access to potentially life-saving treatments. This direct pipeline from discovery to patient care is a testament to the urgency and dedication embedded in the Cycle for Survival mission.
The Power of Orange: Fueling Our Bodies and Inspiring Hope
In the lead-up to her bike ride, Justine rallied a few of her food blogger friends, myself included, to create recipes featuring orange foods. This choice of color is not arbitrary; orange is the official color for Cycle for Survival, symbolizing energy, enthusiasm, and the fight for life. But beyond its symbolic significance, orange foods offer a wealth of health benefits that make them a fantastic choice for any diet.
Orange foods are not only visually gorgeous and incredibly delicious but also packed with an impressive array of nutrients. They are veritable powerhouses of antioxidants, essential vitamins (like Vitamin C and Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene), dietary fiber, and beneficial phytonutrients. These components work synergistically to bolster your overall health. For instance, the beta-carotene found abundantly in orange fruits and vegetables is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and vision. The antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, reducing cellular damage and supporting immune function. Furthermore, studies suggest that incorporating a variety of orange foods into your diet may play a role in decreasing your risk of certain cancers. So, by enjoying these vibrant foods, we not only savor their taste but also nourish our bodies in ways that align with the very cause we are supporting.
It’s with this spirit of health, vitality, and support for a noble cause that I present my Easy Fruit Salad. Bursting with the refreshing flavors of citrus, this salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delightful and nourishing. I sincerely hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do, and that it inspires you to appreciate both the goodness of orange foods and the incredible work being done by Cycle for Survival.
Your Go-To Potluck Favorite: The Easiest Fruit Salad Ever!
Just last week, the universe seemed to echo Justine’s call for help, but this time, closer to home. Our church needed salads for a special event. With it being a Friday during Lent, traditional noodle casseroles were on the menu, and they specifically requested no pasta salads. A fruit salad seemed like the perfect solution – light, refreshing, and universally appealing. However, as is often the case, time was of the essence.
In my rush, I landed on this particular fruit salad recipe, and it proved to be an absolute lifesaver. It’s so incredibly simple; you literally just “dump” everything into a large bowl and stir. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While I often use canned fruits for speed and convenience, you could absolutely prepare this using all fresh fruits, simply drizzling the same delectable “sauce” over the top. Speaking of the sauce, I have to confess, I could honestly eat it by itself! Its creamy, vanilla-orange notes are truly addictive.
This salad is a massive hit with my kids, who ask for it regularly. And at every potluck or gathering where I’ve brought it, it disappears in a flash. There’s something about its vibrant flavors and irresistible creaminess that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but takes virtually no effort, leaving you more time to enjoy your event and less time stressing in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a foolproof, delicious, and incredibly quick side or dessert, this Easy Fruit Salad is your answer.
Crafting the Perfect “Dump” Fruit Salad: Tips and Variations
The concept of a “dump” salad might sound deceptively simple, but it truly is the secret to this recipe’s charm and success. The beauty lies in minimizing fuss without compromising on flavor. When preparing this fruit salad, the key is to ensure all your canned fruits are thoroughly drained. This prevents the salad from becoming watery and allows the creamy vanilla-orange sauce to truly adhere to each piece of fruit, delivering that consistent, delightful flavor in every bite. A simple colander will do the trick – just give the cans a good tilt and let the excess syrup drain away.
While the combination of peaches, mandarin oranges, and pineapple chunks creates a harmonious symphony of flavors reminiscent of an Orange Julius, don’t hesitate to personalize your fruit salad. This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out or add other canned fruits like pears, fruit cocktail, or mango chunks. For an extra pop of color and texture, consider incorporating fresh fruits as well. Sliced bananas are included in the recipe, adding a lovely softness and sweetness, but think about berries, grapes, kiwi, or even melon cubes for a seasonal twist. If you use fresh fruit, make sure it’s ripe but firm enough to hold its shape.
To enhance the texture, a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts can be a wonderful addition, offering a delightful crunch against the soft fruit and creamy sauce. For those who enjoy a bit of extra tang, a squeeze of fresh lime juice in the sauce can elevate the citrus notes even further. This fruit salad is an ideal make-ahead dish; prepare it a few hours in advance and chill it thoroughly in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, brunch buffets, or simply as a refreshing snack on a warm day. Serve it in a large, attractive bowl, and watch it disappear!
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Print Recipe
Easy Fruit Salad #OrangeInspiration
Ingredients
- For the “sauce:”
- 2 cups Orange Juice
- 5.1 ounce Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 16 ounces Sour Cream
- For the Salad:
- 2 – 13 oz cans Peaches cut into chunks, drained
- 3 – 13 oz cans Mandarin Oranges drained
- 2 – 20 oz cans Pineapple chunk style, drained
- 3 small bananas sliced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, orange juice, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Set this creamy sauce aside.
- Thoroughly drain all the juice from your cans of peaches, mandarin oranges, and pineapple. Transfer the drained fruit into a large mixing bowl. Add the freshly sliced bananas to the bowl with the other fruits.
- Pour the prepared vanilla-orange sauce over the mixed fruit. Gently stir everything together until all the fruit pieces are evenly coated with the luscious sauce. For best results, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to cool.
- **Chef’s Notes** Feel free to customize this salad with any canned or fresh fruits you prefer, such as pears, grapes, or mangoes. It’s equally delicious with an all-fresh fruit medley!
Nutrition
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Join the Fight: Support Cycle for Survival
~Here is my friend, Justine (on the right), and a couple of her dedicated cycling buddies.~
This Saturday, my friend Justine will be cycling with her team in New York City, demonstrating incredible strength and dedication to the Cycle for Survival cause. Her efforts, and those of thousands of other participants, are fueled by a shared commitment to a future free from rare cancers. Here is a personal note from Justine herself, highlighting the profound impact your support can have:
“All donations are tax-deductible, and critically, 100% of the funds donated for my ride will go directly to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) to help patients around the world. For the past two years, my team has ridden in honor or in memory of many different people by writing their names on our arms. When you make your donation, if you would like me to ride for someone special in your life, please send me his/her name, and I will gladly ride for your loved one at the event. Remember, no donation is too small—every single dollar counts and makes a tangible difference in the fight against rare cancers!”
Your contribution, no matter the size, helps drive the groundbreaking research and clinical trials that offer new possibilities for patients. It supports the innovative collaboration at MSKCC, where discoveries quickly move from the lab to patient care. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift now and become a part of this vital mission:
I Want to DONATE to Justine’s TEAM
~~~
Discover More Orange Inspiration!
Orange you excited to see all the incredible bloggers who are participating in this #OrangeInspiration campaign and their delicious orange-themed recipes? It’s truly inspiring to see the culinary community come together for such an important cause, transforming simple ingredients into symbols of hope and healthy living. Each recipe not only celebrates the vibrant color orange but also contributes to raising awareness for Cycle for Survival and the fight against rare cancers.
Be sure to visit these talented bloggers for more creative and flavorful orange recipes:
*Sumptuous Spoonfuls | *Something About Cupcakes | *Ally’s Kitchen | *Life Currents | *The Fountain Avenue Kitchen | *Who Moved my Coconut Oil | *What’s Cookin’ Italian Cuisine
This recipe was adapted from Foxhollow Cottage.
Thank you for taking the time to explore this refreshing fruit salad and, more importantly, for learning about the crucial work of Cycle for Survival. Together, through simple acts of cooking and generous donations, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those battling rare cancers and move closer to a future where every cancer is curable.