This has been my family’s Christmas tradition for as long as I can remember! My dad brought it with him from Kentucky, and every year we’d have this bright, beautiful fruit salad. It always smelled like pure holiday cheer! Now that I have the very same jug they used, it feels even more special. Sharing this with you all is like sharing a piece of my heart! 
**Christmas Morning Fruit Salad**
This isn’t just any fruit salad; it’s a celebration of sunshine and sweet memories. Perfect for a holiday brunch or a light dessert after a big meal.
**What you’ll need:**
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1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
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* 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained well
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* 1 can (15 ounces) fruit cocktail, drained very well
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* 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
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* 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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* 1 cup miniature marshmallows
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* 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional, but so good!)
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* 1/2 cup sour cream (or for a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt)
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* 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks (optional, for extra creaminess)
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* 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar, to taste
**Let’s make some magic:**
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In a large bowl, gently combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice!), drained mandarin oranges, drained fruit cocktail, halved grapes, and sliced strawberries.
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2. Add the miniature marshmallows and shredded coconut (if you’re using it). Give it all a gentle stir so everything is distributed.
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3. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or yogurt) and the whipped heavy cream (if you’re using it). Stir in the powdered sugar until smooth and lightly sweet. You want it to be just creamy and sweet enough to coat the fruit, not overpower it.
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4. Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit mixture. Fold it in gently, being careful not to mash the fruit. You want every piece to be lightly coated.
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5. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the marshmallows to soften just a bit.
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6. Serve it cold in your favorite festive bowl!
This salad is wonderful on its own, but it’s also phenomenal served alongside ham or turkey. It brings such a fresh, sweet contrast to richer dishes. Enjoy!