Ensalada Navideña (Mexican Christmas Fruit Salad)

Name: Ensalada Navideña (Mexican Christmas Fruit Salad)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 apples, diced; 2 bananas, sliced; 1 cup grapes, halved; 1 cup pineapple, diced; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped; 1/2 cup mini marshmallows; 1 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Celebrate the festive season with this vibrant Ensalada Navideña, a delightful blend of fresh fruits, nuts, and a creamy dressing that brings joy to every holiday gathering. Perfect as a side dish or a light dessert, this Mexican Christmas Fruit Salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a showstopper at your holiday table.

Created by

Daisy Webb

Last updated on 2025-12-13T15:21:01.693Z

The Ensalada Navideña is a traditional Mexican dish enjoyed during the holiday season. Its colorful ingredients and creamy dressing make it a favorite for festive gatherings.

A Festive Favorite

Ensalada Navideña, or Mexican Christmas Fruit Salad, has become a beloved tradition in many households celebrating the holidays. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients evoke the spirit of the season, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This salad not only pleases the taste buds but also serves as a lively centerpiece for the holiday table, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere during festive gatherings.

The combination of fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes brings a natural sweetness to the dish, while the addition of crunchy pecans adds texture and richness. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that captures the essence of holiday cheer. Whether served as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert, this salad is sure to impress guests of all ages.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

This colorful salad is not just delicious; it is also packed with nutritional benefits. Fresh fruits like apples and bananas provide essential vitamins and minerals, promoting good health during the holiday season. Apples are high in fiber, which aids in digestion, while bananas are rich in potassium, supporting heart health and muscle function.

Adding pecans contributes healthy fats and antioxidants, ensuring you enjoy this festive treat without compromising on health. The unique dressing, made from sour cream and sweetened condensed milk, complements the natural flavors of the fruit while providing a creamy consistency that keeps everything beautifully coated. It’s a sweet indulgence that balances nutrition and festivity perfectly.

Variations and Customization

One of the best aspects of Ensalada Navideña is its versatility. Feel free to customize the ingredient list to suit your taste preferences or to use what you have on hand. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding diced mango, pomegranate seeds, or even a handful of shredded coconut. Each variant brings its own character while still celebrating the essence of the dish.

For a healthier twist, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, adding a protein boost while cutting down on heaviness. Experimenting with different nuts like walnuts or almonds can also introduce new textures and flavors to the mix. Tailoring this salad to your liking ensures it becomes a personal staple for your holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Ensalada Navideña.

Fruit Salad

2 apples, diced
2 bananas, sliced
1 cup grapes, halved
1 cup pineapple, diced
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Dressing

1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all the ingredients together for a delicious holiday salad.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Ensalada Navideña.

Prepare the Fruits

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, sliced bananas, halved grapes, diced pineapple, chopped pecans, and mini marshmallows.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently stir until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Your Ensalada Navideña is now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Perfect Preparation

To ensure the freshest taste and optimal texture, make sure to dice the fruits just before serving. This not only enhances their vibrant colors but also prevents them from browning. If preparing ahead of time, consider keeping the dressed fruit and the uncoated fruits separate until just before serving. This will keep the ingredients looking fresh and appealing.

If you're looking to enhance the flavor even further, feel free to experiment with citrus. A splash of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors of the fruits, balancing the sweetness with a hint of tartness that elevates the entire dish.

Serving Suggestions

Ensalada Navideña is best served chilled, making it a refreshing addition to rich and hearty holiday meals. Consider pairing it alongside traditional Mexican dishes such as tamales or a roasted turkey. This festive fruit salad can also stand alone as a light dessert option after a fulfilling feast.

For a beautiful presentation, serve the salad in a large glass bowl or individual cups, garnished with mint leaves or additional fruit slices. This not only adds an aesthetic touch but also invites your guests to dig in and enjoy a healthy, uplifting treat amidst the holiday cheer.

Storage and Shelf Life

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume the salad the same day it’s prepared. The longer it sits, the softer the fruits may become, which can alter the fresh and crunchy character that defines this dish.

If you're planning to serve it at a gathering, consider preparing the components separately and mixing them just before presentation. This method will ensure that each ingredient retains its original taste and texture, allowing everyone to enjoy a fresh, flavorful fruit salad even during the busiest moments of the holiday season.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, it's best to prepare it a few hours in advance, but avoid adding bananas until just before serving to prevent browning.