Ensalada Navidena (Mexican Christmas Fruit Salad) is a creamy, colorful holiday favorite made with fresh fruits and a sweet dressing. This traditional dish not only adds a splash of color to your Christmas table but also brings a delightful blend of flavors that will remind you of home. Each spoonful of this festive salad captures the essence of Mexican holiday celebrations, making it a must-have at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Ensalada Navidena
This ensalada de Navidad is beloved for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile; you can customize it with seasonal fruits or nuts. Second, it serves a crowd, making it perfect for large family gatherings. Third, this ensalada navideña tradicional is easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your festivities without stress. Additionally, it pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, such as ensalada con pollo para Navidad or tamales. The combination of flavors from fruits like apples and bananas, along with a sweet creamy dressing, creates an indulgent yet refreshing experience. Lastly, it embodies the holiday spirit of sharing and togetherness, ensuring that it will be a hit at your table.
Ingredients for Ensalada Navidena
Gather these items:
- 2 red apples, diced
- 2 green apples, diced
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup seedless grapes (green or red)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 can (7.6 oz / 225ml) media crema (table cream)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
How to Make Ensalada Navidena Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prepare the fruits: Wash, peel, and dice apples and bananas. Toss with lemon juice if desired to prevent browning. Drain pineapple well.
- Step 2: Mix the cream base: In a large bowl, whisk together media crema, condensed milk, and sour cream (or yogurt) until smooth.
- Step 3: Combine all ingredients: Gently fold in apples, bananas, pineapple, grapes, marshmallows, and pecans until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Serve: Spoon into a serving bowl or trifle dish and top with extra marshmallows, pecans, or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Ensalada Navidena
Keep these in mind:
- Use crisp apples to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
- Drain canned fruit thoroughly to avoid a watery mixture.
- Chill before serving for the best creamy consistency and flavor.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add raisins, cranberries, or shredded coconut for more texture and color.
Best Ways to Serve Ensalada Navidena
This ensalada festiva can be served in various creative ways. First, try presenting it in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers. Alternatively, serve it in individual dessert cups for a fun twist at parties. Pair it with traditional Mexican dishes like ensalada de frutas navideña or ensalada con aderezo de mayonesa to create a festive buffet.
How to Store and Reheat Ensalada Navidena
To store your receta de ensalada navideña, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If it thickens, you can refresh it with a spoonful of sour cream before serving. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep during the busy holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ensalada Navidena
What’s the secret to perfect Ensalada Navidena?
The secret lies in using fresh, crisp fruits and allowing the salad to chill before serving. This enhances the flavors and maintains a pleasant texture, ensuring a delightful experience.
Can I make Ensalada Navidena ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. It tastes even better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld together beautifully.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ensalada Navidena?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure that you drain canned fruits well to prevent excess liquid, and be gentle when mixing to keep the fruits intact. Chilling before serving is also crucial for the best flavor.
Variations of Ensalada Navidena You Can Try
There are several delightful variations you can experiment with:
- Add tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a twist.
- For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Incorporate nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.
- For a unique flavor, try adding shredded coconut or pomegranate seeds.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe category. If you’re interested in healthy options, you might enjoy this Mediterranean chickpea salad. Additionally, for a sweet treat, consider making pistachio pavlova meringue cakes.
PrintEnsalada Navidena: 7 Festive Recipes for a Joyful Christmas
Ensalada Navideña (Mexican Christmas Fruit Salad) is a creamy, colorful holiday favorite made with fresh apples, bananas, pineapple, grapes, and marshmallows coated in a sweet, velvety cream dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Recipes, Mexican Recipes
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 red apples, diced
- 2 green apples, diced
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup seedless grapes (green or red)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 can (7.6 oz / 225ml) media crema (table cream)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare the fruits: Wash, peel, and dice apples and bananas. Toss with lemon juice if desired to prevent browning. Drain pineapple well.
- Mix the cream base: In a large bowl, whisk together media crema, condensed milk, and sour cream (or yogurt) until smooth.
- Combine all ingredients: Gently fold in apples, bananas, pineapple, grapes, marshmallows, and pecans until evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Spoon into a serving bowl or trifle dish and top with extra marshmallows, pecans, or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use crisp apples to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
- Drain canned fruit thoroughly to avoid a watery mixture.
- Chill before serving for the best creamy consistency and flavor.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add raisins, cranberries, or shredded coconut for more texture and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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