Aunt Stacey’s Fruit Salad

I was first introduced to this incredible fruit salad at a baby shower by Duane’s Aunt Stacey, and it’s probably one of the best things she cooks (or rather, doesn’t cook). I make it now at every baby shower I throw or brunch party I give. I was complimented the other day at my Lunch Bunch’s monthly get-together when a friend asked me if I would puh-leeze make “that yummy fruit salad that you made at Heather’s shower.” I said sure, and had to laugh. Heather’s shower had been at least seven years ago. Yep. It’s that good.

1 pint strawberries, halved and topped

2 bananas, peeled and sliced

2 pears, unpeeled and sliced (you can use canned pears–just as good and way easier)

2 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced

2 cups seedless grapes

15 1/4 oz can pineapple chunks, drained (but reserve juice!)

Dressing:

1 pkg sugar-free vanilla pudding mix

2 1/4 cups chilled pineapple juice

Directions: Combine fruit and dressing in a large bowl and chill until serving time.