Mandarin Orange Chicken SaladMy sister-in-law introduced me to this colorful chicken salad with a delicious homemade dressing and canned mandarin oranges. I reduced the oil and salt and switched to light soy sauce. Sometimes I substitute toasted sesame seeds for the nuts. —Renee Heimerl, Oakfield, Wisconsin
Wondering if
canned fruit is healthy? Find out here.
Breakfast ParfaitsThe combination of canned pineapple, raspberries and banana in these yogurt treats makes a bright and cheerful morning breakfast.
For more yummy breakfast ideas, check out our
top parfait recipes.
Buy an extra can of pineapple, then check out these delicious
canned fruit recipes!
Chicken Cakes with Avocado Mango SauceThese chicken cakes are a great appetizer for your next holiday party. Or serve them for dinner tonight with a side of rice and your favorite vegetable! The crushed canned pineapple adds a delicious, sweet flavor. —Rachael Nodes, La Barge, Wyoming
We love using canned fruit in fruit salsa!
Try these recipes today.
Orange-Pistachio Quinoa SaladAdd this fresh and healthy salad to your holiday spread. Its citrusy, nutty taste is simply delicious, thanks to canned mandarin oranges. —Jean Greenfield, San Anselmo, California
For dessert, try this
canned fruit sorbet recipe.
Easy Caribbean ChickenThis is a very simple recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients, like canned fruit. Serve with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Use cubes of pork or even shrimp instead of the chicken. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Pressure-Cooker Carrot Cake OatmealThis warm breakfast cereal made in the pressure cooker is a great way to add some veggies and canned fruit to your diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans.—Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Terrific Teriyaki BurgersGolden rings of canned pineapple give these burgers a touch of sweetness, while the ginger root adds some spice. Ground chicken works well in this recipe, too. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
Ginger Chicken and Quinoa StewThis Asian-inspired one-pot chicken dinner is healthy and tasty. You can serve it hot, cold or at room temperature. — Doris Kwon, Newport Coast, California
Sesame Chicken Slaw SaladI tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips and canned fruit. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken FajitasFor our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
(Aside from canned fruit, here are other
healthy pantry staples to stock up on.)
Turkey and Apple Arugula SaladThis satisfying salad proves that turkey can be enjoyed outside of the holidays. Peppery salad greens, sweet grapes and rich walnuts combine to create a flavor sensation. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Ginger-Cashew Chicken SaladI revamped an Asian-style chicken salad recipe to create this gingery, crunchy salad. Now it’s a huge success when I serve it at ladies luncheons. —Shelly Gramer, Long Beach, California
Pineapple-Glazed Chicken ThighsThese juicy chicken thighs taste so rich and delicious with a sweet pineapple-maple glaze. I love that I can reach in my pantry for ingredients and end up with this impressive weeknight meal. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Mandarin Broccoli SaladSweet, crunchy and colorful, this salad has a fresh mix of textures and flavors. It tastes even better when you chill it overnight, if you can wait that long. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Pineapple OatmealOatmeal for breakfast is a standard item, but I like to mix it up a bit. This version gets some natural sweetness from pinapple juice and tidbits. It is definitely worth trying! —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Fast Fruit SalsaWe like this refreshing and colorful salsa served with tortilla chips or spooned over grilled chicken. For another fruity option, try stirring in some diced cantaloupe or peaches when they're in season. —Eileen Miller, Woodridge, Illinois
Pineapple Shrimp Fried RicePineapple shrimp fried rice is a quick one-bowl meal that can be customized with your favorite vegetables. You can even serve it in a pineapple!
Tangy Poppy Seed Fruit SaladFor a fruit salad that’s delightful, we combine berries and citrus with a honey-lime dressing flecked with poppy seeds. —Carrie Howell, Lehi, Utah
Indian Spiced Chickpea WrapsRaita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt, elevates this vegetarian dish to a satisfying gourmet wrap. If you're in the mood to experiment, try diced mango or cucumber for the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Hoisin-Pineapple SalmonMy mouth waters when I think of this sweet and tangy glaze. It's a tropical treat at any time of year. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Sweet-and-Sour Beef StewThis chunky meal in a bowl makes terrific use of nutrient-packed vegetables. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho
Grilled Pork TacosMy family raves about this moist pork with smoked paprika and pineapple. I dish it up next to brown rice and a salad of avocado and tomatoes. —E Gelesky, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Weeknight Chicken Chop SueyIf you'd like a little extra crunch with this colorful chop suey, serve with chow mein noddles. —George Utley, South Hill, Virginia
Caribbean Shrimp & Rice BowlI had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Mandarin Orange & Romaine SaladA tangy salad of romaine, celery and oranges with tarragon vinegar and hot pepper sauce makes a cool companion for turkey dishes. —Cathy Pawlowski, Naperville, Illinois
Hawaiian Pork ChopsNot sure what to do with those lean pork loin chops? Make Hawaiian pork chops to dress them up with sweet pineapple, savory vegetables and a tangy sauce.
Mandarin Pork Stir-FryWhen my husband and I were dating, he told me he liked Asian food. I got a wok and discovered the joy of dishes like this pork stir-fry. —Laurie Martignon, Niagara, Wisconsin
Spinach Fruit SaladThe unexpected matchups in this spinach fruit salad make a winning team. Feta with oranges, grapes and walnuts? Who knew? But we're glad someone did.
Hawaiian Beef SlidersSweet and savory with just a hint of heat, these dynamite burgers are packed with flavor. The combination of pineapple and bacon may sound unusual, but you'll find they're a perfect match. —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York
Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-FryI found the original recipe for this dish on a can of pineapple slices in the 1980s. After making it for a number of years, I lightened the ingredients and adapted it to a quick skillet meal. My family gave it a big thumbs-up, and we've enjoyed it this way ever since! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Avocado Fruit SaladI'm glad a friend gave me this delicious recipe, featuring four kinds of fruit as well as avocado. A light honey-lemon dressing enhances the already tasty flavor of the produce. My family loves it and so do I! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Caribbean Chicken Stir-FryFruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It's a promising go-to option when time's tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Jamaican Chicken with Couscous“Fantabulous” is a word I reserve for fantastic dishes like this jerk-seasoned chicken. It’s a mouth full of yum. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Pineapple Shrimp Stir-FryI came up with this recipe for a luau-themed party and served it with sliced papaya, mango and avocado. My family loved it! If you don't care for coconut, sprinkle it with chopped macadamia nuts instead. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Fruited Pork ChopsHere's one of my favorite slow-cooker recipes. I often prepare these tender chops with pineapple sauce for guests and serve them with brown rice. —Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Hawaiian HashI like the combination of ginger, pineapple and macadamia nuts. This dish brings back memories of an island vacation.—Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Asian Snow Pea TossMy love for Asian flavors sparked the idea for this easy, healthy side dish. For this Asian salad, I use just-picked peas from our garden and serve it with grilled chicken. — Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Peach Crisp Parfait PopsMy little ones love fruit crisps and ice pops. I created a healthy and delicious treat that combines the two. For a sweet addition, use cinnamon sticks in place of the wooden pop sticks. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Orange Chicken Spinach SaladFor a salad with refreshing color and crunch, we toss chicken and spinach with mandarin oranges and red onion, then splash everything with a tangy vinaigrette. —Jean Murawski, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
Pressure-Cooker Pineapple ChickenWe love Hawaiian-style chicken in a slow cooker, but sometimes we need something that comes together fast! We tweaked our favorite recipe and came up with this Instant Pot pineapple chicken for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Add a side salad for a complete meal. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Citrus Melon MingleThis refreshing fruit salad has a hint of mint, honey and ginger that adds subtle flavor to the sweet combination of melons, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple and bananas. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina