Why You’ll Love Delightfully Creamy Fruit Salad Recipe
This fruit salad combines nature’s sweetest produce with a rich, creamy dressing that elevates every bite. It’s colorful, satisfying, and versatile—great for both casual meals and special gatherings. It also encourages kids and adults alike to enjoy more fruit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cream cheese, softened to room temperature
sugar
vanilla extract
fresh lemon juice and lemon zest
heavy cream
apples, cubed
fresh strawberries
grapes
blackberries
blueberries
mandarin oranges, well drained
toasted pecans
toasted shredded coconut
fresh mint (optional)
Directions
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In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with lemon juice until stiff peaks form.
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Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
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Add the apples, strawberries, grapes, blackberries, blueberries, and drained mandarin oranges to a large serving bowl.
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Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit and gently fold to coat evenly.
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Sprinkle the toasted pecans and toasted shredded coconut over the top. Add fresh mint if using. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Makes about 12 servings
Prep time: approximately 45 minutes
Total time: about 45 minutes
Variations
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Substitute or add other seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries.
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Replace pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
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For a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream.
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Add mini marshmallows for a sweeter, more classic fruit salad twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1–2 days. The fruit will release juices over time, which will thin the dressing.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the fruit and creamy dressing won’t hold well after freezing.
FAQs
What fruits work best in this creamy fruit salad?
Use a mix of your favorite fresh fruits like apples, strawberries, grapes, blackberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served soon after mixing. If made ahead, store in the refrigerator and stir gently before serving.
How do I prevent the apples from browning?
Toss cubed apples briefly in lemon juice before adding to the salad to slow down browning.
Can I use canned fruit instead of fresh?
You can substitute well-drained canned fruit cocktail or pineapple chunks, but fresh fruit gives the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you could use Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and whipped topping, though the texture will be slightly different.
Is this fruit salad suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely—its bright colors and creamy dressing make it a popular choice at gatherings and parties.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Yes, taste the dressing as you mix it and adjust the sugar to your preference.
What if the dressing becomes too thin?
The dressing may thin as the fruit releases juices; if you want it thicker, chill it briefly before tossing with fruit.
Are there nut-free options?
Yes, simply omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds for crunch.
Can I add marshmallows?
Yes, adding mini marshmallows gives a sweeter, classic fruit salad feel and pairs well with the creamy dressing.
Conclusion
This delightfully creamy fruit salad is a perfect blend of fresh fruit and rich, tangy dressing, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Serve it as a side, dessert, or refreshing addition to your next meal and enjoy a fresh twist on a classic favorite.
Delightfully Creamy Fruit Salad
This creamy fruit salad is a delightful mix of fresh fruits tossed in a sweet, tangy, and creamy dressing made with pudding mix, sour cream, and whipped topping. It’s the perfect side dish or dessert for picnics, potlucks, or summer meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the instant vanilla pudding mix and the entire can of pineapple chunks with juice. Stir until the pudding mix is dissolved and thickened.
- Fold in the sour cream and thawed whipped topping until well combined.
- Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, banana slices, and mini marshmallows.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Best served the same day it’s made to prevent the fruit from getting mushy.
- You can substitute or add other fruits like kiwi, apples, or peaches.
- Add the banana just before serving to prevent browning.
- Use sugar-free pudding for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
