What ingredients do I need to make a creamy fruit salad?

To make a classic creamy fruit salad, you’ll need a mix of fresh fruits such as apples, grapes, pineapple, and berries. For the creamy dressing, common ingredients include mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a bit of sugar or honey for sweetness. Some recipes also add mini marshmallows or chopped nuts for extra texture. Choose fruits that hold their shape well and avoid overly watery fruits to keep the salad fresh and well-balanced.

How can I keep my creamy fruit salad from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, toss the fruit with a little lemon juice before mixing in the creamy dressing; this slows browning and helps maintain firmness. Add the dressing just before serving instead of letting the salad sit fully dressed for hours. Also, use sturdier fruits like grapes, apples, and pineapple which resist breaking down quickly. Refrigerate the salad in an airtight container and consume it within a day for the best texture.

Can I make creamy fruit salad vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, to make a vegan or dairy-free creamy fruit salad, swap out traditional mayonnaise or sour cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan mayonnaise or coconut yogurt. Use natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Make sure to choose fresh fruits that suit your taste, and add nuts or seeds for extra crunch. These swaps offer a similar creamy texture without dairy products.

How long does creamy fruit salad last in the refrigerator?

Creamy fruit salad typically stays fresh for up to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After that, the fruits may release too much juice, causing the salad to become watery and lose its texture. For the best taste and appearance, prepare the salad fresh the same day or on the morning of serving, adding the creamy dressing at the last minute.

What fruits work best in a creamy fruit salad?

Fruits that hold up well and complement a creamy dressing include apples, grapes, strawberries, pineapple, and mandarins. These fruits maintain their texture without becoming mushy quickly. Avoid overly juicy fruits like watermelon or ripe peaches as they can make the salad watery. Adding a variety of colorful fruits not only improves appearance but also balances flavor and nutritional value.

Creamy Fruit Salad Recipes With Fresh Sweet Ingredients

Name: Creamy Fruit Salad
Prep time: 4 h 10 min
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 ounces drained pineapple chunks; 11 ounces drained mandarin oranges; 1 medium apple (cored and chopped); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 cup halved grapes; 1/2 cup coconut; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1 cup mini marshmallows

Description

🍍 Enjoy a refreshing and creamy fruit salad that combines sweet tropical flavors with a light yogurt dressing
🥗 Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a healthy dessert – this no-cook recipe comes together in minutes

Ingredients

Scale

10 ounces drained pineapple chunks

11 ounces drained mandarin oranges

1 medium apple (cored and chopped)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 cup halved grapes

1/2 cup coconut

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

1-Gather and wash all fresh fruits thoroughly under cold water to ensure cleanliness.

2-Peel and slice bananas evenly, dice pineapple, and halve grapes to uniform sizes for consistent texture.

3-In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract; stir well until smooth.

4-Gently fold in all the prepared fruit pieces into the creamy mixture, taking care not to crush delicate berries.

5-Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

6-Before serving, gently toss the salad once more, and optionally garnish with fresh mint leaves or chopped nuts.

7-Final Step: Serve chilled in individual bowls or a large serving dish. Adaptations for dietary needs include using vegan yogurt alternatives or omitting honey for low-calorie preferences.

Notes

🍎 Use fresh lemon juice on apples immediately after cutting to maintain their bright color and prevent browning
🥥 Toast the coconut lightly in a dry pan for extra flavor and crunch before adding to the salad
⏰ Make this salad a day ahead – the flavors actually improve overnight in the refrigerator

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 118
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 45
Fat: 1
Saturated Fat: 0.5
Unsaturated Fat: 0.3
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 2
Protein: 2
Cholesterol: 5

Keywords: creamy fruit salad, fresh ingredients, sweet salad, yogurt dressing