Creamy Mixed Fruit Salad

Description

A refreshing and indulgent fruit salad that combines a colorful medley of fresh fruits with a luscious, creamy dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, festive gatherings, or as a healthy dessert alternative, this salad strikes a balance between natural sweetness and creamy richness.

Ingredients for Creamy Mixed Fruit Salad

• Fruits (fresh, diced or sliced):

  • 1 cup strawberries

  • 1 cup pineapple

  • 1 cup grapes (halved)

  • 1 cup apple (peeled & diced)

  • 1 cup banana (sliced)

  • 1 cup kiwi (peeled & sliced)

  • 1 cup mandarin oranges (canned or fresh)

• Creamy Dressing:

  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt (or Greek yogurt for extra protein)

  • ½ cup whipped cream or whipped topping

  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

  • 1 tsp lemon juice (prevents browning & adds brightness)

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare fruits: Wash, peel, and cut all fruits into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry to avoid watery salad.

2. Make dressing: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, whipped cream, honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Combine: Add all fruits to the creamy mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.

4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes for flavors to meld.

5. Serve: Enjoy chilled, garnished with mint leaves if desired.

Notes

• You can swap whipped cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

• Adjust sweetness according to fruit ripeness.

• Avoid over-mixing to keep fruit pieces intact.

Tips

• Freeze grapes beforehand for a fun, icy twist.

• Use seasonal fruits for best flavor and freshness.

• Add chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) for crunch.

• If making ahead, add bananas and apples right before serving to prevent browning.

Servings

• Makes 6 servings (about 1 cup per serving).

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 160 kcal

• Protein: 3 g

• Carbohydrates: 30 g

• Sugars: 23 g

• Fat: 5 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sodium: 30 mg

Benefits

• Rich in vitamins & antioxidants from fresh fruits.

• Good source of fiber aiding digestion.

• Hydrating & refreshing, especially in hot weather.

• Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health.

• Can be adapted for low-fat or vegan diets.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this the night before?
A: Yes, but add bananas and apples just before serving to avoid browning.

Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: Yes, but thaw and drain well to avoid excess liquid.

Q: Is this suitable for diabetics?
A: You can make it diabetic-friendly by using unsweetened yogurt and reducing honey.

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Best eaten within 24 hours for freshness, but can last up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container.