Creamy Fruit Salad

Creamy Fruit Salad Recipe with Strawberries, Cantaloupe, Grapes, and More

Preparation time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Creamy Fruit Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and healthy dessert or snack. This recipe combines a variety of fresh fruits with a creamy whipped topping and toasted coconut for a delicious and satisfying treat.

History

Creamy Fruit Salad has been a popular dish for many years, often served at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. The combination of sweet and juicy fruits with a creamy topping is a classic and timeless recipe that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 cup of quartered strawberries
1 cup of chunked cantaloupe
6 whole strawberries
1 cored and chopped apple
20 seedless green grapes
0.5 cup of chunked pineapple
0.5 cup of mandarin orange sections
1.5 cups of whipped topping
2 tbsp of shredded and toasted coconut

How to prepare

In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) bowl, combine fruits except whole berries. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours.

To Serve

Into each of 6 parfait or sundae glasses, spoon 2 tsp whipped topping* (thawed frozen non-dairy). Top each portion with 0.25°C fruit mixture.
Top each portion of fruit with 1 tsp whipped topping, then an equal amount of remaining fruit mixture. Spoon 1 tsp whipped topping onto each portion of fruit, sprinkle with 1 tsp coconut, and garnish with 1 berry.

Variations

Add a handful of mini marshmallows for an extra sweet touch.
Mix in some chopped nuts for added crunch and protein.
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh and ripe fruits for the best flavor and texture.

- To prevent the fruits from browning, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before combining them with the whipped topping.

- Feel free to customize the fruits in this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Fruit Salad can be served as a light and refreshing dessert on its own, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. It is also delicious when served alongside a slice of pound cake or angel food cake.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, simply chop and mix the fruits together with the whipped topping for a quick and easy dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out any of the fruits in this recipe for your favorites, such as peaches, kiwi, or blueberries. You can also use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy Fruit Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Creamy Fruit Salad in individual parfait or sundae glasses for a beautiful and elegant presentation. Garnish with a fresh berry on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of sparkling water or a fruity white wine, such as Riesling or Moscato.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Creamy Fruit Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture of the fruits may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 150

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 25g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 18g

Fats

Total Fat: 5g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Proteins

Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% DV

Vitamin A: 10% DV

Calcium: 2% DV

Iron: 2% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut and may contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Creamy Fruit Salad is a low-calorie and nutritious dessert option that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to enjoy a sweet treat while also getting a dose of healthy fruits.

Summary

Creamy Fruit Salad is a delicious and healthy dessert option that is perfect for any occasion. With a mix of fresh fruits, creamy whipped topping, and toasted coconut, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was handed down to me by my dear friend Maggie, who had learned it from her grandmother who had learned it from her own mother. The recipe for Creamy Fruit Salad was a cherished family secret, passed down through generations.

Maggie invited me over for a lunch one day, and as we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, she pulled out a faded recipe card from a worn recipe box. She smiled as she read out the ingredients and instructions, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Creamy Fruit Salad," she said, handing me the card. "It's a family favorite, and I know you'll love it."

I took the card from her hands and read through the recipe. It called for a mix of fresh fruits - strawberries, grapes, apples, and bananas - all tossed in a creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and a hint of sugar. The combination sounded delicious, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Maggie showed me how to prepare the fruits, carefully washing and slicing each one with precision. She then mixed together the creamy dressing, the tangy sour cream blending perfectly with the rich mayonnaise. As she tossed the fruits in the dressing, the colors and textures combined beautifully, creating a dish that looked almost too pretty to eat.

We sat down at the table and dug into the creamy fruit salad, savoring each bite. The sweetness of the fruits paired perfectly with the creamy dressing, creating a light and refreshing dish that was perfect for a warm summer day.

As I savored the last bite of the creamy fruit salad, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Maggie for sharing it with me and promised to pass it on to future generations, just as she had done for me.

From that day on, Creamy Fruit Salad became a beloved dish in my family. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a simple weeknight dinner. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Maggie and her grandmother, and the generations of women who had lovingly passed down this recipe.

Over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different fruits and variations of the creamy dressing. Sometimes I would add a sprinkle of nuts for crunch, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of connection to my past, to the women who had come before me and shared their love of cooking.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing Creamy Fruit Salad for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. This recipe has brought me so much joy over the years, connecting me to my past and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

I hope that one day, my grandchildren will pass down this recipe to their own children, sharing the love and tradition that has been a part of our family for generations. And as they sit around the table, savoring each bite of creamy fruit salad, I know that they will feel the same sense of wonder and connection that I felt all those years ago.