Introduction
This creamy fruit salad is refreshing, light, and incredibly easy to prepare. With a mix of vibrant fruits and a smooth yogurt-based dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for summer gatherings, brunch tables, or healthy snacks. Ready in minutes and endlessly customizable, this recipe brings together natural sweetness and a silky, tangy creaminess in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just a few minutes with simple ingredients
- Naturally sweet, fresh, and healthier than heavy cream-only versions
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or potlucks
- Easy to customize with your favorite fruits
- Creamy dressing balances sweetness and acidity beautifully
- Works with fresh or canned fruit
- Kid-friendly and great for meal prep
- Light, refreshing, and satisfying
Ingredients
For the Fruit Salad
- Strawberries, sliced
- Green and red grapes, whole or halved
- Oranges or mandarins, diced
- Kiwi, chopped
- Pineapple chunks
- Apple pieces (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing
- 1/2 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Splash of heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Fruits
Wash all fruits thoroughly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, keeping the shapes relatively uniform for even texture.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, honey or sugar, and lemon juice. Add a splash of heavy cream if you want a richer, thicker dressing.
Step 3: Combine
Place all prepared fruits in a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently toss until fully coated.
Step 4: Chill
For the best flavor and freshness, refrigerate the fruit salad for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish
Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint for color and aroma.
Tips for Best Results
- Add sliced bananas only at the end to prevent browning.
- Choose ripe, firm fruits—they hold their shape better in dressing.
- If using canned fruits, drain them well to avoid watering down the dressing.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or a bit more lemon juice.
- Keep the salad cold for the best texture and flavor.
- If you want a dessert-style version, use vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.
Variations & Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and skip the heavy cream.
- Dessert Version: Replace yogurt with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
- Tropical Twist: Add mango, papaya, or shredded coconut.
- Crunchy Add-Ins: Add pecans, walnuts, almonds, or toasted coconut.
- Low-Sugar: Use plain yogurt and sweeten with stevia or maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light dessert.
- Pair with pancakes, waffles, or French toast at brunch.
- Use as a topping for yogurt bowls or oatmeal.
- Serve with grilled chicken or fish for a fresh contrast.
- Add to picnic baskets, lunchboxes, or potluck spreads.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Bananas and apples: Add fresh before serving to avoid browning.
- Freezing: Not recommended—fruits will turn mushy when thawed.
- Reheating: Not applicable; best served chilled.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (approx. 180g):
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 3g
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 25mg
- Potassium: 380mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 26g
- Vitamin A: 80 IU
- Vitamin C: 55mg
- Calcium: 70mg
- Iron: 0.6mg
Nutritional values are approximate and depend on the specific fruits used.
FAQ
Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add bananas and apples just before serving to avoid browning.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Frozen fruit becomes mushy as it thaws, so fresh fruit is best.
Can I make it sweeter?
Increase the honey or use vanilla yogurt for more sweetness.
How do I keep apples from browning?
Toss them in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply scale up the dressing and fruit quantities.