Creamy Mixed Fruit Salad

Discover the simple joy of this Creamy Mixed Fruit Salad – a vibrant, refreshing, and utterly delightful dessert or snack that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. This salad is a celebration of nature’s candy, combining the sweet, familiar flavors of banana, strawberries, grapes, and mandarin with the exotic allure of dragon fruit, all gently coated in a luscious, sweet yogurt or cream dressing. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick healthy treat, a light ending to any meal, or a show-stopping addition to a brunch spread. With its medley of colors, textures, and natural sweetness, finished with an optional delicate crunch of sesame seeds, this fruit salad is a pure taste of freshness and happiness in every spoonful.

Ingredients:

For the Fresh Fruit Medley:

• 2 medium bananas, sliced
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced or halved
• 1 cup green grapes, halved
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1 (11 oz / 312g) can mandarin orange segments, drained (or 1 cup fresh mandarin slices)
• 1 small dragon fruit, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1 cup (240ml) sweet yogurt (e.g., vanilla, honey, or plain yogurt sweetened to taste) OR light whipped cream OR a blend of yogurt and cream cheese for extra richness

For Garnish (Optional):

• Pinch of sesame seeds (white or black)
• Fresh mint leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare All Fruits:
   • Wash all fresh fruits thoroughly.
   • Peel and slice the bananas.
   • Hull and slice or halve the strawberries.
   • Halve both green and red grapes.
   • Drain the canned mandarin orange segments (if using) or slice fresh mandarins.
   • Carefully peel the dragon fruit and cut it into neat 1/2-inch cubes.
2. Combine Fruits:
   • In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all the prepared fruits: banana slices, strawberries, halved green grapes, halved red grapes, mandarin slices, and dragon fruit cubes.
3. Add the Creamy Dressing:
   • Pour the sweet yogurt or cream over the mixed fruits in the bowl.
   • Using a large spoon or spatula, gently stir the dressing into the fruit. Be careful not to mash the fruit, especially the bananas and dragon fruit, to maintain their shape and texture. Ensure all the fruit is lightly coated with the creamy dressing.
4. Chill (Optional but Recommended):
   • For the best refreshing experience, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become perfectly cool.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Before serving, give the fruit salad another gentle stir.
   • Scoop the creamy mixed fruit salad into individual serving bowls or a large communal bowl.
   • If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds over the top for a delicate crunch and visual appeal. Add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and aroma.
   • Serve cold and enjoy this wonderfully refreshing and creamy fruit salad!

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Fruit Selection: Choose ripe but firm fruits to ensure they hold their shape. Adjust fruit quantities based on your preference.
• Yogurt Choices:
  • Greek Yogurt: For a thicker, tangier dressing, use Greek yogurt and sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste.
  • Vanilla Yogurt: A common and easy choice for a naturally sweet dressing.
  • Cream Cheese Blend: For an extra rich and decadent dressing, whisk softened cream cheese with a little heavy cream and powdered sugar, then fold into yogurt.
• Sweetness Control: If your fruit is very sweet, you might need less added sugar in your yogurt/cream. Taste and adjust.
• Prevent Banana Browning: To minimize banana browning if making ahead, you can toss banana slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. It’s still best consumed within a few hours.
• Other Fruit Ideas: Consider adding kiwi, blueberries, pineapple, or melon cubes for more variety.
• Sesame Seed Toasting: For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a minute or two until fragrant before sprinkling.
• Storage: This fruit salad is best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of preparation, due to the bananas. If storing, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Pairings:

• Breakfast/Brunch: A perfect accompaniment to pancakes, waffles, French toast, or scrambled eggs.
• Light Lunch: Pairs wonderfully with a light sandwich or a savory quiche.
• Dessert: A refreshing end to any meal, particularly after a rich main course.
• Beverages: Iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a light white wine like a Prosecco or Moscato would be lovely.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
• Total Time: 15-50 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Cuisine: American / Dessert / Healthy Snack
• Effort Level: Easy