Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

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by Aileen Reed

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This Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is a delightful mix of fresh fruits enveloped in a sweet and tangy dressing. It’s quick to whip up, making it the perfect addition to summer potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a refreshing dessert. The combination of creamy ingredients and juicy fruits delivers an unforgettable flavor that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying your gathering.
  • Delicious Flavor: The blend of cream cheese, yogurt, and sweet fruits creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
  • Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations, it fits right in on any table.
  • Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh fruits, this salad brings vitamins and minerals while satisfying your sweet tooth.
  • Make Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve, making hosting easier.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad, gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure smooth preparation and mixing.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

  • Electric mixer: Quickly beats the cream cheese for a smooth and fluffy texture.
  • Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing all ingredients without spilling.
  • Spatula: Ideal for gently folding in fruits without damaging them.

Ingredients

This creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad recipe is filled with different fresh fruits coated in a sweet and tangy luscious dressing. It’s made in minutes and perfect for summer potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a light dessert!

For the Dressing

  • 1 & 1/2 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Fruits

  • 4 medium sweet apples, cubed (I prefer Pink Lady or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup green grapes, cut in half
  • 1 cup red grapes, cut in half
  • 8 ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained (or chunks in 100% juice)
  • 11 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Add in the yogurt, mayonnaise, and sugar. Beat until combined and smooth.

Step 2: Combine the Fruits

Add in the apples, both grapes, and pineapple; toss to coat them with the dressing.
Gently fold in the mandarin oranges using a spatula.

Step 3: Serve or Refrigerate

Enjoy right away or refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows flavors to meld beautifully!

How to Serve Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

Serving Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is all about showcasing its vibrant colors and delicious flavors. This salad works well in various settings, from casual get-togethers to formal events.

At Potlucks

  • In a Large Bowl: Present the salad in an attractive bowl to allow guests to serve themselves.
  • Individual Cups: Serve in small cups for easy grabbing and portion control.

As a Side Dish

  • Accompanying Grilled Meats: The sweetness of the fruit salad complements the savory flavors of grilled chicken or pork.
  • With Brunch Items: Pair it with pancakes or waffles for a delightful brunch spread.

Dessert Option

  • Chilled Delight: Serve it chilled for a refreshing dessert after a heavy meal.
  • Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How to Perfect Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

To achieve the best version of your creamy delicatessen fruit salad, consider these helpful tips.

  • Use Fresh Fruits: Choose ripe and fresh fruits for maximum flavor and sweetness.
  • Mix Well: Ensure each piece of fruit is coated evenly with the dressing for balanced taste.
  • Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad before serving; it enhances flavors and serves as a refreshing treat.
  • Customize Fruits: Feel free to substitute fruits based on what you have or prefer, such as berries or bananas.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing before adding sugar; adjust according to your preference for sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

  1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken pieces marinated in herbs, perfect for grilling alongside fruit salad.
  2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and texture, complementing the creamy fruit dish.
  3. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the fruit salad.
  4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing side that balances flavors well.
  5. Vegetable Platter with Dip: Crisp veggies served with ranch or hummus offer a crunchy counterpoint to creamy textures.
  6. Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses pairs beautifully with fruits, enhancing both sweet and savory elements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

  • Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese will not blend smoothly into the dressing, resulting in lumps.
  • Overmixing the Fruit: Avoid tossing the fruit too aggressively. This can cause the fruit to break down, leading to a mushy salad. Gently fold the ingredients instead.
  • Neglecting Drainage: Always drain canned fruits like pineapple and mandarin oranges thoroughly. Excess liquid can make your salad watery and affect the flavor.
  • Skipping Sweetness Adjustment: Taste your dressing before adding all the fruit. Depending on your fruits’ sweetness, you may want to adjust the sugar in your dressing for balance.
  • Not Chilling Before Serving: For best flavor, refrigerate your creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Stir gently before serving if the ingredients settle.

Freezing Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

  • Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
  • If necessary, freeze without fruit and add fresh fruit after thawing.

Reheating Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

  • Oven: Not recommended as it is best served cold.
  • Microwave: Use only if absolutely necessary; warm briefly on low power, but this may alter texture.
  • Stovetop: Not suitable; enjoy cold as intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

What fruits work well with Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad?

You can customize this salad with fruits like bananas, berries, or even citrus. Just keep in mind that each fruit has its own sweetness level.

How long does Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last for about 3 days.

Can I use non-dairy alternatives for this salad?

Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese and yogurt with non-dairy options like cashew cream or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version of creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad.

Final Thoughts

This creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer potluck or a holiday gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences! Enjoy making this delightful recipe!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad


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  • Author: Aileen
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad, a delightful medley of fresh fruits enveloped in a luscious sweet and tangy dressing. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for summer potlucks, holiday celebrations, or as a light dessert. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a vibrant dish that will be the star of your gathering. The combination of creamy ingredients like cream cheese and yogurt with juicy fruits ensures a flavor explosion that everyone will adore. Plus, it’s nutritious and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for any occasion!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 medium sweet apples (cubed)
  • 1 cup green grapes (halved)
  • 1 cup red grapes (halved)
  • 8-ounce can pineapple tidbits (drained)
  • 11-ounce can mandarin oranges (drained)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and sugar; mix until well combined.
  3. Fold in cubed apples, halved grapes, and drained pineapple until coated with the dressing.
  4. Gently stir in the mandarin oranges using a spatula.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: N/A
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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