Description
This Creamy Fruit Salad is a refreshing and delicious blend of pineapple, mandarin oranges, apple, banana, and cherries, all coated in a luscious mixture of Greek yogurt, vanilla, and Cool Whip, then topped with mini marshmallows and shredded coconut. Perfect as a light dessert or side dish, it’s easy to prepare in just 15 minutes and tastes best when chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 1 can (10 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 medium golden delicious apple, cored and diced
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium banana, sliced
Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed (or use fresh whipped cream)
Toppings
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sweet shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: In a medium bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and diced apple. Pour the lemon juice over the fruit and toss gently to coat well. This step prevents the apple pieces from browning and adds a bright citrus flavor.
- Add More Fruit: Incorporate the drained and rinsed maraschino cherries and sliced banana into the bowl. Toss gently to mix all the fruit evenly without mashing the delicate banana slices.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In the same bowl, stir in the plain Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and thawed Cool Whip. Combine thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy dressing that envelops the fruit.
- Add Toppings and Chill: Fold in the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut last, mixing gently to avoid crushing the marshmallows. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, add the banana just before serving if you dislike it becoming mushy over time.
- This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Substitute fresh whipped cream for Cool Whip for a fresher homemade touch.
- Using golden delicious apples provides a sweet, crisp contrast, but other apple varieties like Fuji or Gala can also be used.
- Ensure to drain canned fruits well to avoid watery salad.
