Creamy Fruit Salad Recipe

Yields: 10-12 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (mostly hands-off)

Recipe Intensity: Very Easy – This is a no-cook, assembly-style recipe perfect for beginners. The only skill required is chopping fruit and whisking a simple dressing.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Dream Dressing:

8 ounces (1 block) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream, full-fat or light
⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon

For the Fruit Medley:

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 pint fresh blueberries
1 pint fresh raspberries
2 cups seedless green grapes, halved
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (about ½ a fresh pineapple)
2-3 medium kiwi, peeled and chopped
2-3 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented (or 1 can, drained)
1 cup blackberries (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

Step 1: The Foundation – Crafting the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the mixture on medium speed until it is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps.

Pro-Tip: Ensuring your cream cheese is truly at room temperature is the single most important step for a silky-smooth dressing. Cold cream cheese will leave your dressing lumpy.

Taste the dressing and adjust if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add another tablespoon of powdered sugar. For a tangier note, a bit more lemon zest will do the trick. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the fruit.

Step 2: The Star Players – Preparing the Fruit

Wash and thoroughly dry all your fruit. This is crucial! Any excess water will thin out your beautiful creamy dressing and make the salad soupy.

Begin chopping your fruit according to the ingredient list. For the strawberries, quarter them so they are bite-sized. Halve the grapes. Chop the pineapple and kiwi into similar-sized chunks.

Pro-Tip: If using fresh pineapple, its natural enzymes (bromelain) can prevent the dressing from breaking down, making it an excellent choice for a salad that needs to hold up for a few hours.

Step 3: The Gentle Merge – Combining with Care

In an enormous bowl—larger than you think you’ll need—gently combine the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, pineapple, kiwi, and mandarin oranges.

Now, add about three-quarters of the creamy dressing to the fruit. Using a large rubber spatula or a large spoon, gently fold the dressing into the fruit. The goal is to coat every piece evenly without crushing the more delicate berries, like the raspberries and blackberries.

Step 4: The Final Flourish and the Crucial Chill

Once the fruit is mostly coated, add the remaining dressing and continue to fold gently until everything is beautifully enveloped in the creamy mixture.

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, but ideally 4-6 hours or even overnight. This chilling step is non-negotiable. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, the sugar to sweeten the fruit naturally, and the dressing to set to the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Just before serving, give the salad one final gentle stir. Transfer it to a beautiful serving bowl. For a touch of elegance and texture, garnish with the fresh mint and a sprinkle of toasted nuts.

Serve this creamy fruit salad cold, as a stunning side dish for grilled meats, a refreshing palate cleanser during a heavy meal, or a light and satisfying dessert.

Nutrition Information

Please note: The following is an estimate based on the ingredients used and can vary significantly based on the specific fruits and brands you choose. It is provided for informational purposes only.

Serving Size: ¾ cup
Calories: ~185
Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 17g (naturally occurring from fruit)
Protein: 3g

Dietary Considerations: This is a treat that is rich in vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh fruit. For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese (⅓ less fat cream cheese) and light sour cream. To make it dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and sour cream alternatives. The salad is naturally gluten-free.

Storing, Making Ahead, and Pro-Tips

Storing Leftovers: This salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours as the fruit will slowly release its juices over time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It will still be tasty but will become more liquid.
The Ultimate Make-Ahead Dish: This is the perfect recipe to prepare the night before a gathering. The flavor only improves as it chills.
Fruit Selection is Key: Use fruits that are in season and at their peak ripeness for the best flavor. Avoid using watermelon or cantaloupe as they release too much water and will waterlog the salad.
Preventing Browning: If you must use apples or bananas, toss them in a little extra lemon juice before adding them to the salad to prevent oxidation and browning.
Customize Your Mix: This recipe is a template! Feel free to swap fruits based on your preference or what looks good at the market.
- Tropical Twist: Use mango, papaya, and starfruit.
- Winter Version: Use chopped apples, pears, and pomegranate arils.
- Add Texture: Stir in a cup of mini marshmallows or a ½ cup of toasted coconut along with the fruit.

This Heavenly Creamy Fruit Salad is more than a recipe; it’s a edible celebration. It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia while simultaneously feeling fresh and modern. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and refreshment, proving that sometimes, the simplest dishes, made with care and quality ingredients, are the ones that create the most lasting memories.