Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

This Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is an irresistible blend of fresh fruits enveloped in a sweet and tangy dressing. Ideal for summer potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply as a light dessert, this dish will impress your guests with its vibrant colors and delightful flavors. Its quick preparation makes it a go-to recipe for busy hosts, ensuring that you can spend more time enjoying your event and less time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: You can whip up this creamy fruit salad in just 15 minutes.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sweet apples, juicy grapes, and tropical pineapple creates a perfect balance of flavors.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for barbecues or as a refreshing dessert at any gathering.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh fruits and Greek yogurt, it’s a guilt-free treat.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This salad is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make the preparation of your creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad seamless, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures smooth blending of the cream cheese and dressing ingredients for a creamy texture.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all the ingredients without spills.
• Spatula: Perfect for gently folding in delicate fruits without mashing 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 Salad

• 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, or chunks in 100% juice, drained
• 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; mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 2: Add Fruits

Add in the cubed apples, both green and red grapes, along with pineapple tidbits. Toss everything together to ensure even coating with the dressing.

Step 3: Fold in Mandarin Oranges

Gently fold in the mandarin oranges using a spatula to avoid breaking them apart.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

You can enjoy your creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad right away or refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to elevate any meal or gathering. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this delightful dish.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with grilled chicken for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve alongside barbecue ribs for a sweet and tangy balance.

At Potlucks

• Present it in a large bowl with colorful fruit garnishes for an eye-catching display.
• Offer individual servings in cups for easy sharing and convenience.

For Breakfast

• Top your morning yogurt or oatmeal with a scoop of creamy fruit salad.
• Use it as a filling for breakfast crepes or pancakes.

As a Dessert

• Serve chilled with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
• Layer it in dessert jars with whipped cream for an elegant touch.

On Picnic Plates

• Pack in portable containers for easy transport.
• Pair it with cheese and crackers for a balanced snack.

How to Perfect Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

To make the best Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad, follow these simple tips that enhance the flavors and textures.

• Use fresh fruits: Fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor. Choose ripe apples and juicy grapes.
• Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This enhances the flavors.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste your dressing and adjust sugar according to your preference. Some fruits are sweeter than others.
• Mix gently: When adding delicate fruits like mandarin oranges, fold them gently to prevent them from breaking apart.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some options to consider:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complement the sweetness of the salad beautifully.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs adds protein and texture, balancing the fruit’s creaminess.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses like brie, cheddar, and goat cheese alongside crackers to create a savory contrast.
4. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread provides a delightful texture that pairs well with the creamy fruit salad.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that balances out the sweetness of the fruit salad.
6. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs bring richness while maintaining an appealing look on a potluck table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened. Cold cream cheese won’t mix well and will lead to lumps in your dressing.
• Overmixing the fruit: Gently fold in the fruit instead of stirring vigorously. This helps maintain their shape and texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour enhances the flavors of the dressing and makes it even more delicious.
• Not draining canned fruits properly: Ensure you drain canned fruits like pineapple and mandarin oranges well. Excess liquid can make the salad watery.
• Choosing unripe fruit: Use ripe, sweet fruits for the best flavor. Check for sweetness and juiciness before adding them to your salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store your Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad in an airtight container.
• item It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

• item Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of the fruits after thawing.
• item If you have leftovers, try to consume them fresh instead of freezing.

Reheating Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

• Oven: Not recommended as this salad is best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid reheating; serve chilled for optimal taste.
• Stovetop: Not applicable; enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different fruits in my Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad?

You absolutely can! Feel free to customize your salad with seasonal fruits like berries or melons to suit your taste.

How long does Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts for about 3 days before losing its freshness.

What is the best way to serve Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad?

Serve it chilled, either as a side dish at gatherings or as a light dessert after meals. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.

Can I make Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad ahead of time?

Yes, making it a few hours or even a day ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing its overall taste.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is not only easy to prepare but also versatile for various occasions. Whether it’s a summer potluck or a festive gathering, its vibrant colors and creamy texture are sure to impress. Feel free to experiment with different fruits and dressings to make it your own!

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Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is a delightful medley of fresh fruits enveloped in a sweet and tangy dressing, perfect for any occasion. This vibrant salad combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, and tropical pineapple, all harmoniously blended with a creamy dressing made from cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a hint of sweetness. Ideal for summer potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a refreshing light dessert, it promises to impress guests with its colorful presentation and exquisite flavor. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, this fruit salad allows busy hosts to spend more time enjoying their event and less time in the kitchen. Whether served as a side dish or a stand-alone dessert, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

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• 1 & 1/2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 4 medium sweet apples (cubed)
• 1 cup green grapes (halved)
• 1 cup red grapes (halved)
• 8 ounces canned pineapple tidbits (drained)
• 11 ounces canned mandarin oranges (drained)

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
2. Add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and sugar; mix until fully combined.
3. Toss in cubed apples and halved grapes with the dressing until evenly coated.
4. Gently fold in drained mandarin oranges using a spatula.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg