Introduction:
Enjoy a refreshing, indulgent twist on your favorite fruit salad with a velvety cheesecake dressing! This Cheesecake Fruit Salad blends an assortment of seasonal fruits with a luscious, tangy cream cheese dressing, creating a dessert that’s as light and vibrant as it is satisfying. Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or a healthy treat any time of day.
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
❄️ Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, to let flavors meld)
⏲ Total Time: 45 minutes
🍽 Servings: 8
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~250–300 kcal (approx.)
🍓 Ingredients
For the Fruit Salad:
- 🍎 2 apples, cored and diced (a mix of sweet and tart works well)
- 🍌 2 bananas, sliced
- 🍍 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 🍇 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
- 🍓 1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 🥝 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced (optional)
For the Cheesecake Dressing:
- 🧀 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 🍶 1/2 cup sour cream
- 🍬 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🍋 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
For Garnish (Optional):
- 🥄 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 🌿 Fresh mint leaves, chopped
📝 Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Wash, peel, and chop all fruits as directed.
- Place the fruit in a large bowl and gently toss to combine.
- Make the Cheesecake Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the cheesecake dressing over the mixed fruits. Gently fold until the fruit is evenly coated.
- For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Just before serving, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the top and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing and decadent dessert!
🤩 Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Fruit Salad:
- Creamy & Refreshing: The tangy, smooth cheesecake dressing perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the fruits.
- Vibrant & Nutritious: Packed with a variety of colorful fruits, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep and no cooking required, it’s a breeze to whip up for any occasion.
- Versatile: Enjoy as a light dessert, a side at brunch, or a healthy snack any time of day.
💡 Tips:
- Customize Your Fruit: Use any seasonal fruits you love—berries, mango, or citrus segments work beautifully, too.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the powdered sugar in the dressing to suit your taste; you can also add a bit of honey if you prefer.
- Texture Boost: For extra crunch, add toasted nuts (like chopped almonds or pecans) along with the graham cracker crumbs.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the fruit salad and dressing ahead of time; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Extra Zing: A little zest from the lemon (or even lime) can enhance the brightness of the dressing.
Enjoy your Cheesecake Fruit Salad—a delightful, creamy twist on a classic fruit medley that’s sure to brighten your day!