Name: Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487732H40M26S
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet apples (cubed); 1 cup green grapes (halved); 1 cup red grapes (halved); 8 oz can pineapple tidbits (drained); 11 oz can mandarin oranges (drained); 1.5 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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This Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad recipe is a delightful blend of fresh fruits and a creamy dressing that brings a refreshing taste to any occasion. Perfect for summer potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a light dessert, this salad stands out with its luscious texture and sweet-tangy flavor. Quick to prepare and visually appealing, it’s sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an easy choice for last-minute gatherings.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of fruits and creamy dressing creates a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish, dessert, or even at brunch; it’s suitable for various occasions.
Fresh Ingredients: Made with simple, fresh fruits that provide essential vitamins and nutrients.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful presentation and delicious taste, it’s guaranteed to be a hit among family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process much easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Electric mixer
Large mixing bowl
Spatula
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency for the cream cheese mixture with minimal effort.
Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows ample room for mixing all ingredients without spills or mess.
Spatula: A flexible spatula is ideal for gently folding in delicate ingredients like mandarin oranges without breaking them.

Ingredients

This creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is made with the following delicious ingredients:

Fresh Fruits

4 medium sweet apples (cubed; Pink Lady or Honeycrisp recommended)
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)

Dressing Ingredients

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

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. Then add in the yogurt, mayonnaise, and sugar. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 2: Add the Fruits

After preparing the dressing, add in the cubed apples, both types of grapes, and pineapple. Toss everything together gently to coat the fruits evenly with the dressing.

Step 3: Incorporate Mandarin Oranges

Carefully fold in the mandarin oranges using a spatula. This helps maintain their shape while ensuring they are coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

Enjoy your creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad immediately or refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. It tastes fantastic either way!

How to Serve Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

This creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance its appeal. Here are several serving suggestions that will make your dish even more delightful.

As a Standalone Dish

Serve it chilled in individual bowls for a refreshing dessert option.
Offer it as a light side at summer barbecues, where it pairs well with grilled meats.

In a Lettuce Wrap

Scoop the fruit salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun and healthy presentation.
This adds an extra crunch and makes for a delightful finger food option.

With Granola

Top the fruit salad with a sprinkle of granola for added texture.
This combination creates a nice contrast between creamy and crunchy elements.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange the fruit salad alongside other desserts on a platter.
It complements cakes and cookies beautifully, adding a fruity touch to your dessert table.

How to Perfect Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

Perfecting your creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is easy with these simple tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.

Use Fresh Fruits: Choose ripe and seasonal fruits for the best flavor and sweetness.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing before adding all the sugar; you can always add more if needed.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This helps blend the flavors together beautifully.
Gently Fold Ingredients: When combining the fruits with the dressing, use a spatula to gently fold them in. This prevents bruising delicate fruits like grapes and oranges.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

Pairing side dishes with your creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and flavor, making this salad feel like part of a complete meal.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs provides a nutritious contrast without overpowering the fruit salad.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bring acidity and freshness that balance out the creaminess of the fruit salad.
Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs offer protein and richness, making them an excellent pairing for lighter dishes like fruit salad.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds an unexpected twist to your meal while providing comforting carbs.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw introduces crispness and acidity, which complements the sweet fruit flavors nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

Using too much dressing: A common mistake is adding too much dressing, which can overpower the fruits. Use the specified amounts in the recipe for a balanced flavor.
Not letting the cream cheese soften: If your cream cheese isn’t at room temperature, it won’t blend well with the other ingredients. Always let it soften beforehand for a smoother mix.
Skipping the fruit prep: Failing to properly cut and prepare your fruits can lead to uneven distribution. Make sure all fruits are cut into similar sizes for a consistent bite.
Overmixing the salad: Mixing too aggressively can break down delicate fruits like grapes and mandarin oranges. Gently fold in these ingredients for better texture.
Storing improperly: Leaving the salad out at room temperature for too long can spoil it. Refrigerate promptly after serving to maintain freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Freezing Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh fruits after thawing.
If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container, but expect changes in texture.

Reheating Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad

Oven: Not suitable for reheating as this dish is best served chilled.
Microwave: Not recommended; use fresh instead of reheated fruit salad.
Stovetop: Not applicable; serve cold for best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad?

Yes! You can add or substitute your favorite fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas based on your preference.

How long does Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad last?

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

Can I use low-fat options in my Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad?

Absolutely! You can opt for low-fat yogurt and mayonnaise if you’re looking to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.

What occasions is Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad suitable for?

This delightful salad is perfect for summer potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a light dessert option anytime you need something refreshing!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various fruits or dressings to suit your taste. Whether you serve it at gatherings or enjoy it as a light dessert, this salad will surely impress everyone at your table. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors!