Creamy Orange Fruit Salad
This creamy orange fruit salad is a refreshing, sweet, and tangy dish that combines fresh fruit with a light and luscious creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a side dish at breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert!
Ingredients
For the Fruit Salad:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup grapes, halved (green or red)
- 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 apple, chopped (preferably a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 banana, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges (canned or fresh)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or from a bottle)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit:
Wash and prepare the fruit by peeling, segmenting, and chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Place all the fruit into a large bowl, ensuring a good variety of colors and textures. - Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), honey or maple syrup, orange juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. - Combine the Fruit and Dressing:
Pour the creamy dressing over the prepared fruit. Gently toss the fruit and dressing together until everything is evenly coated. - Chill and Serve:
For best results, refrigerate the fruit salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. This can also be made ahead of time for convenience.
Tips for a Perfect Creamy Orange Fruit Salad
- Fruit Combinations: Feel free to adjust the fruit based on what’s in season. Mango, kiwi, or blueberries would also make great additions.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) for a non-dairy version of the creamy dressing.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the dressing to match your preferred level of sweetness.
- Add-ins: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut, chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds), or a handful of mini marshmallows for extra texture.
Variations
- Tropical Twist: Add coconut flakes, shredded coconut, or chopped mango for a tropical version.
- Citrus Medley: Use a mix of citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerines for an even more refreshing taste.
- Nutty Delight: Toss in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds for a crunch.
Would you like suggestions for other types of fruit salads or dessert salads?