Refreshing Fruit and Cream Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors and textures of our Refreshing Fruit and Cream Delight. This colorful fruit salad combines a medley of seasonal fruits with a creamy and luscious yogurt-cream cheese blend that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or when you're simply craving a light and healthy dessert, this salad is not only pleasing to the eye but can also be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits for a personalized touch—a celebration of freshness awaits!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
1 (3-ounce package, softened)
Strawberry Yogurt
8 (ounces)
Sugar
1 (tablespoon)
Lemon Juice
2 (teaspoons)
Cool Whip Lite
2 (cups)
Almond Extract
1/4 (teaspoon)
Fresh Blueberries
2 (cups)
Ripe Peaches
3 (peeled and sliced)
Fresh Strawberries
2 (cups, halved)
Green Seedless Grapes
2 (cups)
Mandarin Oranges
1 (11-ounce can, well drained)
Toasted Sliced Almonds
2-4 (tablespoons (optional))
Whole Strawberry
1 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, strawberry yogurt, sugar, and lemon juice. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture at medium speed until it is smooth and well-combined.
2
Gently fold in the Cool Whip Lite and almond extract until the mixture is thick and creamy. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cream mixture to allow it to set.
3
In a large glass serving bowl, layer the fresh blueberries, followed by the sliced peaches and halved strawberries.
4
Carefully spoon half of the creamy toppings mixture over the first fruit layer, ensuring even coverage.
5
Next, layer the green seedless grapes and well-drained mandarin oranges over the topping.
6
Add the remaining half of the cream mixture on top, spreading it gently to maintain the layers and leaving about one inch from the edge of the bowl.
7
Optionally, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds on top for added crunch.
8
Finish by garnishing with a whole strawberry placed in the center. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This salad can be prepared a day in advance for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Fruit and Cream Delight?
It is a colorful fruit salad that combines seasonal fruits with a luscious yogurt-cream cheese blend, perfect for desserts or gatherings.
Can I make this fruit salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully for the best taste and texture.
What fruits are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes fresh blueberries, ripe peaches, fresh strawberries, green seedless grapes, and canned mandarin oranges.
How do I prepare the cream base?
Beat softened cream cheese, strawberry yogurt, sugar, and lemon juice together until smooth, then gently fold in Cool Whip Lite and almond extract.
What size of cream cheese package is needed?
You will need one 3-ounce package of softened cream cheese.
Do I need to peel the peaches?
Yes, the recipe specifies using three ripe peaches that have been peeled and sliced.
Should the mandarin oranges be drained?
Yes, use one 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges and ensure they are well drained before adding them to the salad.
Is the almond extract necessary?
The almond extract adds a unique flavor profile, but it can be omitted if you have a nut allergy or prefer a different taste.
How many cups of blueberries are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh blueberries.
Can I substitute the strawberry yogurt?
While the recipe calls for strawberry yogurt, you can customize it with your favorite fruit yogurt flavor or a plain version.
How should the strawberries be prepared?
The 2 cups of fresh strawberries should be halved for the salad layers, plus one whole strawberry for the garnish.
What is the order of the first fruit layers?
Start with a layer of fresh blueberries, followed by sliced peaches and halved strawberries.
When do I add the cream mixture?
Spoon half of the cream mixture over the first fruit layer (blueberries, peaches, strawberries), and the remaining half over the second fruit layer (grapes and oranges).
How many layers of cream are in this salad?
There are two layers of the cream mixture.
What topping adds crunch to the salad?
Toasted sliced almonds are optionally sprinkled on top for added crunch.
Should the cream mixture be chilled before assembly?
Yes, the instructions suggest refrigerating the cream mixture to allow it to set before layering it with the fruit.
What type of grapes are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of green seedless grapes.
How much sugar is added to the dressing?
Only one tablespoon of sugar is added to the cream cheese and yogurt base.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is highly recommended for picnics, family gatherings, or as a light healthy dessert.
Can I use regular Cool Whip instead of Lite?
Yes, regular Cool Whip can be used as a substitute for Cool Whip Lite if preferred.
What kind of bowl should I use?
A large glass serving bowl is recommended to beautifully showcase the colorful layers of fruit and cream.
How do I garnish the salad?
Garnish with toasted sliced almonds and place one whole strawberry in the center of the dish.
What speed should I use on the mixer?
Use an electric mixer at medium speed to combine the cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, and lemon juice.
Is there lemon juice in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice are included in the cream mixture.
How much Cool Whip Lite is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of Cool Whip Lite.
Can I customize the fruit selection?
Yes, you are encouraged to customize the salad with your favorite seasonal fruits for a personalized touch.
How many almonds should I use?
The recipe suggests 2-4 tablespoons of toasted sliced almonds.
Do I spread the cream all the way to the edge?
The instructions recommend leaving about one inch from the edge of the bowl to maintain visible layers.
Is this dessert considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and described as a light and healthy dessert option.
What makes the salad visually appealing?
The layering of different colored fruits like blue blueberries, orange mandarins, and green grapes creates a vibrant aesthetic.