Creamy Fruit Salad

This refreshing creamy fruit salad is a beautiful blend of sweet fruits, mini marshmallows, and Greek yogurt that comes together in just 10 minutes. It’s my healthier spin on the classic “5-cup fruit salad” that traditionally uses sour cream (yes, you read that right!). With juicy mandarin oranges, crisp apples, and tender grapes all coated in protein-rich Greek yogurt, this is one side dish that feels both indulgent and light at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Fruit Salad

• Quick 10-minute prep with zero cooking required
• Healthier than traditional versions thanks to Greek yogurt
• Perfect make-ahead dish for parties and potlucks
• Customizable with your favorite seasonal fruits
• Kid-friendly thanks to those irresistible mini marshmallows
• Naturally sweet without added sugars
• Creamy texture without being heavy

Let me tell you – this isn’t your ordinary fruit salad. The Greek yogurt creates this incredibly luxurious coating that wraps around each piece of fruit like a sweet, creamy hug. And those mini marshmallows? They’re not just for fun (though they definitely bring the fun factor!) – they add the perfect pillowy texture that makes each bite absolutely magical.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something special. The tartness of the Greek yogurt balances perfectly with the sweet fruit, while the coconut adds a subtle tropical note that makes everything taste more sophisticated. It’s become my go-to for everything from summer barbecues to holiday gatherings, and I always come home with an empty bowl!

Baker’s Tip: Make sure to drain your canned fruits thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This extra step prevents excess liquid from diluting that gorgeous creamy coating we’re after!

Simple Yet Special Ingredients

Let me walk you through the starring ingredients that make this creamy fruit salad absolutely irresistible. Each component plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and refreshing!

• Greek Yogurt: This is our creamy base that replaces traditional sour cream. I always reach for full-fat Greek yogurt here – it’s thick, rich, and adds a protein boost. The tanginess beautifully balances the sweet fruits without overwhelming them.
• Fresh Fruits: The magic happens with this perfect combination:
  – Crisp apples (I love Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  – Sweet grapes (red or green both work beautifully)
  – Juicy mandarin oranges (fresh or canned – just drain well!)
  – Pineapple chunks (the natural sweetness is perfect here)
• Mini Marshmallows: These tiny pillows of sweetness might seem unexpected, but trust me – they’re non-negotiable! They soften slightly in the mixture, creating these lovely little pockets of sweetness throughout.
• Sweetened Coconut: The shredded coconut adds wonderful texture and a subtle tropical note that ties everything together. If you’re not a coconut fan, you can skip it, but I’d really encourage giving it a try!

Success Tips for Perfect Creamy Fruit Salad

After making this salad countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that make a big difference in the final result:

• Fruit Prep is Key: Drain those canned fruits extra well! I even pat them with paper towels sometimes. Extra moisture is not our friend here – it can make the creamy coating too thin.
• Apple Insurance: Toss your chopped apples in lemon juice right away. This little step prevents browning and adds a subtle brightness to the whole salad. It’s my non-negotiable trick!
• Temperature Matters: Make sure your Greek yogurt isn’t super cold when mixing – let it sit out for about 15 minutes. This helps it coat the fruit more evenly and prevents that shocking cold bite.
• Gentle Mixing: Use a rubber spatula and fold everything together gently. We want to keep those fruit pieces intact, not mashed! Think of it like folding egg whites into a cake batter – soft and careful does it.

Pro tip: If you’re making this ahead, wait to add the marshmallows until about 2 hours before serving. This keeps them perfectly pillowy instead of dissolving into the mixture!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Perfect Creamy Fruit Salad

Let me walk you through exactly how to make this dreamy fruit salad. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and these steps ensure perfect results every single time!

1. Prep Your Fruits
   • Core and chop your apple into bite-sized pieces
   • Drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple thoroughly
   • Slice grapes in half lengthwise
2. Prevent Browning
   

   In a large mixing bowl, toss your chopped apples with 1 teaspoon lemon juice. This step is crucial – it keeps those apple pieces looking fresh and appetizing!

3. Layer & Mix
   

   Add your drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, and halved grapes to the bowl with the apples. Sprinkle in the coconut and fold everything together gently with a rubber spatula.

4. Create the Creamy Coating
   

   Spoon your Greek yogurt over the fruit mixture. Using gentle folding motions, coat all the fruit pieces evenly. The key here is being gentle – we want the fruits to keep their shape!

5. Add the Magic
   

   Now for the fun part – fold in those mini marshmallows! They’ll start absorbing the flavors right away, creating little pockets of sweetness throughout the salad.

Creative Variations & Serving Ideas

This fruit salad is wonderfully versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up:

Fruit Swap Suggestions

• Swap mandarin oranges for fresh peach slices in summer
• Try adding sliced strawberries or blueberries
• Mix in banana slices just before serving
• Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for extra punch

Creative Mix-Ins

• Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts
• Add a handful of chocolate chips
• Mix in some diced maraschino cherries for color
• Stir in graham cracker pieces for crunch

Baker’s Secret: For parties, I love serving this in individual clear plastic cups – it shows off all those beautiful layers and makes portion control a breeze! Plus, the presentation always gets compliments.

To store leftovers, cover tightly with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, and if you notice any liquid pooling at the bottom, simply drain it off.

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Let me answer some common questions I get about this creamy fruit salad recipe! After making it countless times for potlucks and family gatherings, I’ve learned all the tricks to make it perfect every time.

Final Sweet Thoughts

You know what makes me smile? Watching people’s faces light up when they taste this fruit salad for the first time. They’re always surprised by how something so simple can taste so special. The combination of sweet fruits, creamy Greek yogurt, and those playful little marshmallows just works magic together.

Whether you’re bringing this to a summer picnic or serving it alongside your holiday feast, I promise it’ll be a hit. The best part? You can prep it in advance, which is always a win in my book! Don’t forget to snap a photo if you make it – I love seeing your creations!

Remember, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix up the fruits based on what’s in season or what your family loves. That’s what makes cooking so much fun – making recipes your own!

Looking for more fresh and fabulous recipes? Try my strawberry spinach salad or my maple vanilla baked pears – they’re just as easy and delicious!

Happy mixing! 🍎🍊✨