Description

This Cheesecake and Fruit Salad is a luscious and refreshing dessert that combines creamy cheesecake-flavored dressing with a vibrant mix of fresh fruits. It’s a no-bake, easy-to-make recipe perfect as a light dessert or side dish for potlucks and summer gatherings. The rich cream cheese and whipped cream mixture coats a colorful medley of strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and optionally banana, creating a delightful balance of creamy texture and fruity sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Dressing

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup vanilla yogurt (or plain Greek yogurt for tanginess)
1/2 cup heavy cream

Fruit Salad

2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup blueberries
1 cup grapes, halved
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup mandarin orange segments (drained if canned)
1 banana, sliced (optional)
Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
Incorporate Yogurt: Add the vanilla or plain Greek yogurt to the cream cheese mixture and continue beating until fully combined and the texture is silky smooth.
Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, providing a light and airy texture that will lighten the cream cheese mixture.
Fold Cream into Cheesecake Base: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese and yogurt mixture, carefully combining without deflating the whipped cream, to create a fluffy and creamy cheesecake dressing.
Combine the Fruit: In another large bowl, place all the prepared fruits (strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, mandarin oranges). If using banana, wait to add it later to avoid browning.
Mix Fruit and Cheesecake Dressing: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the fruit and gently fold everything together until all fruit pieces are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up slightly.
Optional Banana and Garnish: If using banana, add the sliced banana just before serving to prevent browning. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired for an additional fresh touch.

Notes

For best results, add bananas just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
Feel free to customize the fruit selection based on your preference or seasonal availability; this salad is versatile and pairs well with many fruits.
This salad can be served as either a side dish or a light dessert, ideal for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings.
Use Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor or vanilla yogurt for a sweeter creamy base.
Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for a smooth dressing.