Creamy Dream Fruit Salad

Creamy Dream Fruit Salad

This refreshing and colorful fruit salad is perfect for breakfast, a light dessert, or a healthy snack. The creamy dressing adds a touch of indulgence without being too heavy.

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Fruit:

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced or quartered
• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced or quartered
• 2 bananas, peeled and sliced (add just before serving to prevent browning)
• 1 cup blueberries, fresh
• 1 large peach or nectarine, pitted and diced (or 1 cup canned peaches, drained)
• (Optional) 1 cup mango, peeled and diced
• (Optional) 1 cup grapes, halved if large

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla, full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice (to taste, helps with tang and preventing banana browning)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• (Optional) Pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit:
   • Gently wash all the fresh fruit.
   • Hull and slice the strawberries.
   • Peel and slice the kiwis.
   • Dice the peach/nectarine (or drain canned peaches).
   • If using mango or grapes, prepare them as well.
   • Important Note: Do not slice the bananas until just before you are ready to assemble and serve, as they will brown quickly.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, lime/lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
   • Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired by adding more condensed milk or lime/lemon juice. If you like, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
3. Combine and Serve:
   • In a large serving bowl, combine all the prepared fruits except the bananas. Gently toss them together.
   • Just before serving, slice the bananas and add them to the fruit mixture.
   • Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit.
   • Gently fold the fruit and dressing together until all the fruit is lightly coated.
4. Chill (Optional):
   • For best results, chill the fruit salad for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to be refreshingly cool.

Tips and Variations:

• Fruit Choices: Feel free to customize the fruit selection based on seasonal availability and your preferences. Other great additions include cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, or oranges.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk in the dressing to your liking. You can also use honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt alternative, and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk substitute if available, or just sweeten with maple syrup.
• Thicker Dressing: If you prefer a thicker dressing, you can use less liquid (lime juice) or a thicker type of Greek yogurt.
• Presentation: Serve in individual bowls or a large glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the fruit. A sprig of fresh mint can add a nice garnish.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that bananas will brown and softer fruits might become mushier over time.