Serves: 4–6
⏱ Total Time: 15 minutes (+ chilling)
Difficulty: Very Easy
❄️ Best Served: Cold
Ingredients
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1 ripe banana, sliced
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1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
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1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
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1 cup mixed fruits (grapes, apples, kiwi, pineapple, or papaya – optional)
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½ cup sweetened condensed milk
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½ cup heavy cream, whipping cream, or thick yogurt (plain or vanilla)
Optional Add-ins
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2 tbsp chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios)
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2 tbsp dessicated coconut
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½ tsp vanilla extract or cardamom powder
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¼ cup mini marshmallows or fruit jelly cubes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
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Wash and pat dry all fruits.
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Slice the banana, dice the mango, and halve the strawberries.
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Chop any other fruits you’re using into small bite-sized pieces.
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Place everything in a large mixing bowl.
Tip: For best results, use fruits that are ripe but firm. Overripe fruit will turn mushy when mixed.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
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In a separate small bowl, combine:
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½ cup sweetened condensed milk
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½ cup cream (or thick yogurt for a tangy version)
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Whisk until smooth.
Optional: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom for added flavor.
Step 3: Combine
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Pour the creamy mixture over the chopped fruits.
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Use a spatula to gently toss and coat all the fruit evenly.
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Fold in any extras like nuts, marshmallows, or coconut if desired.
Pro Tip: Be gentle to avoid breaking up soft fruits like banana or berries.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Serve chilled in small dessert bowls or parfait glasses.
Optional garnish: Mint leaves, extra fruit slices, or a drizzle of honey.
✅ Tips & Notes
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Banana Tip: Add banana just before serving to avoid browning, or toss it in lemon juice first.
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Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a protein-rich variation.
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Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 4 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated until serving.
Variations
Tropical Creamy Salad
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Use pineapple, mango, banana, papaya, and coconut.
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Add lime zest and toasted coconut flakes for extra flair.
Dessert-style Fruit Salad
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Fold in mini marshmallows, crushed Oreos, or shaved chocolate.
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Top with a swirl of whipped cream.
Citrus Twist
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Use orange segments, kiwi, and pomegranate seeds.
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Add a dash of orange blossom water for floral notes.
Storage
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Best consumed within 24 hours.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
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Not suitable for freezing due to texture changes in the fruit and cream.
Final Thought
This Creamy Fruit Salad is the perfect combination of refreshing, rich, and sweet. It’s endlessly customizable and a crowd-pleaser every time — whether for a family brunch, summer picnic, or a last-minute dessert.
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