Homemade Fruit Salad

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Creamy, refreshing, and packed with juicy sweetness, Homemade Fruit Salad is a classic comfort treat that never goes out of style. This chilled dessert blends vibrant fruits like bananas, pineapples, and cherries with a luscious, creamy base—creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or lazy Sunday afternoons, every bite brings a satisfying balance of tartness and rich creaminess.

Whether you serve it as a light dessert, a quick breakfast, or even a midday snack, this fruit salad is incredibly simple to whip up and completely customizable. The sweet tang of fruit paired with the creamy texture makes it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Best of all, it requires no baking and minimal prep, making it the ultimate no-fuss recipe when you want something sweet and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Fruit Salad

• It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare.
• No cooking or baking needed—perfect for hot days.
• Highly customizable to fit your favorite fruits.
• Creamy, sweet, and refreshing all in one bite.
• A nostalgic favorite that’s ideal for parties, gatherings, or solo snacking.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare this delicious salad, all you need are a few basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential to combine all the fruits and cream evenly without spilling.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing bananas and cutting any larger fruit into bite-sized chunks.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean and stable surface for prepping your fruits.
• Rubber Spatula or Spoon: Helps gently fold the ingredients together, preserving the texture of the fruits.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensure accurate amounts of cream, sweeteners, or any optional additions.

Each tool plays a small but important role in making sure your salad is perfectly mixed and not mushy or overly creamy.

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Preparation Tips

Use firm but ripe fruits to avoid mushiness in your salad. If using canned fruits like pineapple or fruit cocktail, drain them thoroughly to prevent the cream from becoming watery. For an extra burst of flavor, chill all ingredients before mixing—this enhances the salad’s refreshing quality. Fold the ingredients gently instead of stirring aggressively to keep the fruit pieces intact. Lastly, prepare and serve this salad fresh for the best texture, though it can be refrigerated for a short time before serving.

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Ingredients for this Homemade Fruit Salad

• 1 cup chopped pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 cup chopped peaches (canned in juice, drained)
• 1 cup fruit cocktail (drained)
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries (halved or whole, drained)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)

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Step 1: Prepare the Fruits

Start by draining any canned fruits thoroughly to remove excess liquid. This prevents the creamy mixture from becoming runny. If you’re using fresh fruits, peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the banana just before mixing to prevent browning. Keep the cherries whole or slice them in half depending on your preference.

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Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, whipped topping, and (if using) the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This creamy blend gives the fruit salad its signature texture and sweet flavor.

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Step 3: Combine Everything

Add all the prepared fruits into a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy mixture over the fruits. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until each fruit piece is well coated. Be gentle to avoid breaking the softer fruits like bananas and peaches.

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Step 4: Optional Add-ins

If you’re using shredded coconut or chopped nuts, add them now. Fold them in gently to ensure even distribution. These ingredients add texture and extra flavor, making the salad even more enjoyable.

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Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and gives the salad a refreshing coolness. This step is especially important if you’re serving it at a party or gathering.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to refresh the creamy coating. Spoon into individual bowls or serve family-style in a large dish. Garnish with extra cherries or a sprinkle of coconut on top for a festive touch.

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Notes

This homemade fruit salad is incredibly versatile and forgiving. You can adjust the sweetness level by omitting or adding more sweetened condensed milk. Using canned fruits makes it convenient, but you can always opt for fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries, grapes, or apples to elevate the taste and texture. The addition of sour cream balances the sweetness and gives a slight tang, while whipped topping adds the light, fluffy texture we all love in a creamy fruit salad.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the draining step: Canned fruits should be thoroughly drained to avoid a watery salad.
• Overmixing: Stirring too much can turn fruits mushy, especially bananas.
• Adding banana too early: It may brown if added too far in advance.
• Overloading ingredients: Too many extras like nuts or coconut can overpower the fruits.
• Serving too soon: Let it chill so the cream can set and flavors blend properly.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing as the texture of the cream and fruits will change significantly. Stir gently before serving leftovers to refresh the creamy consistency. For best results, add banana slices just before serving to prevent them from browning and becoming soggy.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~210 kcal per serving
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Cholesterol: 20mg

(Note: Values will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What fruits work best in this salad?

Tropical and soft fruits like pineapple, peaches, bananas, and cherries work best. Avoid fruits that release too much liquid like watermelon.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping and yogurt alternative.

How long does fruit salad last in the fridge?

It lasts about 1–2 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, but add bananas and delicate fruits right before serving to avoid sogginess.

What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

You can skip it entirely, or use honey, maple syrup, or vanilla yogurt for sweetness.

Is this fruit salad healthy?

It’s a treat with natural fruits, but the creamy base adds sugar and fat. You can lighten it by using Greek yogurt.

Can I add marshmallows?

Absolutely! Mini marshmallows are a popular addition for extra sweetness and texture.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Frozen fruit is not ideal as it becomes mushy when thawed. Stick to fresh or canned for best texture.

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Conclusion

Homemade Fruit Salad is a deliciously creamy, fruity classic that’s perfect for just about any occasion. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or whipping it up for a quick dessert, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try, and you might just find it becomes a staple in your kitchen rotation.

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