Creamy Fruit Salad Blend

This creamy fruit salad is my go to recipe whenever I need a fast crowd pleasing dessert or snack It always surprises people with how simple and delicious it tastes Sweetened condensed milk turns a bowl of everyday fruit into something unforgettable and you can truly make it yours by mixing in the fruits you love or have on hand

The first time I served this at a summer barbecue it was the one bowl everyone finished to the last scoop Not a drop left and people always ask for the recipe

Ingredients

• Strawberries: choose ripe berries that smell sweet and have bright red color Slice them small for easy eating
• Blueberries: plump berries are naturally sweet and juicy Look for firm not wrinkled ones
• Green and red grapes: pick firm crisp grapes and slice them in half for bite size pieces
• Large red apple: Fuji apples add a sweet crunch but you can use any crisp apple Toss slices in lemon juice if you are making ahead to prevent browning
• Mandarin oranges: canned or fresh work as long as you drain them well Avoid extra juice so the salad stays creamy
• Sweetened condensed milk: make sure to get the right can It is thick and creamy adding sweet richness to the salad Check the label and do not grab evaporated milk which will not work
• Fresh mint leaves: optional but they give a fresh aroma and pretty color for serving

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Fruit:

Wash all your fruit under cold water making sure berries are clean Slice the strawberries and apples into bite size pieces Slice the grapes in half Drain the mandarin oranges completely

Mix Everything Together:

Combine all the fruit in a large mixing bowl Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top Gently toss with a spatula or clean hands until every bit of fruit is coated and glossy

Chill Before Serving:

Cover the bowl and set in the refrigerator for about half an hour This lets the flavors meld and the salad taste extra refreshing Give it another gentle stir just before serving and add mint leaves if using

I love using strawberries in this salad because their juiciness and bright flavor pair perfectly with the creamy dressing My kids always sneak extra slices while I am mixing everything together and it makes the kitchen smell like summer

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator The salad will keep its best quality for three to five days Fruits like apples may start to brown after a day but tossing them with a bit of lemon juice before adding helps slow this process If the mixture seems watery after a few days simply give it a gentle stir before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any sturdy fruit you prefer Pineapple chunks blackberries raspberries or bananas all work beautifully If you want extra texture add some chopped pecans or walnuts Swap sweetened condensed milk for Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a different flavor but note this will change the sweetness and thickness

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled by itself for a refreshing treat It also makes a beautiful side for a brunch or holiday table Layer the salad over a bowl of cottage cheese or vanilla yogurt for a simple breakfast Top with extra mint or a sprinkle of granola for crunch

Cultural and Historical Context

Creamy fruit salad shows up in all sorts of family cookbooks and has been a reunion staple across the US since canned fruits and sweetened condensed milk became kitchen staples decades ago Every cook personalizes it with their favorite fruits or flavors which is what keeps it timeless and always welcome at gatherings

Common Recipe Questions

→ What fruits work best in this creamy salad?

Strawberries, blueberries, grapes, apples, and mandarin oranges make a balanced mix. Pineapple, raspberries, or blackberries are excellent variations. Avoid watermelon if storing, as it releases excess juice.

→ Can this fruit mix be made ahead?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate in advance. Stir before serving and note that some fruits, like apples, may change texture or color over time.

→ How can I keep apple slices from browning?

Spritz apples with lemon juice after slicing to slow browning. This helps maintain a fresh look and flavor throughout storage.

→ How long does the salad stay fresh?

Store in a covered container in the fridge. It stays best for 3–5 days, though texture may soften as it sits.

→ Is fresh mint necessary?

No, mint is optional. It’s mainly for garnish and fresh aroma, so skip it if not available without losing flavor.