Begin by preparing the fruits. Peel the two bananas and slice them into even, bite-sized rounds. Bananas provide a creamy texture and a natural sweetness to the salad. Be sure to slice them just before assembling the salad to prevent them from browning. If you’re concerned about browning, you can lightly toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice to keep them fresh.
Next, prepare the pineapple. If you’re using fresh pineapple, peel and core it before cutting it into chunks. If you’re using canned pineapple chunks, drain the juice well to prevent the salad from becoming too watery. The pineapple adds a refreshing, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bananas and oranges. Aim for about one cup of pineapple chunks, making sure they are bite-sized and easy to eat.
For the mandarin oranges, you can use either fresh segments or canned mandarin oranges, depending on availability and convenience. If using fresh oranges, carefully peel them, removing any seeds, and then separate the segments. If using canned, be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess syrup in the salad. Mandarin oranges provide a juicy burst of sweetness and a slightly citrusy flavor that brightens up the salad.
Once all the fruits are prepared, place them in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for gentle stirring without spilling. Gently toss the fruits together to combine them evenly. The colorful mix of banana, pineapple, and mandarin orange will make your salad visually appealing as well as flavorful.
In a separate small bowl, prepare the creamy dressing. This simple dressing usually consists of a combination of Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or sour cream. For a richer, sweeter version, you can use a blend of Greek yogurt and whipped topping. Begin by adding ½ cup of Greek yogurt to the bowl, followed by ¼ cup of whipped cream. Mix together until smooth and well-combined. The creamy dressing will coat the fruit, giving the salad a luscious, smooth texture.
Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the fruit mixture. Gently stir the fruit and dressing together, ensuring that each piece of fruit is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the fruit while mixing, as you want to keep the slices intact for a nice texture in every bite.
If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add a tablespoon or two of honey, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar to the dressing before mixing it with the fruit. Taste the salad and adjust the sweetness to your preference. The natural sugars in the fruit are often enough, but a little extra sweetness can elevate the flavor.
After mixing, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the creamy fruit salad for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the dressing firms up slightly. This also gives the fruits time to release a little juice, which adds to the overall flavor of the salad.
Once chilled, the creamy fruit salad is ready to be served. You can serve it in individual bowls or on a large serving platter for sharing. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added texture and a pop of color. The creamy dressing complements the fresh fruit perfectly, making each bite a refreshing and satisfying experience.
Enjoy this creamy fruit salad as a stand-alone dessert, a refreshing side dish, or a delightful addition to your brunch spread. It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
