Tropical Delight Fruit Salad

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This Tropical Delight Fruit Salad is a refreshing and creamy twist on a classic Southern favorite. This fruit-filled dish combines a medley of juicy pineapple, tender peach chunks, and vibrant mandarin oranges, all bound together in a velvety whipped cream dressing. Sweet coconut, fluffy marshmallows, and bright maraschino cherries add texture and flavor, making this salad a perfect dessert for warm days, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving something cool and comforting. Simple to make and bursting with tropical flavors, this treat is sure to bring sunshine to your table.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) peach chunks, drained
  • 1 can (29 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1½ cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved

Instructions

  1. Whip the Cream
    In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the rich heavy cream, fragrant vanilla extract, and finely sifted powdered sugar until well blended and smooth. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy texture for the dressing.
  2. Prepare the Fruits
    Drain the pineapple, peach chunks, and mandarin oranges thoroughly to remove excess liquid. This step is crucial for avoiding a watery salad. Place the fruits in a separate large bowl.
  3. Mix the Salad
    Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the bowl with the drained fruits. Add in the shredded coconut and mini marshmallows, stirring carefully to combine. The goal is to keep the fruits intact while evenly distributing the cream.
  4. Add the Cherries
    Lastly, add the maraschino cherries, gently folding them into the salad to avoid staining the cream too much.
  5. Chill and Serve
    Seal the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour to chill before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to set into a creamy, refreshing dessert.

Conclusion

This Tropical Delight Fruit Salad is a light, fluffy, and fruity dessert that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The combination of tropical fruits and creamy dressing makes it a standout addition to any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a dessert, this salad’s sweet and tropical flavors are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.