Berry Fruit Salad
A refreshing berry fruit salad topped with a creamy strawberry mixture, perfect for summer gatherings or light dessert options, offering a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, milk, and almond extract with a mixer until well blended.
- Refrigerate the mixture until chilled.
- Spoon the creamy mixture over the fresh berries.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. You can substitute other berries like raspberries or strawberries based on your preference or seasonal availability. For added texture, try folding in some chopped nuts or granola just before serving. If you'd like a hint of citrus, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Berry Fruit Salad pairs beautifully with Grannie Wood'S Cornbread for a hearty brunch or picnic. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing side dish. For a delightful finish to a meal, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt. It's also perfect as a light dessert on its own.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the creamy mixture separate from the berries until serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. If the mixture thickens, you can gently stir in a little milk to restore its creamy consistency before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Berry Fruit Salad contains roughly 368 calories, with 8g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use flavored cream cheese varieties, but be mindful that they may alter the overall taste of the salad. If using plain cream cheese, you might want to add a bit more sugar or a splash of vanilla extract for sweetness.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the creamy mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the berries just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture. If you need to make it even earlier, you can wash and prep the berries and keep them in the fridge separately.
Is this recipe suitable for a party or gathering?
Absolutely! This Berry Fruit Salad is a crowd-pleaser and can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings. Just ensure to prepare the creamy mixture and berries separately until ready to serve, so guests can enjoy it at its freshest.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).