Fruit And Cheese Salad
A refreshing fruit and cheese salad with a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and sweet peaches, perfect for gatherings and summer desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the graham cracker crust by crushing graham crackers into crumbs.
- Mix in 3 tablespoons of sugar and add 1/3 cup of melted butter.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes, then cool completely before proceeding.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing 8 oz. cream cheese with 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar.
- Fold in 2 cups Cool Whip until well combined.
- Slice the large can of peaches in heavy syrup and layer over the cooled crust.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the peaches.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of this Fruit And Cheese Salad, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be substituted for cream cheese. For added texture, you might include nuts or berries. Ensure the graham cracker crust is fully cooled before layering to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fruit And Cheese Salad as a delightful dessert after a summer meal or alongside a savory dish like Buttermilk Corn Bread Loaf. It pairs beautifully with fresh mint leaves for garnish. For a complete picnic spread, consider adding Pioneer Picnic Cookies for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed chilled, so there's no need to reheat it. If the crust becomes a bit soft, a quick chill in the refrigerator can help restore its firmness before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit And Cheese Salad contains roughly 1361 calories, with 14g protein, 236g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other fruits instead of peaches?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute peaches with other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or even canned fruit cocktail. Just ensure the fruits are well-drained to maintain the texture of the salad.
Is it necessary to bake the graham cracker crust?
Baking the graham cracker crust helps it set and adds a nice crunch. However, if you're short on time, you can skip baking and simply refrigerate the crust for a few hours until firm. This will still yield a delicious result.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this Fruit And Cheese Salad is an excellent make-ahead option! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness.
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).