Creamy Fruit Salad

A classic American dessert combining sweet, juicy fruits with a luscious dressing. This recipe takes less than fifteen minutes to prepare and is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• 3 medium bananas, sliced into rounds
• 2 cans (11 oz each) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash cherries, remove pits, and halve them. Slice bananas into quarter-inch thick rounds. Drain mandarin oranges completely in a colander.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
3. Add prepared cherries, bananas, and mandarin oranges to the bowl with the dressing. If using marshmallows or nuts, add them now. Gently fold the fruits into the dressing using a large rubber spatula until every piece is coated.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Give it one final gentle fold and transfer to a serving bowl.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and heavy cream for half-and-half. For a dairy-free option, use whipped coconut cream. Avoid using overripe bananas and ensure oranges are thoroughly drained to prevent a watery dressing. Do not make more than four hours in advance to prevent browning and weeping. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days; does not freeze well.