Heavenly Layered Tropical Fruit Salad
This Heavenly Layered Tropical Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing addition to any gathering, perfect for BBQs, picnics, or family get-togethers. With a colorful mix of succulent fruits like juicy pineapple, sweet watermelon, and tangy berries, each bite bursts with flavor. It's not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat that everyone will rave about! The creamy, light dressing made from whipped cream and cream cheese adds a luscious touch, making this salad irresistible. Prepare it hours in advance to let the flavors meld, and enjoy the compliments from your guests as they dive into this beautifully layered creation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh blueberries
1 pint (washed)
fresh hulled strawberries
1 pint (hulled and halved)
fresh pineapple chunks
2 1/2 cups (cubed)
seeded watermelon
2 cups (cubed)
bananas
2 (sliced 1/2-inch thick)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (squeezed)
kiwi fruits
2 (peeled and sliced)
mandarin oranges
1 cup (drained or fresh and chopped)
cream cheese
2 (3 ounce) packages (at room temperature)
confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup (sifted)
fresh lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons (squeezed)
whipped cream
1 cup (whipped)
lime zest
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Start by tossing the banana slices in fresh lemon juice in a small bowl to prevent browning. Set aside.
2
In an extra large, elegant glass bowl, create your fruit layers by starting with pineapple chunks at the bottom, followed by blueberries. Next, layer half of the strawberries, the mandarin oranges, kiwi slices, watermelon chunks, and top with the remaining strawberries or raspberries, ensuring a colorful display.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it's smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and continue mixing until well combined.
4
Add in the fresh lime juice and mix again to incorporate everything evenly.
5
Lower the mixer speed to the lowest setting, and gently fold in half of the whipped cream, mixing until just combined. Then, add in the remaining whipped cream and gently blend until fully incorporated, still on the lowest speed.
6
Drizzle the creamy dressing generously over the layered fruits, allowing it to seep in between the layers for maximum flavor.
7
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heavenly Layered Tropical Fruit Salad?
It is a vibrant, refreshing salad featuring layers of succulent tropical fruits topped with a creamy dressing made from whipped cream and cream cheese.
What fruits are included in this recipe?
The salad includes fresh blueberries, strawberries, pineapple chunks, seeded watermelon, bananas, kiwi, and mandarin oranges.
How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown?
Toss the 1/2-inch thick banana slices in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice before layering them in the salad.
What is the best way to display the layers?
Use an extra-large, elegant glass bowl so that the colorful fruit layers are visible to your guests.
What is the specific order for layering the fruit?
Start with pineapple, followed by blueberries, half of the strawberries, mandarin oranges, kiwi, watermelon, and finish with the remaining strawberries or raspberries.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for the dressing?
Use two 3-ounce packages at room temperature and beat them with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/3 cup of sifted confectioners' sugar.
What liquid is added to the cream cheese mixture?
1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lime juice is mixed into the cream cheese and sugar blend.
How should I incorporate the whipped cream?
Gently fold in the whipped cream in two batches using the lowest mixer setting to keep the dressing light and airy.
How should the dressing be applied to the fruit?
Drizzle the dressing generously over the top layer so it can seep down between the fruit layers for maximum flavor.
How long does the salad need to be refrigerated?
The salad should be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for at least 1 hour before serving.
Can I use raspberries instead of strawberries?
Yes, the recipe suggests using raspberries as an alternative for the top layer to ensure a colorful display.
What occasions are best for this salad?
It is a perfect addition to BBQs, picnics, or family get-togethers due to its refreshing nature.
How much pineapple is required?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of fresh, cubed pineapple chunks.
How much watermelon is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of seeded, cubed watermelon.
How should the kiwi be prepared?
The kiwi fruits should be peeled and sliced before being added to the layers.
Can I use canned mandarin oranges?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of drained canned mandarin oranges or fresh chopped ones.
What type of blueberries should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 pint of washed fresh blueberries.
How many strawberries are needed?
You will need 1 pint of fresh strawberries that have been hulled and halved.
Does this recipe use lime zest?
Yes, it includes 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated lime zest.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this tropical fruit salad.
Is the cream cheese dressing heavy?
No, it is described as a luscious, creamy, and light dressing.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, preparing it hours in advance is recommended to let the flavors meld together.
Why do I need to sift the confectioners' sugar?
Sifting ensures the sugar incorporates smoothly into the cream cheese without creating lumps.
How do I zest the lime?
Use a grater to freshly grate the outer green skin of a lime to get 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of zest.
What equipment is needed for the dressing?
An electric mixer is required to beat the cream cheese and fold in the whipped cream.
Is this salad considered a dessert?
While it is a fruit salad, its sweet and creamy nature makes it suitable as a dessert or a refreshing side dish.
What size should the banana slices be?
The bananas should be sliced approximately 1/2-inch thick.
Should I use fresh or bottled lime juice?
The recipe specifically calls for freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
How many packages of cream cheese are used?
The recipe uses two 3-ounce packages of cream cheese.