Tropical Paradise Creamy Fruit Salad
Dive into this refreshing and delightful Tropical Paradise Creamy Fruit Salad, a guilt-free treat that's perfect for any occasion! With a beautiful medley of sweet and tart fruits like pineapples, peaches, mandarin oranges, and crisp apples, this salad is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The creamy dressing made from nonfat milk, sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, and fat-free sour cream brings all the ingredients together while ensuring it's sugar-free and fat-free. Ideal for lunch or as a snack, this fruit salad is sure to be a hit at family gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish at BBQs. Enjoy a healthy serving of fruits that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsweetened pineapple chunks
1 (20 ounce can, drained)
Sliced peaches in juice
1 (15 ounce can, drained)
Mandarin oranges
1 (11 ounce can, drained)
Tart apples
4 (medium, peeled and diced)
Cold nonfat milk
1.5 (cups)
Orange juice concentrate
1/3 (cup)
Sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (1 ounce package)
Fat-free sour cream
3/4 (cup)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing all your fruits. In a large bowl, combine the drained unsweetened pineapple chunks, sliced peaches, mandarin oranges, and diced tart apples. Gently toss the fruit together to create an even distribution.
2
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of cold nonfat milk, 1/3 cup of orange juice concentrate, and the contents of one 1-ounce package of sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk for 2 minutes or until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken.
3
Add 3/4 cup of fat-free sour cream to the pudding mixture and stir until thoroughly combined, ensuring a creamy consistency.
4
Carefully fold the creamy mixture into the fruit bowl, making sure the fruit is evenly coated with the dressing without mashing the fruit.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tropical Paradise Creamy Fruit Salad?
It is a refreshing and guilt-free medley of sweet and tart fruits like pineapples, peaches, mandarin oranges, and apples, tossed in a creamy dressing made from nonfat milk, sugar-free pudding, and fat-free sour cream.
Is this fruit salad sugar-free?
Yes, the recipe uses sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix and unsweetened fruits to maintain a sugar-free profile.
Is the recipe fat-free?
The salad is designed to be fat-free by using nonfat milk and fat-free sour cream.
Which fruits are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes unsweetened pineapple chunks, sliced peaches, mandarin oranges, and tart apples.
What type of apples should I use?
The recipe recommends using four medium tart apples that have been peeled and diced.
What kind of milk is required for the dressing?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of cold nonfat milk.
How is the creamy dressing made?
The dressing is made by whisking together cold nonfat milk, orange juice concentrate, and sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix, then stirring in fat-free sour cream.
Do I need to cook any part of this salad?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves mixing prepared fruits with a whisked pudding-based dressing.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation involves dicing and whisking, but you must factor in at least 1 hour of refrigeration time before serving.
Can I serve this immediately after mixing?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the dressing to set.
What size pudding mix package do I need?
You will need one 1-ounce package of sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix.
How much orange juice concentrate is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of orange juice concentrate.
Should the canned fruits be drained?
Yes, you should drain the pineapple chunks, sliced peaches, and mandarin oranges before adding them to the bowl.
What is the best way to combine the fruit and dressing?
Gently fold the creamy mixture into the fruit bowl to ensure even coating without mashing the fruit.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ?
Yes, it is an ideal refreshing side dish for BBQs, family gatherings, and picnics.
How many ingredients are in the Tropical Paradise Creamy Fruit Salad?
The recipe contains 8 main ingredients.
Can this be considered a dessert?
Yes, it is tagged as a light dessert and a sweet snack.
How long should I whisk the pudding mixture?
Whisk the milk, juice concentrate, and pudding mix for 2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
What type of sour cream should I use?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of fat-free sour cream to maintain the light and healthy profile.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
While tagged as vegan-friendly, the base recipe uses dairy milk and sour cream; for a true vegan version, you would need to substitute these with plant-based alternatives.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad features a mix of crisp diced apples and soft canned fruits held together by a smooth, thick, and creamy dressing.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used as long as it is diced into bite-sized chunks.
Do I need to peel the apples?
The instructions recommend peeling the apples before dicing them for a consistent texture.
How should I store the salad?
Keep the salad in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator.
Is this a good snack for kids?
Yes, its sweet flavor and creamy texture make it a hit with children while providing a healthy serving of fruit.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, you could add nuts for extra crunch if desired.
What makes this salad 'Tropical'?
The combination of pineapple, mandarin oranges, and orange juice concentrate gives it its signature tropical flavor profile.
Can I use different flavors of pudding mix?
Vanilla is recommended for a neutral creamy base, but you could experiment with cheesecake or lemon sugar-free flavors.
Is this recipe good for weight loss?
Because it is fat-free, sugar-free, and fruit-based, it is a great option for those looking for a light, lower-calorie treat.
What is the primary flavor of the dressing?
The dressing has a vanilla base with a bright citrus note from the orange juice concentrate.