– 1 cup of heavy cream, beaten until slightly thick.
– 3/4 cup of sugar
– 1 can of crushed pineapple (20 ounces), well drained
– 1 (10-ounce) bag of frozen strawberries or raspberries, partially defrosted and cut into pieces
– 1 can of mandarin oranges (11 ounces), without the liquid
– 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
– 1/3 cup of cherries cut in half
– 2 bananas that are ready to eat, cut into pieces.
– Juice from 1 lemon
Instructions
In a big bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Carefully mix the whipped cream until it is fully incorporated.
3. Mix the drained crushed pineapple, chopped strawberries, and mandarin oranges with the creamy mixture. Mix the fruits well.
Add the chopped pecans and halved maraschino cherries to the mixture, making sure they are evenly spread throughout.
In a little bowl, mix the banana slices with lemon juice to stop them from turning brown. Next, carefully mix the bananas into the salad.
Spread the fruit salad evenly in a baking dish that measures 9 by 13 inches. Place a cover on top and put it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it becomes solid.
To serve, take it out of the freezer and leave it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Cut the food into square pieces and savor it.
Different Types and Advice
For a healthier option, you can replace the cream cheese with a low-fat or Neufchâtel cheese, and use a light whipped topping instead of heavy cream. To make the pecans taste better, toast them first. This recipe can be easily adjusted – you can use different fruits based on what’s in season or your taste. Peaches, mangoes, or a combination of different berries can make delicious options. If you want to enhance the taste, you can add a bit of rum or orange liqueur for a more refined flavor.
Don’t forget to gently dry canned or frozen fruits before adding them to the salad to keep its creamy texture. For an extra nice detail, place each piece on a plate lined with lettuce for a fresh and crunchy look.
