Classic Creamy Fruit Medley

This timeless fruit salad recipe has been cherished through generations, evolving with each family gathering. The combination of crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the oranges and pineapples blends beautifully with the creamy dressing, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and clove. Marshmallows soak up the fruit’s flavors, making every bite a burst of deliciousness. This is the perfect dish for a family potluck or festive occasion, and it’s fun to make as a team!

Ingredients for Classic Creamy Fruit Medley

Salad Ingredients

• 1 bunch seedless white grapes, removed from stems and washed
• 1 bunch seedless dark grapes, removed from stems and washed
• 4-5 medium apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) pieces (peeling optional)
• 1 bottle maraschino cherries, seeded, stemmed, and well drained, 8 oz (225 g)
• 2 cans mandarin orange sections, well drained, 10.5 oz (300 g) each
• 1 bunch celery hearts, cut into small cubes (leaves removed)
• 2 cans pineapple chunks, very well drained, 20 oz (565 g) each
• 1 bunch bananas (4-5 medium), peeled and sliced
• 1 package miniature marshmallows (or large marshmallows cut into quarters)
• 1 1/2 lb walnut pieces (680 g)

Salad Dressing

• 16 oz Cool Whip topping, thawed (two 8 oz/225 g tubs)
• 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise, light (590 ml)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp rum or almond extract (your choice, to taste)

How to Make Classic Creamy Fruit Medley

Kitchen Tips

This recipe yields a large salad, perfect for big gatherings. Be sure to use a spacious mixing bowl!

1. Prepare a very large mixing bowl for the salad and a medium bowl for the dressing. (A 15-inch/38 cm diameter and 10-inch/25 cm tall bowl works best.) Wash and drain all fresh fruits and celery thoroughly. Drain all canned ingredients well.
2. Remove grapes from stems, cut them in half if preferred, and place them in the large mixing bowl. Cut cherries in half if desired. Add drained canned oranges and pineapple chunks.
3. Chop apples and celery as listed and add them to the bowl.
4. Slice the bananas and add them to the salad mixture.
5. If using large marshmallows, cut them into quarters before adding. If using mini marshmallows, simply toss them in.
6. Add walnut pieces to the mixture.
7. For the dressing, combine thawed Cool Whip and mayonnaise in the medium mixing bowl. Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and rum (or almond) extract.
8. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended.
9. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
10. Gently fold all ingredients together with a rubber spatula until evenly coated.
11. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.

This creamy fruit medley is the ultimate combination of flavors, making it an irresistible addition to any celebration. The chilled, creamy texture enhances the freshness of the fruits, while the warm spices add a comforting depth. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing summer dish or a holiday tradition, this salad is sure to become a family favorite!