The Ultimate Creamy Fruit Salad with Yogurt Dressing: A Refreshing & Healthy Treat

Fruit Salad with Yogurt transforms an ordinary mix of fresh fruit into an extraordinary dish, thanks to a luscious, creamy yogurt dressing that beautifully coats every piece. This vibrant, healthy, and incredibly easy-to-make salad is perfect for any occasion, from a quick breakfast to a delightful side dish or a light, refreshing dessert.

Author’s Notes

A Simple Kids’ Meal Inspired My Favorite Summer Recipe

The moment school let out for summer, my family and I packed our bags and headed out for a much-anticipated trip. While I always look forward to discovering new flavors and culinary inspirations on our travels, I never expected my next favorite recipe to come from a children’s menu!

At one particularly memorable restaurant, my kids chose a simple fruit salad with yogurt as their side dish. My son, being the generous soul he is, offered me a bite. That single taste was all it took. The combination of crisp, fresh fruit, the indulgent creaminess of the yogurt, and a hint of delightful crunch from granola was absolutely perfect. I instantly regretted not ordering it for myself! It was so deceptively simple, yet incredibly satisfying and flavorful.

When we returned home, that delightful fruit salad lingered in my mind. I was determined to recreate it, but with my own signature touch. I embarked on a mission, testing various yogurts to find the ideal base for the dressing. After countless tubs and many taste tests, one brand consistently stood out: Greek God’s Honey Vanilla. Its exceptional creaminess and rich flavor effortlessly elevate this easy side dish, making it a truly special treat. This recipe became an instant family favorite, and I’m thrilled to share it with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your table as it has to ours.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Fruit Salad with Yogurt

Creating an exceptional fruit salad with yogurt dressing starts with selecting the right components. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some tips for choosing the best:

• Fresh Fruit Selection: The star of the show! I typically use a delightful mix of mandarin segments, juicy strawberries, crisp grapes, plump blueberries, and a firm, sweet apple. The key is to choose fruits that are ripe, firm, and inherently sweet. Consider a variety of colors and textures for visual appeal and a more enjoyable eating experience.
  • Choosing Your Fruit: Look for fruits that are vibrant in color and have a pleasant aroma. Gently squeeze fruits like peaches or plums to check for a slight give, indicating ripeness. Avoid any fruit with blemishes, soft spots, or a dull appearance.
  • Preparation Tip: Ensure all fruit is thoroughly washed and completely dry before dicing or slicing. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad watery.
  • Fruits to Consider: Kiwi, pineapple, mango, raspberries, blackberries, and peaches (when in season) are all excellent additions.
  • Fruits to Avoid: Super juicy or delicate fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, or overly ripe bananas can make the salad mushy and watery, especially if mixed ahead of time.
• Natural Sweetener: While the yogurt I recommend has a hint of sweetness, you may wish to add more based on your preference and the natural sweetness of your chosen fruits. Honey is my go-to, but maple syrup or agave nectar are also wonderful alternatives. Always sweeten to taste.
• A Touch of Crunch: The textural contrast is crucial! A generous sprinkle of granola or toasted nuts added just before serving elevates this salad from good to incredible. The crunch adds an unexpected layer of enjoyment.
  • Granola: Store-bought granola works well, but for an extra special touch, consider making my easy homemade granola recipe.
  • Toasted Nuts: Slivered almonds, chopped pecans, or walnuts, lightly toasted, provide a rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
  • Seeds: Chia seeds, poppy seeds, or hemp seeds can add a subtle texture and boost of nutrition.
• Other Exciting Add-in Ideas: Don’t be afraid to get creative!
  • Toasted Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves: Finely chopped, they add a burst of refreshing flavor.
  • Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest can brighten the entire dish.
  • A Hint of Spice: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can add warmth and depth.

The Secret to an Irresistibly Creamy Yogurt Dressing

The yogurt dressing is what truly binds this fruit salad together, transforming it into a delightful and cohesive dish. Through extensive testing, I’ve discovered that the right yogurt makes all the difference in achieving that perfectly rich, creamy texture without becoming watery or gritty. I wholeheartedly recommend Greek God’s Honey Vanilla yogurt (and no, this isn’t sponsored – it’s genuinely just my favorite!).

Here’s why this specific type of yogurt, or similar alternatives, works so well:

• Thick and Smooth Consistency: Greek God’s Honey Vanilla yogurt is exceptionally thick and smooth. This is crucial because it coats the fruit beautifully and prevents the dressing from becoming watery, even when mixed with juicy fruits. Its viscosity ensures a luxurious mouthfeel that holds up over time.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The honey vanilla flavor adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that complements the natural flavors of the fruit without overpowering them. It creates a harmonious blend that is both comforting and refreshing.
• Avoid Low-Fat or Watery Varieties: In my experience, low-fat or overly thin yogurts can often lead to a gritty texture or quickly turn watery when mixed with fruit, diminishing the overall appeal of the salad. For the best texture and flavor, always opt for a full-fat or whole milk Greek yogurt. These varieties offer the richness and creaminess that make this fruit salad truly shine.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you decide to use a plain Greek yogurt or a different flavored variety, simply adjust the amount of honey or your preferred sweetener in the dressing. Taste as you go to achieve your desired level of sweetness. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor if using plain yogurt.

What’s in Season and Tastes Best

Opting for seasonal fruits not only ensures the best flavor and freshness but can also make your fruit salad more cost-effective. Here are some fantastic fruit combinations to inspire your choices throughout the year:

Feel free to mix and match based on what looks most appealing and ripe at your local market. Don’t limit yourself to these suggestions; let fresh produce guide your culinary creativity!

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Creamy Fruit Salad With Yogurt

By

Chelsea Lords

This Fruit Salad with Yogurt transforms fresh fruit into a flavorful, creamy dish that feels anything but basic. It’s a delightful and healthy addition to any meal or a perfect snack on its own.

Prep Time:

20 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes
minutes

Servings:

6
servings, as a side

Video

Watch the video below to see how to make this delicious fruit salad!

Click here to watch the recipe video

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Whisk (or fork)
• Small Bowl (for dressing)

Ingredients

For the Fruit Salad:

• 3 mandarins peeled & segmented (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 1 cup green grapes halved
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 large apple diced (Fuji apples work wonderfully)
• 1/2 lemon (for juice in dressing)

For the Creamy Yogurt Dressing:

• 1 cup
  honey vanilla Greek yogurt
  (see Note 1)
• 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste, see Note 2)
• 1/4 teaspoon
  vanilla extract
  

Optional Topping:

• 6 tablespoons
  granola
  (or toasted nuts/seeds)

Instructions

• Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the honey vanilla Greek yogurt, honey, the fresh juice from 1/2 of a lemon, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is perfectly smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness to your personal preference – add more honey if you like it sweeter, or a tiny splash more lemon juice for extra tang. Set this delicious dressing aside while you prepare your fruit.
• Prepare and Dry the Fruit: Begin by thoroughly washing all your chosen fruits. It’s crucial that all the fruit is completely dry before you proceed. This step helps prevent the salad from becoming watery and ensures the dressing adheres beautifully to each piece. Once dry, dice the apple, halve the grapes, segment the mandarins, and dice the strawberries as per the ingredient list. Place all the prepared fruit into a large mixing bowl and gently toss them together to create an even, colorful mix.
• Assemble and Serve Your Fruit Salad: You have a couple of options for serving, depending on when you plan to enjoy your salad:

  Option 1 (For Individual Servings): For a more elegant presentation or if serving over a longer period, spoon individual portions of the mixed fruit into separate bowls. Then, generously dollop the creamy yogurt dressing over the top of each fruit serving just before guests are ready to eat.

  Option 2 (For Immediate Serving): If you’re planning to serve the entire salad at once, pour the prepared yogurt dressing directly over the fruit in the large bowl. Gently toss until all the fruit is evenly coated in the rich, creamy dressing. This method creates a fully enrobed fruit salad. (Note: If you choose this option, it’s best to consume the salad the same day to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.)

  Optional Finishing Touch: For an added layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle granola, toasted nuts, or seeds over the assembled fruit salad right before serving. This ensures the crunch remains perfectly crisp.

Recipe Notes

Note 1 – Choosing Your Yogurt: I consistently reach for Greek God’s Honey Vanilla Yogurt for this recipe because it’s incredibly thick, smooth, and prevents the salad from becoming watery. If you can’t find this specific brand, look for any full-fat, thick, and creamy Greek yogurt. Avoid watery or low-fat versions, as they can sometimes yield a grainy texture or thin out too much. If using plain Greek yogurt, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of honey or a few drops of vanilla extract to the dressing.

Note 2 – Adjusting Sweetness: The ideal amount of honey for your dressing will vary depending on the natural sweetness of your fruit and the yogurt you choose. My best advice is to whisk up the dressing, then taste a small spoonful of it alongside a few pieces of your prepared fruit. This will help you decide if you need to add more honey to reach your perfect level of sweetness.

Fruit Swap Ideas & Tips: Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite fruits! However, I recommend steering clear of overly juicy fruits like watermelon or very ripe bananas, which can release too much water and make the salad mushy. If you want your fruit salad to last a few days in the fridge (without dressing), consider swapping out the apple for 1 cup of raspberries, as apples can brown. Always use fresh, firm, and ripe (but not overripe) fruit for the best texture and taste. To prevent apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice after dicing before adding them to the main fruit mix.

Storage Instructions: For maximum freshness and to preserve the delightful crunch, store the prepared fruit and the yogurt dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine them only just before serving. If the fruit and dressing have already been mixed, the salad is best enjoyed within 1 day. Keep any granola or nuts separate from the salad to ensure they remain crisp and don’t get soggy.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
serving

|

Calories:
191
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
37
g

|

Protein:
5
g

|

Fat:
3
g

|

Saturated Fat:
1
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.8
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Cholesterol:
4
mg

|

Sodium:
55
mg

|

Potassium:
294
mg

|

Vitamin A:
295
IU

|

Vitamin C:
29
mg

|

Calcium:
73
mg

|

Iron:
0.7
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Fruit Salad with Yogurt

This versatile fruit salad is delicious on its own, but it also makes a fantastic addition to various meals and snacks. Here are some inspiring ways to serve it:

• Simple Bowls: The classic way! Scoop a generous portion of fruit into individual bowls and top with a big spoonful (or two!) of the creamy yogurt dressing. A sprinkle of granola adds the perfect finishing touch.
• Elegant Parfait Cups: Create beautiful layers in clear parfait cups or tall glasses. Alternate between fruit, yogurt dressing, and a sprinkle of granola for a visually appealing and delicious breakfast or dessert. Explore our parfait recipe for more inspiration.
• Fun Waffle Cones: For a whimsical, kid-friendly snack or light dessert, spoon the fruit salad into crisp waffle cones. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a healthy treat.
• Brunch Side Dish: Serve alongside warm muffins, flaky croissants, or buttery toast for an easy yet impressive brunch spread. It adds a refreshing, bright element to any breakfast table.
• Topping for Breakfast Staples: Forget traditional syrup! Spoon this creamy fruit salad over warm pancakes or fluffy waffles for a burst of fresh flavor and added nutrition.
• Light Dessert Option: When you crave something sweet but light, this fruit salad hits the spot. It’s naturally sweet, satisfying, and far healthier than many heavy desserts.
• Quick Snack Addition: A small bowl of this fruit salad makes for an excellent mid-day snack, offering natural energy and essential vitamins.

Fruit Salad with Yogurt FAQs