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Ingredients
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 1 cup of thawed whipped topping
- 3.4 ounces of instant cheesecake pudding mix (use the dry mix only, no need to prepare)
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla essence
- 2 cups of sliced strawberries
- 1 cup each of blueberries, raspberries, and halved grapes
- 11 ounces of drained mandarin oranges
- 1 large sliced banana (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by whipping the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it achieves a smooth consistency.
- Introduce the dry cheesecake pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence to the cream cheese. Whip until these ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Gradually fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Delicately incorporate the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, and mandarin oranges into the cream cheese blend. If you’re including bananas, this is the time to fold them in gently.
- Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour before serving. This helps the flavors to fuse together. Stir gently before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Feel free to customize the fruits based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Kiwi, pineapple, and mango are excellent additions or substitutes.
- For a more textured version, consider folding in mini marshmallows or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- To prevent your bananas from browning prematurely, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- For an added touch of luxury, consider a caramel sauce drizzle on top before serving.
- If you’re aiming to reduce the sugar content, opt for a sugar-free pudding mix and substitute the powdered sugar with a natural sweetener.
Remember, patience is key! Allowing it to chill enhances the flavors. This dish is sure to bring joy to your table. It’s a dessert, it’s a fruit medley, it’s a salad – it’s a delightful combination of all things delicious!
Enjoy!
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