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I discovered this Better Than Sex Fruit Salad at a family reunion and simply had to have the recipe. The way the creamy sweet dressing wraps around all those juicy fruits creates pure magic in a bowl. Now it's my most requested dish for gatherings and I love watching people's eyes light up when they taste it for the first time.
Why Try This Salad
This salad has saved me so many times when I need something quick but impressive. The combination of cherries and pineapple with that dreamy dressing is absolutely irresistible. I love that I can make it the night before a party and it actually gets better as it sits in the fridge overnight.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Fruit Cocktail: 1 large can, drained
- Crushed Pineapple: 1 can, drained
- Cherry Pie Filling: 1 can
- Bananas: 2–3, sliced
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup
- Cool Whip: 1 container, softened
- Fresh Fruit: Optional, such as berries or grapes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Cream
- In a large bowl, combine Cool Whip, sweetened condensed milk, and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
- Add Canned Fruits
- Drain the fruit cocktail and pineapple thoroughly. Add to the bowl with the cherry pie filling and mix gently.
- Incorporate Fresh Fruits
- Slice bananas and any other fresh fruits. Carefully fold them into the mixture to avoid bruising.
- Chill
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Serve
- Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh fruit, nuts, or coconut if desired.
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What Makes It Special
The magic of this salad is how that creamy dressing transforms simple fruit into something extraordinary. Those bright red cherries peek through creating such a pretty presentation and every spoonful has the perfect balance of sweet and creamy. It's like having dessert disguised as a fruit salad.
Customization Ideas
I love playing with different combinations in this recipe. Sometimes I'll toss in some juicy mandarin oranges or fresh strawberries. A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top adds such nice texture and when I'm feeling fancy I'll drizzle a little chocolate over everything.
Keeping It Fresh
If we're lucky enough to have leftovers they keep beautifully in the fridge. Just make sure to store them in a container with a tight fitting lid. I give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute that creamy dressing. Trust me though leftovers are rare around here.
Tips for Success
My biggest tip is really draining those canned fruits well nobody wants a runny salad. I always wait until the last minute to add bananas so they stay pretty. The longer it chills the better it gets so I try to make it the night before if I can.
Party Perfect
This salad has become my signature potluck dish. I serve it in my prettiest clear bowl so everyone can see those beautiful layers. It never fails to draw people in and I always come home with an empty bowl and recipe requests.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does this salad keep?
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days. The bananas may start to brown after the first day, but the salad is still good to eat.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, you can prepare this up to 24 hours in advance. Add bananas and any fresh fruits just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- → Can I use different fruits?
- Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite fruits. Just make sure to drain canned fruits well and choose fresh fruits that aren't too watery.
- → What if I can't find Cool Whip?
- You can substitute with freshly whipped cream stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar. Use about 3 cups of whipped cream to replace the Cool Whip.
- → Can I make this lighter?
- Try using light Cool Whip, fat-free condensed milk, and light sour cream. The texture will be similar but with fewer calories.