If you're wondering how to make fruit salad with condensed milk, you're in for a delicious treat! This recipe combines fresh fruits with a sweet dressing that makes every bite irresistible in this easy creamy fruit salad.
Perfect as a side dish or as a refreshing dessert for a summer backyard barbeque, this easy and versatile fruit salad will quickly become a favorite.
If you love recipes featuring fruit, try my Strawberry Freezer Jam, Blueberry Buttermilk Coffee Cake, or my Homemade Peach Cobbler, which features frozen or fresh peaches.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Fruit Salad
- Perfect Blend of Flavors - The mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion that all your family members will love.
- Simple and Customizable - Whether you're hosting a family gathering or looking for a refreshing dessert, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be tailored to include your favorite fruit combinations.
- Crowd-Pleaser - It's a hit at potlucks and picnics making it a versatile and delicious sweet treat for any event.
Sweetened Condensed Milk vs. Evaporated Milk
Although both are found in a can at your local grocery store, these two ingredients are not interchangeable. Sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk are both concentrated forms of milk, but they differ primarily in sugar content and consistency.
Sweetened condensed milk contains added sugar, making it thick and syrupy, and is commonly used in desserts and as a sweetener. In contrast, evaporated milk has no added sugar, is thicker than regular milk but more fluid than sweetened condensed milk, and is used in both sweet and savory dishes. Both types are made by removing about 60% of the water from regular milk.
Substitutions
The great thing about this recipe is its flexibility. If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions you can try:
- Honeydew can be used for the canteloupe.
- Canned pineapple tidbits can be substituted for the fresh pineapple.
- Fresh mandarin oranges can be substituted for canned ones.
- Fresh cherries or blueberries can be substituted for the maraschino cherries.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest can be used instead of lime juice.
- Omit the mini marshmallows if you prefer a less sweet salad, or use shredded coconut instead.
Ingredients
Please scroll down to the printable recipe card for specific ingredient amounts and the full recipe.
How To Make This Creamy Fruit Salad Recipe
Step 1. Combine All The Fruit - In a large mixing bowl, combine all the fruits, marshmallows, and maraschino cherries. Toss gently to mix.
Step 2. Make the Dressing - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Step 3. Add the Dressing - Pour about half of the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients. Initially, it may seem like there isn't enough dressing, but the fruit juices will thin it out. If you prefer, you can add more dressing if needed for a creamier texture.
Step 4. Serve or Store - Garnish with additional maraschino cherries if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve. See additional notes under the Pro Tip sections regarding draining the liquid.
Storage and Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the fruit will release juices over time, which can make the dressing thinner.
Freezing is not recommended.
Pro Tip
For the best taste and texture, add the fruit salad to a large bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to thicken slightly. If you find that there is too much liquid after chilling, simply drain a bit off before serving. I always use a slotted spoon when serving this delicious fruit salad.
Notes and FAQs
Sweetened condensed milk gives this salad its unique creamy texture and sweetness. I have never made it with anything other than sweetened condensed milk. You could try using table cream or heavy whipping cream, but you may need to add some sugar to match the sweetness.
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Add the apples and marshmallows just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy. You can prep this salad ahead of time and store the chopped fruits in individual bags until you're ready to combine and add the dressing. Drain any liquid that may have accumulated before adding the dressing.
I would not recommend it. Fresh fruits are ideal for the best texture and flavor
Unfortunately, this recipe is not vegan due to the use of sweetened condensed milk. You could experiment with a vegan condensed milk alternative, though results may vary.
Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk
Ingredients
For the Fruit Salad
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup cubed cantaloupe
- 1 cup cubed fresh pineapple (or an 8oz can of tidbits, drained well)
- 1 cup halved green or red grapes seedless
- 2 cups chopped apples about 2 medium apples
- 1 11- ounce mandarin oranges drained
- 1 12- ounce small jar of maraschino cherries, drained and divided (save some for garnish)
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
For the Dressing
- ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lime zest the zest from about 1 medium lime
- 2 tablespoons lime juice the juice from about 1 medium lime
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract may substitute coconut extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the fruits, marshmallows, and maraschino cherries, saving a few for garnish. Toss gently to mix.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour about half the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients. Initially, it may seem like there isn't enough dressing, but the fruit juices will thin it out. Add more dressing if needed.
- Garnish with additional maraschino cherries if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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