This Marshmallow Fluffy Fruit Salad is the ultimate refreshing dessert, combining juicy fruits with a rich, creamy dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or any gathering, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Dressing:
- 2 eggs, well beaten until smooth
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple chunks)
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 3/4 cup cold whipping cream
For the Salad:
- 1 can (15 oz) pitted dark sweet cherries in syrup, thoroughly drained
- 2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple chunks in juice, drained with 2 tablespoons of the juice reserved
- 3 seedless oranges, peeled and cut into small, bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
Directions:
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a 1-quart saucepan, combine the beaten eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and reserved pineapple juice. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the butter or margarine to the mixture and place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil and thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely at room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in a larger bowl filled with ice water.
Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled medium-sized deep bowl, pour the whipping cream. Start beating on low speed with an electric mixer. As it thickens, gradually increase the speed to high and continue to beat until stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
- Once the whipped cream is ready, gently fold in the cooled egg mixture using a spatula, ensuring it’s fully incorporated while maintaining the lightness of the whipped cream.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large glass or plastic bowl, combine the drained cherries, pineapple chunks, orange pieces, and miniature marshmallows.
- Pour the whipped cream dressing over the fruit and marshmallow mixture. Gently toss everything together using a large spoon or spatula until the fruit and marshmallows are well coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. For the best texture and taste, serve within 24 hours.
Serving Suggestions:
This fluffy fruit salad makes a delightful side dish or dessert. Serve chilled in a decorative bowl or individual serving glasses to highlight its colorful texture.
Tips:
- Make sure all the fruit is well-drained to avoid excess water in the salad.
- The chilling step is key to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften slightly, enhancing the overall texture.
Enjoy this refreshing, creamy treat that’s like a vacation in a bowl!