Are you craving a light, refreshing, and incredibly delicious dessert? Look no further! This vibrant fruit salad, topped with homemade whipped cream, is the perfect treat for any occasion. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with vitamins and flavor. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert for a weeknight dinner or a stunning centerpiece for a summer gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to experience a burst of fruity goodness!
Ingredients:
For the Fruit Salad:
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
For the Homemade Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream, well-chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparing the Fruit Salad:
- Wash and Prep: Gently wash all your fruits under cold running water. Hull and slice the strawberries, peel and segment the orange, and peel and slice the kiwi. Halve the grapes if using.
- Combine: In a large bowl, gently combine all the prepared fruits. If adding mint, stir it in now.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
Making the Whipped Cream:
- Chill the Bowl: Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before starting. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve a firmer consistency.
- Whip the Cream: Pour the chilled heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can result in grainy whipped cream.
Serving the Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream:
Spoon the chilled fruit salad into individual bowls or a large serving bowl. Top generously with the homemade whipped cream. Garnish with extra mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this healthy and delicious dessert!
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- Fruit Selection: Feel free to customize your fruit salad with your favorite fruits. Mangoes, peaches, pineapple, and melon all work wonderfully.
- Citrus Zest: Add a touch of zest from the orange or lemon for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream to your preference.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can complement the fruit flavors beautifully.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the fruit salad and whipped cream separately ahead of time and combine just before serving. Store the whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on a 4-serving recipe):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-5g
This fruit salad with homemade whipped cream is a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for any occasion. The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, while the homemade touch adds a special homemade feel. Enjoy this easy recipe and discover the joy of creating delicious and healthy meals at home.