If you’re looking for a luscious, vibrant dessert or a refreshing snack that hits all the right notes, this Creamy Fruit Salad with Greek Yogurt, Citrus, Berries, and Poppy Seeds Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Bursting with juicy oranges, sweet berries, and velvety Greek yogurt all tossed together with a subtle poppy seed crunch, it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you want to brighten up your breakfast table or impress guests with a light and beautiful treat, this salad is about to become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this creamy fruit salad is delightfully simple, with ingredients that are easy to find and come together to create a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s the luscious citrus juice that brightens or the poppy seeds adding a delicate nutty texture.
- 1 cup orange juice: Fresh and zesty, it adds bright citrus notes and a natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm aromatic essence that complements the fruit beautifully.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Choose your preferred natural sweetener to enhance the salad’s sweetness gently.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the dressing to a luscious consistency without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, making this salad irresistibly smooth.
- 1-2 teaspoons poppy seeds: A tiny crunch that brings subtle nutty flavor and textural contrast.
- 5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Juicy and sweet, these add vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- 2 large oranges, cut into filets or segments, then diced: Offers refreshing citrus bursts and a beautiful texture.
- 1 cup blueberries, washed and patted dry: Small pops of sweetness and a gorgeous blue hue.
- 1 cup raspberries, washed and patted dry: Tart and delicate, they bring lively flavor and softness.
- 2 large bananas, peeled and sliced: Creamy and mild, bananas balance the tartness with natural sweetness.
- Mint leaves and sliced almonds for garnish (optional): Adds a refreshing herbal note and crunchy texture contrast if desired.
How to Make Creamy Fruit Salad with Greek Yogurt, Citrus, Berries, and Poppy Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Dressing
Start by whisking together the orange juice, vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to thicken slightly and turn glossy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, remove it from heat and let it cool completely; this luscious dressing will perfectly coat the fruit to give the salad that signature creamy texture.
Step 2: Combine the Yogurt and Poppy Seeds
Once the citrus dressing is cool, gently fold in the plain Greek yogurt and poppy seeds. This step creates a silky, tangy base that complements the natural sweetness of the fruits while introducing a hint of nuttiness from the poppy seeds. Make sure to mix until smooth but avoid overbeating so the yogurt stays luxuriously thick.
Step 3: Toss the Fresh Fruit Together
Gather your sliced strawberries, diced orange segments, blueberries, raspberries, and bananas in a large mixing bowl. Carefully fold the fruit to create a colorful, vibrant medley. The freshness of the fruit is key in this recipe, so be sure to use ripe yet firm pieces that hold their shape but remain juicy.
Step 4: Combine Fruit and Creamy Dressing
Pour the creamy yogurt and citrus dressing over the fresh fruit mixture, gently folding to evenly coat every bite without bruising the berries or bananas. This careful tossing ensures every spoonful offers balanced sweetness, creaminess, and the zing of citrus that makes this Creamy Fruit Salad with Greek Yogurt, Citrus, Berries, and Poppy Seeds Recipe so special.
How to Serve Creamy Fruit Salad with Greek Yogurt, Citrus, Berries, and Poppy Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a final flourish, sprinkle sliced almonds and a few fresh mint leaves on top. The almonds introduce a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor contrast, while the mint’s cooling aroma brings a lovely freshness that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light, simple dishes like toasted croissants for breakfast, grilled chicken for a summer lunch, or alongside a cheese plate during a casual get-together. Its clean flavors and creamy texture make it versatile enough to complement both sweet and savory menus.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning visual appeal, serve the salad in elegant glass parfait cups or mason jars layered with granola or chia seeds. You can also hollow out oranges and use the shells as natural bowls—this adds a charming rustic touch while emphasizing the citrusy spirit of the salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This creamy fruit salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain the freshness of the berries and prevent the bananas from browning too quickly. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Due to the fresh fruit and creamy yogurt base, freezing this salad is not recommended as the texture of the fruit and yogurt will change significantly upon thawing, becoming watery and mushy. It’s always best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days when refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold and does not require reheating. Warming it would separate the yogurt and alter the refreshing qualities that make this Creamy Fruit Salad with Greek Yogurt, Citrus, Berries, and Poppy Seeds Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use flavored Greek yogurt instead of plain?
While you can, using plain Greek yogurt is recommended to keep the flavors balanced and avoid overpowering the natural fruit flavors with added sweetness or artificial flavors from flavored yogurts.
What can I substitute if I don’t have poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can substitute with chia seeds or finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for a similar crunch and texture contrast, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I prevent bananas from browning in the salad?
Toss sliced bananas with a splash of lemon or orange juice before adding them to the salad; the citric acid slows down oxidation and keeps the bananas looking fresh longer.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this Creamy Fruit Salad with Greek Yogurt, Citrus, Berries, and Poppy Seeds Recipe vegan, simply swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
Can I prepare this salad the night before a party?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit and dressing separately, then combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the freshness and creamy texture of this Creamy Fruit Salad with Greek Yogurt, Citrus, Berries, and Poppy Seeds Recipe to brighten your day or delight your guests. With its beautiful balance of flavors and irresistible freshness, it’s one recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with fruit salad all over again.
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Creamy Fruit Salad with Greek Yogurt, Citrus, Berries, and Poppy Seeds Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Fruit Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dessert or snack, combining a luscious vanilla-honey dressing with a medley of fresh berries, oranges, and bananas. The creamy Greek yogurt blends with orange juice and a touch of cornstarch to create a smooth sauce, lightly thickened and flavored with vanilla and poppy seeds. Garnished with mint leaves and almonds, this salad is perfect for gatherings or a healthy indulgence.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1–2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Fruit
- 5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 large oranges, cut into filets or segments, then diced
- 1 cup blueberries, washed and patted dry
- 1 cup raspberries, washed and patted dry
- 2 large bananas, peeled and sliced
Garnish (optional)
- Mint leaves
- Sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Combine with Yogurt and Poppy Seeds: Once the dressing has cooled a bit, gently whisk in the plain Greek yogurt and poppy seeds until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Prepare the Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, diced oranges, blueberries, raspberries, and sliced bananas. Toss gently to mix.
- Mix Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the mixed fruit. Gently fold to coat all the fruit evenly without mashing the berries or bananas.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the fruit salad for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dressing to cool completely. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves and sliced almonds if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste.
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- To prevent bananas from browning, add them last and toss gently with dressing.
- The cornstarch thickens the dressing slightly; avoid overcooking to prevent too thick a sauce.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
