Get ready to fall head over heels for Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad! This lusciously creamy, sweet, and colorful dessert brings together tangy cream cheese, juicy fruits, and a hint of marshmallow magic for a treat that’s always the first thing to disappear at any gathering. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or an everyday indulgence, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket—equal parts nostalgic and refreshingly new. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why this Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad is a true crowd-pleaser.

Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This playful salad shines with just a handful of simple but oh-so-important staples. Each ingredient adds its own special touch—think creamy base, bright pops of fruit, satisfying crunch, and irresistible sweetness—coming together for a blend that’s more than the sum of its parts.

Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The backbone of the salad, providing the dreamy, velvety base that ties everything together.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Gives the salad its subtle, smooth sweetness that blends seamlessly with the cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, letting the flavors shine through in every bite.
Whipped Topping (8 oz, thawed): This makes the mix airy and fluffy, balancing the cream cheese with a light texture.
Mandarin Oranges (15 oz can, drained): The star of the show! These bring sweet-tart juiciness and gorgeous color.
Pineapple Tidbits (1 cup, drained): A juicy, tropical bite that plays perfectly with the other fruits.
Seedless Grapes (1 cup, halved): Add a fresh crunch and a burst of grape flavor in every spoonful.
Mini Marshmallows (1 cup): For that classic salad fluffiness and a hint of sweetness throughout.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Brings a lovely crunch and nutty finish (totally optional but highly recommended if allergies aren’t a concern).

How to Make Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese Base

Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat everything until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and a little bit fluffy. This is the foundation that will hold your fruit salad together, so don’t skimp on the mixing—you want it nice and silky.

Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Now for some cloud-like magic! Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. Use a spatula and soft, sweeping motions to incorporate it fully without over-mixing. The goal here is to keep the mixture light and airy, so your Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad has a pillowy texture.

Step 3: Add the Fruits and Marshmallows

Next, add the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, halved grapes, and mini marshmallows to your creamy base. Take your time and fold these gently—just enough to blend everything. You want the fruit to maintain its shape (nobody likes squished mandarins!), and the marshmallows will plump up a bit as the salad chills.

Step 4: Add Nuts (If Using)

If you’re adding chopped pecans or walnuts, it’s time to fold them in now. This step is totally optional, but the earthy crunch from the nuts can take this Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad to that next level of irresistible. If allergies are a concern, simply leave them out.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover your finished salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. The wait is worth it! Chilling allows the flavors to meld and sets that dreamy texture. When you’re ready, serve straight from the bowl or get creative with your presentation.

How to Serve Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad

Garnishes

For the prettiest finish, try topping your Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad with some extra mandarin slices, a handful of toasted nuts, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut. These little flourishes not only make the dish extra gorgeous but also add a bonus burst of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside savory brunch favorites like quiche, breakfast casseroles, or ham. It’s the perfect sweet counterpoint to a salty main. At summer potlucks or cookouts, it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or burgers as a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad in pretty glass cups or parfait dishes for individual portions. For parties, scoop it onto lettuce leaves for a retro vibe, or stuff it into hollowed-out orange halves for a playful and edible bowl! However you choose, the salad always looks inviting and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, although the texture is best within the first day or two, especially if you’ve included the marshmallows—they start to melt and add extra creaminess over time.

Freezing

Freezing is generally not recommended for this salad, as the creamy base and fruits can become watery or separate when thawed. It’s really at its best fresh, so make just what you’ll enjoy within a few days for the tastiest results.

Reheating

No reheating necessary—and honestly, you don’t want to! This is a chill-and-eat sort of treat. Simply give it a gentle stir if it’s been sitting in the fridge and serve it cold, straight from the container.

FAQs

Can I make Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It actually tastes even better after a little chill time. Just prepare the salad as directed and stash it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving—the flavors meld beautifully overnight.

What other fruits can I use in this salad?

The recipe is super flexible. Try adding or substituting fresh strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or even sliced bananas (add those just before serving for best texture). Use whatever makes your taste buds the happiest!

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Go for light cream cheese and reduced-fat whipped topping if you’d like to cut back on calories or fat. You’ll still get all the creamy, fluffy goodness with a little less indulgence.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

Definitely—just leave out the pecans or walnuts. The Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad will still be delicious and satisfying without the addition of nuts.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes! If you prefer, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold it in gently. It gives the salad a slightly richer flavor and a lovely homemade touch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a quick, fun way to brighten up your dessert table, look no further than Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad. It’s a sweet burst of sunshine in every bite, and after you make it once, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. So, go ahead—whip up a bowl and share the joy!

Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad is a delightful and creamy dessert salad that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a light and refreshing treat. The combination of creamy sweetened cream cheese, fluffy whipped topping, and a medley of fruits creates a luscious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit Mixture:

1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
1 cup seedless grapes, halved
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined. Add the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, halved grapes, and mini marshmallows, stirring gently to combine.
Final Touch: If using, fold in the chopped nuts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to chill.

Notes

This fruit salad is great for potlucks, holidays, or as a refreshing dessert.
You can substitute other fruits like strawberries or bananas just before serving.
For a lighter version, use light cream cheese and whipped topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American