Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 cups red grapes, halved
  • 2 cups green grapes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
  • 1 large apple, diced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and pale.
  2. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest until well combined.
  3. Slowly fold in the thawed Cool Whip using a rubber spatula until the mixture is uniform and fluffy.
  4. Prepare the fruit by halving the red and green grapes, quartering the strawberries, and dicing the apple. Toss the diced apple in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  5. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the prepared grapes, strawberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and apple into the cream cheese base, ensuring the fruit is coated without being bruised.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to set.
  7. Just before serving, garnish with toasted slivered almonds and fresh mint leaves for color and texture.