Get ready to fall in love with a bowl of pure sunshine! Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad is a creamy, dreamy classic that mixes vibrant citrus, sweet tropical fruit, a tangy cream cheese dressing, and fluffy mini marshmallows into one irresistible treat. Whether you serve it for a potluck, holiday, or just a regular Tuesday, this salad wins hearts with its luscious texture, pop of colors, and delightful flavors. It’s more than a simple fruit salad—it’s a festive statement, a nostalgic favorite, and an easy crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad is how simple the ingredient list is, yet each item brings a special role to the table. From zesty fruit to rich creaminess and a playful marshmallow bite, you’ve got an all-star lineup that delivers both flavor and visual appeal.

Mandarin oranges: Add sweet citrus flavor and juicy pops of orange color; drain well to prevent a watery salad.
Pineapple tidbits: Bring a sweet-tart tropical flair and chunkiness that balances the creaminess.
Seedless red grapes: For a burst of freshness and crunch; halve them for bite-sized perfection.
Mini marshmallows: Create that signature fluffy, chewy texture everyone loves in a classic fruit salad.
Cream cheese: The star of the creamy dressing—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and silky smooth texture.
Sour cream: Adds tang and lightens up the richness so the salad isn’t overly heavy.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the dressing gently without being gritty—just the right touch so the fruit can shine.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with warmth and depth, making every bite taste like dessert.
Pecans or walnuts (optional): For a hearty crunch and a nutty finish—totally up to your taste!
Maraschino cherries (optional): A cherry on top for a pretty, festive garnish that screams party.

How to Make Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese

Start with a feeling of anticipation—because beating the cream cheese until it’s smooth is oddly satisfying! Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the softened cream cheese in a large bowl. This step matters; creamy, lump-free cheese is the dreamy base for the salad dressing and sets the tone for everything that follows.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing

Add in the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the beaten cream cheese. Keep mixing until completely combined and velvety. That little tang from the sour cream and the gentle sweetness from powdered sugar give the Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad its signature flavor—make sure it’s fully blended so every spoonful is a taste of heaven.

Step 3: Fold in the Fruit and Marshmallows

Switch from beating to folding! With a spatula, gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, halved red grapes, and mini marshmallows. Go slowly to keep the fruit intact; nobody wants smashed oranges. If you’re feeling nutty, now’s the time to add those chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Step 4: Chill and Combine the Flavors

Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling is more than just a pause; it lets all the flavors blend and turns the texture luxuriously thick and creamy. Don’t skip this step! The cold also makes the salad extra refreshing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, give the Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad a gentle stir and top it with glossy maraschino cherries for a fun and inviting look. Serve it cold and watch the compliments roll in—there’s something about those cherries on top that bring out the smiles!

How to Serve Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad

Garnishes

A bowl this pretty deserves extra attention! A handful of maraschino cherries scattered on top adds a classic pop of color, while a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts gives crunch and polish. For added flair, try a few orange zest curls or fresh mint leaves if you have them on hand. Garnishing turns this salad from “yum” to “wow!”

Side Dishes

Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad pairs beautifully with savory mains like baked ham, roast turkey, or grilled chicken, especially for holiday meals or potlucks. It’s also a welcome complement to brunch spreads—think quiche, cinnamon rolls, or muffins. Serving alongside lighter green salads balances out the meal with a sweet, creamy note.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping effect, portion the salad into individual parfait glasses, hollowed-out orange halves, or even small mason jars. Arrange on a big platter surrounded by extra grapes or orange slices for a family-style presentation. For special occasions, pile into a hollowed-out pineapple for a tropical centerpiece everyone will talk about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad should be kept covered in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to two days—just know that the marshmallows may soften and the fruit texture can change a bit. Give it a gentle stir before serving again, and it’ll still taste fabulous!

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The creamy dressing can separate and the fruits lose their bright, juicy bite after thawing. For best flavor and texture, keep it as a fresh and chilled treat—trust me, it’s worth savoring just as it is.

Reheating

No reheating is needed for Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad—simply enjoy it cold, straight from the fridge. In fact, chilling enhances both the flavor and the dreamy, fluffy consistency. If it seems too firm after a long chill, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give a gentle stir.

FAQs

Can I make Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad the night before?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare this salad a day in advance! In fact, chilling overnight gives the flavors even more time to meld. If making ahead, wait to add extra garnishes or cherries until just before serving for the freshest look.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It delivers the same creamy tang and helps lighten up the dish a little. You can use it in a one-to-one ratio for an easy swap.

Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Definitely! Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad is super flexible. Add sliced strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or even apple chunks for extra color and texture. Just be sure to fold gently so the softer fruits don’t get mushy.

Do I need to include nuts?

Nope, the nuts are completely optional. They add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but if you’re serving guests with allergies or just don’t love nuts in desserts, feel free to leave them out. The salad is delicious either way!

How do I make a lighter version?

For a lighter take, swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream and choose low-fat cream cheese. You can also increase the fresh fruit-to-marshmallow ratio. Enjoying a slightly healthier bowl doesn’t mean sacrificing taste!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, vibrant, and guaranteed to bring a smile, Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad is your answer. Each bite is creamy and fruity with just the right hint of sweetness—a recipe you’ll want to share (and maybe keep a little extra for yourself). Go ahead, give it a try and watch it disappear from the bowl!

Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad is a delightful and creamy fruit salad that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges, pineapple, grapes, and mini marshmallows with a rich cream cheese and sour cream dressing. Perfect for a light dessert, side dish, or even a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Mandarin Cream Cheese Fruit Salad:

1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges (drained)
1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits (drained)
1 cup seedless red grapes (halved)
1 cup mini marshmallows
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, grapes, and mini marshmallows. Optionally, stir in chopped nuts.
Chill and Serve: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. Garnish with maraschino cherries before serving. Enjoy cold.