As the temperature rises and summer sunshine fills our days, there’s nothing quite like a sweet treat to cool us down. Gone are the days of heavy, rich desserts; this season, we’re embracing lighter, brighter options that still satisfy our cravings. Enter: dessert salads! These refreshing concoctions combine your favorite fruits, nuts, and creamy elements in a single, scrumptious dish. And the best part? They’re perfect for warm-weather gatherings, potlucks, or even just a quick snack to beat the heat.
In this article, we’ll dive into 20 mouthwatering dessert salad recipes that are sure to become your new go-to treats for summer. From classic combinations like strawberry and pretzel to more unexpected pairings like watermelon and blueberry, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
This sweet and salty salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a great addition to any summer gathering or potluck. With fresh strawberries, crunchy pretzels, and creamy whipped cream, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1 cup pretzel rods, broken into pieces
– 8 oz whipped cream
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juice and mingle with the sugar.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the whipped cream by whipping heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, toss the broken pretzels with a pinch of salt to bring out their flavor.
4. To assemble the salad, layer the strawberries, pretzels, and whipped cream in a large serving dish or individual cups.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None!
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
A classic American dessert, Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a sweet and tangy mixture of fruits, nuts, and spices that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cooking time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1 cup diced fresh mandarin oranges
– 1/2 cup diced fresh grapes
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream and orange marmalade until smooth.
2. Stir in chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
3. Add diced pineapple, mandarin oranges, and grapes to the mixture. Toss gently to combine.
4. Drizzle honey over the fruit and toss again to coat.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! Simply prepare and chill before serving.
Watermelon Berry Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
This sweet and tangy salad combines the juicy freshness of watermelon and berries with a zesty honey lime dressing, perfect for hot summer days or as a light and healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon and berries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pineapple Cheesecake Fluff Salad
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional fruit salads, this Pineapple Cheesecake Fluff Salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick dessert. With a creamy cheesecake-inspired dressing and crunchy pecans, this refreshing salad is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 cups pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup crushed pecans
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Add granulated sugar and mix until combined.
3. Fold in pineapple chunks, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Spread mixture into a serving dish.
5. Top with crushed pecans and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, dollop cream cheese on top of the salad.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served chilled, so keep it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Lemon Blueberry Jello Salad
This sweet and tangy jello salad is perfect for warm weather gatherings, featuring the brightness of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries. With its easy preparation and impressive presentation, it’s sure to be a hit at your next potluck or picnic!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 envelope (0.25 oz) unsweetened lemon Jello
– 1 cup cold water
– 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve the lemon Jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir until Jello is fully dissolved.
3. Refrigerate until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
4. Fold in blueberries and whipped cream.
5. Spoon into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
6. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! Just chill and serve.
Peach Cobbler Salad
This refreshing summer salad combines the sweetness of fresh peaches with the crunch of toasted pecans and the tanginess of feta cheese, all on top of a bed of crisp greens. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced peaches, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped pecans.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Salad
This indulgent dessert salad combines the best of both worlds – creamy cookie dough and crunchy chocolate chips. A unique twist on traditional desserts, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Whipped cream and additional chocolate chips for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and confectioners’ sugar. Beat until smooth.
2. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
3. Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips.
4. If using walnuts, fold them into the mixture.
5. Spoon the cookie dough mixture into serving cups or a large bowl.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Top with whipped cream and additional chocolate chips, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This dessert salad is ready in just a few minutes of mixing.
Tropical Coconut Mango Salad
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing salad that combines sweet mango, creamy coconut, and crunchy textures. This light and zesty recipe is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a quick and easy lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mango, chicken, and coconut.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Stir in honey until well combined.
4. Sprinkle cilantro on top and season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time) + chilling time
Raspberry Cream Cheese Salad
This sweet and tangy salad combines fresh raspberries with cream cheese, perfect for a light and refreshing dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the granulated sugar and mix until combined.
3. Fold in the fresh raspberries.
4. Spoon the mixture into individual serving cups or ramekins.
5. If using pecans, sprinkle on top of each serving.
6. Drizzle with honey and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (not including chilling time)
Apple Snickers Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of apples with the crunch of Snickers bars, perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 large apple, diced
– 1 cup Snickers bars, chopped
– 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced apple and chopped Snickers bars.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla yogurt, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture over the apple-Snickers mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time)
Cherry Fluff Salad
A sweet and refreshing salad that’s perfect for warm weather, this Cherry Fluff Salad combines juicy cherries with creamy whipped cream and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup granola or crushed pecans
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Fold in the honey and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gently fold in the pitted cherries.
4. Sprinkle the granola or crushed pecans over the top of the salad.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Refrigeration time: 30 minutes
Orange Creamsicle Salad
Brighten up your mealtime with this vibrant and creamy salad, reminiscent of the classic Orange Creamsicles. This sweet and tangy recipe combines fresh greens, juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy pecans, and a hint of citrus zest.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup orange cream cheese spread (or regular cream cheese with orange zest)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: edible flowers or microgreens for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens.
2. Arrange mandarin oranges on top of the greens.
3. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the oranges.
4. In a small bowl, mix orange cream cheese spread with orange juice until smooth.
5. Drizzle the citrus-cream mixture over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Banana Pudding Salad
A sweet and refreshing twist on a classic salad, this Banana Pudding Salad combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy richness of pudding. Perfect for a light and satisfying dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup vanilla pudding mix
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whipped cream
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced bananas and pudding mix.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, honey, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour the milk mixture over the banana-pudding mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
5. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Key Lime Pie Salad
This refreshing salad combines the bright, citrusy flavor of key lime with the creamy richness of whipped cream and the crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for warm weather or as a unique side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup toasted pecans
– 1/4 cup key lime juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, chicken, feta cheese, and mint leaves.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together key lime juice and honey until dissolved.
3. Drizzle the key lime dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with toasted pecans and whipped cream (whipped heavy cream with a pinch of salt).
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Pistachio Pudding Salad
This creamy salad combines the nutty flavor of pistachios with the sweetness of pudding, perfect for a light and satisfying side dish or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup pistachio pudding mix
– 1 cup heavy whipped cream
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Salt to taste
– Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, and melted butter until stiff peaks form.
2. Add the pistachio pudding mix and whisk until well combined.
3. Fold in whipped cream until smooth.
4. Stir in chopped mint leaves and salt to taste.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with chopped pistachios, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Peanut Butter Cup Salad
This unique salad combines the classic flavors of peanut butter cups with fresh greens, creating a sweet and savory dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and cooked chicken breast.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the greens and chicken, tossing to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped peanuts and dried cranberries over the top.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Blueberry Delight Salad
A sweet and tangy mix of fresh berries, crunchy greens, and creamy goat cheese, this salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish for your favorite main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, blueberries, and crumbled goat cheese.
2. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the salad.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar; season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tiramisu Fruit Salad
A creative twist on the classic Italian dessert, this fruit salad combines sweet and creamy flavors with a delightful texture. Perfect for a warm weather gathering or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups mixed fruit (strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6-8 ladyfingers, crushed
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the mixed fruit, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the fruit mixture until well combined.
4. Stir in the crushed ladyfingers.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes ( preparation time only)
Caramel Apple Salad
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of crisp apples with the sweetness of caramel and a hint of cinnamon, making it perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 slices of apple (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/2 cup of caramel sauce
– 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons of heavy cream
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the caramel sauce, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
2. Add the sliced apples to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the caramel mixture.
3. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the apples and toss again to combine.
4. Drizzle the heavy cream over the salad and sprinkle with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pomegranate Citrus Salad
A refreshing and tangy salad that combines the sweetness of pomegranate with the brightness of citrus, perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large pomegranate, arils only
– 2 navel oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the pomegranate arils, orange and grapefruit segments.
2. Add the mixed greens on top of the fruit mixture.
3. Crumble feta cheese over the salad, if using.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep only)
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these 20 refreshing dessert salad recipes! From classic combos like strawberry pretzel and ambrosia fruit to unique twists like pineapple cheesecake fluff and chocolate chip cookie dough, there’s something for everyone. Try a tropical coconut mango salad or a raspberry cream cheese salad for a sweet treat that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings. Whether you’re in the mood for fruity, creamy, crunchy, or decadent, these dessert salads are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling cool as a cucumber.
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