Fruit salads have been a component of Indian cuisine right from time immemorial, either as a refreshing end to a meal or as a snack during hot afternoons. Although conventional fruit salads are all about diced fruits and custard, the scope for experimenting with new combinations is limitless. Take, for instance: the Creamy Oreo Milk Fruit Salad — a creamy but cool dish which unites fresh fruits with creamy milk dressing and crunchy Oreo cookies.
This rendition adds something new to the traditional dessert list. The use of Oreos adds an interesting spin to the dish, and it will be particularly appealing to children. It's a creative use of the fruits in a decadent dessert that won't be too heavy. Busy families will appreciate that this salad is easy to make and doesn't take much effort. It's versatile enough to be served as a cold dessert in summer and a warm sweet dessert in winter.
Since India's diverse climate offers a range of seasonal fruits, it is easy to modify this salad according to the season. Mango in summer, apple in winter, and banana throughout the year make the salad engaging and adaptable. Creamy Oreo Milk Fruit Salad is an excellent side dish for friendly get-togethers, party platters, or even a dessert for that mid-week treat.
Ingredients:
Method:
The fruit mix can either spoil or make the dish. Firm fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes, which retain their texture in the creamy dressing, are best used. Mangoes and strawberries contain softer fruits that contribute juiciness to the dish, adding richness to the milk mixture. Fruits such as oranges or pineapples contain citrus and should be avoided since they will curdle the milk dressing.
To maintain the crunchiness of the Oreo cookies, add them during serving. Bashing them into pieces rather than fine crumbs also prevents them from losing their bite earlier. For others who prefer having soft Oreos that can soak up the cream, grind them along with the salad 10-15 minutes in advance to achieve a balance.
Fruits like mangoes and bananas are naturally sweet, so be careful when you add more sugar. Condensed milk is rich and increases the sweetness, so use as much or as little as you desire depending on the fruit you use. To have less sweet one, reduce the condensed milk and use honey or maple syrup to control the sweetness in a more natural way.
Full-cream milk is ideal to utilize since it gives richness without weight. For thickening, some of the milk can be replaced with Greek yogurt. This provides a richer salad that is rich but well-balanced. Coconut milk is utilized as a vegan option and provides a strong scent that is ideal for tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples.
Aside from Oreos, chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts can be used to take the dish to a new level. Toasting the nuts first enhances their natural oils, giving them a deep richness. If seeds are your thing, a pinch of chia or flax seeds will provide a healthful boost without adding any density.
To have an even thicker and more decadent finish, whip the cream in advance before combining it with the milk. This will add a richer and more indulgent texture to the salad. Or, adding a spoonful of cream cheese into the milk mixture adds a touch of tanginess that will cut through the sweetness of the fruits and Oreos.
The Creamy Oreo Milk Fruit Salad must be served fresh to enjoy the best crunch and freshness. For preparation ahead, refrigerate the milk and fruit mixture separately and add the Oreo cookies at the time of serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day at most, but the cookies will become soft. Do not freeze this salad because the milk dressing will split, spoiling the entire dish.