Why You’ll Love This Better Than Sex Fruit Salad
Although the name might make you blush a little, this Better Than Sex Fruit Salad truly lives up to its playful title.
I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds and thirds. The creamy Halal sour cream perfectly balances the sweet fruits, while the marshmallows and coconut add irresistible texture.
What I adore most? It’s embarrassingly easy to make. Just mix, chill, and serve. No cooking skills required. Perfect for potlucks, where everyone will beg for the recipe.
And can we talk about versatility? Switch up fruits based on what’s available, or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
What Ingredients are in Better Than Sex Fruit Salad?
The Better Than Sex Fruit Salad is a delightful medley of sweet, tangy, and creamy elements that come together to create a dessert-like salad experience. This crowd-pleasing dish combines canned fruits with creamy components and textural add-ins that make each spoonful an adventure for your taste buds. I think the name speaks for itself—it’s that good. Trust me, you’ll want to keep the ingredient list handy because friends will definitely be asking for the recipe.
- 1 can (20 oz/565 g) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (21 oz/595 g) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup (240 ml) Halal sour cream
- 1 cup (90 g) mini marshmallows
- 1 cup (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality does make a difference, especially with the canned fruits. Look for pineapple chunks in juice rather than syrup for a less cloyingly sweet result, and choose cherry pie filling with whole cherries for better texture. The Halal sour cream provides the perfect creamy balance to the sweet elements, but if unavailable, regular sour cream works fine too. And about those nuts—while they’re listed as optional, I find they add a wonderful textural contrast that elevates the entire dish. But if you’re serving guests with nut allergies, the salad is still absolutely divine without them.
How to Make This Better Than Sex Fruit Salad
Making this irresistible fruit salad couldn’t be easier, and I’m all about desserts that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Start by preparing your fruit base—in a large mixing bowl, combine one can (20 oz/565 g) of drained pineapple chunks, one can (21 oz/595 g) of cherry pie filling, and one can (15 oz/425 g) of drained mandarin oranges. The key here is to drain the pineapple and oranges thoroughly; otherwise, you’ll end up with a soupy mess instead of that perfect creamy consistency we’re aiming for.
Gently fold these fruits together until they’re evenly distributed, taking care not to mash those beautiful mandarin segments.
Next comes the magical transformation from fruit medley to heavenly dessert. Add one cup (240 ml) of Halal sour cream to the fruit mixture, folding it in with a light touch until it coats all the fruit pieces in a luscious blanket of creaminess. This is where the salad starts developing that rich, tangy-sweet profile that makes it so addictive.
Now for the fun part—mix in one cup (90 g) of mini marshmallows, one cup (120 g) of sweetened shredded coconut, and if you’re including them (which I highly recommend), one cup (120 g) of chopped pecans or walnuts. These add-ins provide delightful pockets of texture and flavor that make each bite a little different from the last.
The hardest part of this recipe? Waiting. Cover your beautiful creation with plastic wrap and tuck it away in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Trust me on this—the resting time allows all those gorgeous flavors to mingle and get acquainted, resulting in a more harmonious final dish.
The marshmallows also slightly soften during this time, creating little pillows of sweetness throughout the salad. When you’re ready to serve, simply spoon the mixture into individual bowls or cups and watch as your guests try to maintain their composure while experiencing this inappropriately named but absolutely divine fruit salad.
Need I mention it keeps well in the fridge for up to three days? Though in my experience, leftovers are purely theoretical when it comes to this dish.
Better Than Sex Fruit Salad Substitutions and Variations
While this fruit salad already borders on perfection, creativity in the kitchen opens up endless possibilities for making this dessert truly your own.
I often swap Greek yogurt for sour cream when I’m feeling virtuous, or use fresh berries instead of cherry pie filling during summer months.
Can’t have nuts? No problem—try adding chopped chocolate instead.
Feeling tropical? Mango chunks and a splash of coconut rum transform this into a vacation in a bowl.
For a lighter version, skip the marshmallows and use light sour cream.
The beauty lies in making it yours.
What to Serve with Better Than Sex Fruit Salad
Now that we’ve explored all the ways to customize this addictive treat, let’s talk about what pairs beautifully with it.
I love serving this decadent fruit salad alongside brunch classics like French toast, waffles, or a simple egg casserole. The creamy sweetness balances savory breakfast dishes perfectly.
For dessert spreads, it works wonderfully with simple cookies or pound cake.
Want to make it part of a potluck? Place it between heartier dishes on the buffet table.
Trust me, that vibrant bowl of fruity goodness provides a revitalizing counterpoint to heavier barbecue fare or casseroles.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with this Better Than Sex Fruit Salad recipe, I’ve come to appreciate how something so simple can create such joy around the table.
The vibrant colors, contrasting textures, and sweet-tart flavors make it more than just a dessert—it’s a conversation starter.
Whether you’re hosting a potluck or looking for a crowd-pleasing finale to your family dinner, this salad delivers smiles every time.
The beauty lies in its adaptability, too. No mandarin oranges? Swap in peaches. Watching sugar? Use light pie filling.
Better Than Sex Fruit Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, cherry pie filling, and drained mandarin oranges. Gently fold together until evenly distributed.
- Add the Halal sour cream to the fruit mixture and fold in gently until all fruit pieces are evenly coated.
- Mix in the mini marshmallows, sweetened shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using).
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
