Light and Creamy Fruit Salad

I love fruit salads and there are so many variations! This is so good, with a light creamy topping. Made for RSC#12.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• Salad

• 2  cups fresh strawberries, plus
• 6 -8  fresh strawberries, to garnish salad
• 2  cups fresh cherries
• 2  cups fresh blueberries
• 1  cup banana, peeled and sliced
• 2  peaches, pitted and sliced (or nectarines)
• 1  cup mandarin orange segments (optional)

• Topping

• 1  cup mascarpone cheese (similar to soft cream cheese)
• 1  tablespoon sugar (to taste, or sugar substitute such as Splenda)
• 1⁄4 cup  no-sugar-added strawberry preserves (or jam or spread, also you may try other fruit jams)
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 1⁄2-3  cups  whipped cream (or non dairy whipped topping)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Place marscapone cheese, Splenda(sugar substitute), strawberry preserves and lemon juice in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add whipped topping and vanilla and puree until nice and smooth and getting thick.
2. In a large bowl, mix fruit lightly together. Place half of the fruit in a large bowl or trifle dish. Spoon half of whipped topping mixture over top, spreading to edges.
3. Place remaining fruit on the topping.
4. Top with remaining whipped topping mixture almost to edge of bowl.
5. Garnish with strawberries.
6. Note: If using mandarin oranges, a little of the juice mixed in with topping is good!
7. Serve and enjoy!