Description
This cold fruit salad with Cool Whip is a creamy, refreshing, and customizable dessert that works beautifully year-round. Made with a blend of fresh and canned fruits, instant pudding mix, and a fluffy whipped topping, it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, holidays, or any time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. Learn expert tips and healthy swaps to make this recipe your go-to fruit salad no matter the season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup green grapes, halved
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and dry fresh fruits. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, fold together the Cool Whip and dry pudding mix until smooth.
- Step 3: Add drained canned fruits and grapes. Fold gently.
- Step 4: Add strawberries and blueberries. Gently mix again.
- Step 5: Fold in marshmallows and nuts if using. Add banana slices last.
- Step 6: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room-temperature fruits and ensure all canned fruits are thoroughly drained.
- Add bananas and apples just before serving to prevent browning.
- Greek yogurt can be used in place of Cool Whip for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg