Name: Easy Fruit Salad With Cool Whip
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits with juice; 1 (3-ounce) box instant vanilla or lemon pudding mix; 1 (15-ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained; 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained; 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed

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I really enjoy making this easy fruit salad because it’s light, creamy, and comes together with almost no effort. When I want a no-bake dish that feels refreshing and sweet without being heavy, this recipe is always my go-to. The combination of pudding, Cool Whip, and fruit creates a smooth texture that feels perfect for gatherings or simple family meals. Easy Fruit Salad With Cool Whip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it only takes a few minutes to prepare and doesn’t require any cooking at all. I like that the ingredients are affordable and easy to keep on hand, making it a dependable option year-round. The creamy base pairs beautifully with the fruit, and I enjoy how customizable it is depending on what flavors I’m craving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits with juice
1 (3-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding or instant lemon pudding
1 (15-ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained
1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed

Directions

I begin by adding the pineapple tidbits along with their juice to a medium mixing bowl. I stir in the instant pudding mix until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. I place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 15 minutes so the pudding can thicken properly.

After the mixture has set, I stir in the drained fruit cocktail and mandarin oranges until evenly distributed. I then gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the salad becomes light and creamy. I chill it again before serving so it’s nicely cooled.

Servings And Timing

I usually get about 12 servings from this recipe. The preparation takes around 10 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of chilling time, for a total time of approximately 25 minutes.

Variations

I like changing the flavor of the pudding depending on the occasion, using lemon for a brighter taste or vanilla for a more classic option. When I want a fresher twist, I replace the fruit cocktail with about 1 to 1½ cups of chopped fresh fruit such as strawberries, bananas, or grapes. For extra texture, I sometimes add a small handful of chopped nuts or mini marshmallows.

Storage/Reheating

I store this fruit salad tightly covered in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Since this is a chilled dessert-style salad, I never reheat it and always serve it cold.

FAQs

Can I Use Fresh Fruit Instead Of Canned?

I often substitute the fruit cocktail with fresh chopped fruit, and it works very well as long as the fruit isn’t overly juicy.

What Does The Pudding Do In The Recipe?

I find that the pudding thickens the mixture and helps bind everything together, creating a creamy texture.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

I like preparing it a few hours in advance because chilling allows the flavors to blend nicely.

Does The Pineapple Juice Matter?

I always keep the juice because it activates the pudding and helps the mixture set correctly.

How Long Does It Stay Creamy?

In my experience, the salad stays creamy and well-textured for up to three days when stored properly.

Conclusion

I keep this easy fruit salad with Cool Whip in my recipe rotation because it’s quick, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whenever I need a simple, refreshing dish that doesn’t require baking, this recipe is one I’m happy to make again and again.