This delicious fruit salad with Cool Whip and pudding is perfect for any occasion, whether you want a side dish or light dessert. Ready in just a few minutes; it's always a crowd-pleaser!
Whenever I serve this fruit salad, it disappears fast. The combination of fresh fruit and the sweet, creamy dressing is irresistible.
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Quick and Creamy Fruit Salad
This simple recipe, also known as fruit fluff salad, is my favorite summer fruit salad. It's the perfect side salad for family picnics, Sunday dinners, church potlucks, or on your holiday table.
It's similar to Ambrosia salad with Cool Whip and orange fluff salad. You might also like Watergate salad or cream cheese fruit dip.
Why You'll Love It
- Easy Recipe: No cooking or baking needed. Just chop the fruit and mix.
- Sweet and Creamy: The Cool Whip, vanilla pudding, and pineapple juice make a perfect dressing for the fruit.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It's the perfect side dish, and everyone loves it.
- Versatile: Try a different fruit to mix things up, like blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, peaches, or even apples.
Watch this Quick Video on How To Make It
Fruit Salad with Cool Whip Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Cool Whip: I used regular Cool Whip whipped topping, but you can also use reduced-fat Cool Whip.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix: Use a small package of instant pudding to thicken the dressing and add flavor. You can also try other flavors like banana or lemon.
- Canned Pineapple with Juice makes the dressing super delicious.
- Fruit: I used strawberries, raspberries, grapes, and bananas.
How to Make This Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
For more detailed instructions with measurements, jump to the recipe card.
- Drain the can of pineapple tidbits and pour the pineapple juice into a large bowl. Add the vanilla instant pudding powder.
- Combine with a whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the creamy Cool Whip and mix with a whisk until smooth.
- Slice the strawberries, raspberries, grapes, and bananas into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl along with the drained pineapple.
- Carefully fold everything together until combined, being careful not to mash up any of the fruit.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour before serving. Garnish with extra fruit.
Top Tips
- Thaw Cool Whip. Remove it from the freezer an hour before making the salad.
- Drain Pineapple Well. This keeps the salad from becoming watery.
- Stir Gently: Combine the ingredients without mashing the fruit.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill helps the flavors meld together.
- Add Cinnamon. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top before serving for extra flavor.
Fruit Salad FAQs
Yes, but whipped cream is lighter and may become watery quickly so serve the salad immediately.
It lasts up to two days in the fridge in an airtight container, but it may be watery the next day.
No, freezing can make the fruit mushy.
Yes, sugar-free pudding works, but it may have a slightly thinner consistency.
No, Ambrosia salad is made with mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut.
You can prepare the fruit the day before and store it separately in an airtight container (except for the banana - it will turn brown). However, I would mix the dressing on the day you plan to serve it - otherwise, it may get runny.
What Readers Are Saying About This Recipe
Reader Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Just the salad I’m looking for. Easy to make and tastes so good!"
- Barbara
"New family favorite for Easter!"
- Sally
More Easy Fruit Recipes You'll Love
Did you make this Cool Whip fruit salad recipe? If you did, can you do me a big favor and leave a rating and review letting me know how you liked it? This helps my website grow so I can continue to publish free recipes. Thank you! 😊
Recipe
Fruit Salad with Cool Whip and Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz Cool Whip or 1 L
- 1 package Instant Vanilla Pudding 3.4 oz or 102 g
- 1 can pineapple chunks/tidbits with juice 20 oz or 540 mL
- 1 cup strawberries sliced in half
- 1 cup raspberries
- ½ cup green grapes sliced in half
- ½ cup red grapes sliced in half
- 2 medium bananas sliced
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple juice from the can into a large mixing bowl. Add the instant pudding powder and combine with a whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the Cool Whip and whisk until smooth.
- Add strawberries, raspberries, bananas, drained pineapple, and grapes to the bowl. Carefully mix with a large spoon until combined.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerator for one hour before serving. Enjoy!
Video
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Recipe Notes:
- Add Citrus Flavor. Add some lemon zest to the dressing.
- Use Seasonal Fruits. Use pomegranate seeds in the winter or peaches in the summer.
- Layer. Layer the fruit and dressing in a trifle dish or clear bowl for a different presentation.
- Add Coconut Flakes. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for garnish.
- Individual Servings. Serve the salad in small jars or bowls for easy serving at parties.
- Make it a Parfait. Turn the salad into a parfait by alternating layers of fruit, Cool Whip, and vanilla pudding in parfait glasses.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
**This post was originally published in January 2023. It has been recently updated with more information, helpful tips, and a video, but the recipe remains the same.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
Elizabeth Souder says
I noticed that you didn't use the pineapple, just the juice?
Jeri Walker says
Yes, you use the pineapple chunks as well. They are added with the rest of the fruit. 😊
Bradford says
It was easy to make and the guests loved it and even asked for the recipe. I thought it needed a little more flavor. I had used the Lemon instant pudding. I added a part of a package of lemon jello. I just sprinkled it over it and stirred it in. It did add to the flavor.
Jeri Walker says
Thank you for sharing your experience with the recipe, Bradford! I'm glad to hear you found it easy to make - and I'm so glad your guests enjoyed it! I appreciate your feedback regarding the flavor and your creative solution of adding lemon Jello to enhance it - that's definitely a great variation! Thank you again for trying the recipe and for taking the time to come back to comment! 🙂
Sally says
New family favorite for Easter!
Jeri Walker says
I'm so glad you liked it! 🙂
Tonna says
Can this be made the day before?
Jeri Walker says
Hi, Tonna. Great question! You can prepare the fruit the day before and store it separately in an airtight container (except for the banana - it will turn brown). However, for best results, I would mix the dressing on the day you plan to serve it - otherwise, it may get runny.
Barbara says
Just the salad I’m looking for. Easy to make and tastes so good
Jeri Walker says
I'm so glad you like the fruit salad, Barbara! It's one of my favorites! Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment! 🙂