I still remember the first time I made this Fruit Salad with Cool Whip. It was a Sunday afternoon, and I had family coming over. The kitchen was already buzzing with the aroma of roasted chicken and warm bread. I wanted something light, sweet, and colorful to complement the meal. That’s when I found this quick and creamy fruit salad idea. The best part? I didn’t even have to turn on the stove! It came together in minutes, and everyone asked for seconds. Since that day, this dessert has become a go-to for holidays, brunches, and potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines convenience with flavor. The sweetness from the Cool Whip pairs perfectly with the natural juices of the fruit. Plus, the added crunch from pecans and the soft texture of marshmallows give it a wonderful contrast. It’s one of those recipes that disappear fast at gatherings, no matter the season.
Moreover, this dessert is light enough to be served after a hearty meal. Its refreshing taste and creamy finish make it an instant favorite, especially among kids.
Versatile
One reason I love this fruit salad is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the fruits to what you have on hand. Don’t like cherries? Add blueberries. Want a bit more crunch? Toss in some apples or sunflower seeds. It’s so easy to personalize, and it always tastes great. This makes it perfect for busy days when you want to use what’s already in the fridge.
Budget-Friendly
This salad is not only tasty but also light on the wallet. All the ingredients are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. You don’t need any fancy items. In fact, most of them come from cans or containers, which means less prep time and more savings. It’s a delicious way to serve a crowd without spending too much.
Ingredients for Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
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8 oz. Cool Whip (thawed)
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10 oz. maraschino cherries (reserve 4 tablespoons of juice, then drain)
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½ cup seedless green grapes (halved)
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½ cup seedless red grapes (halved)
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2 cups miniature marshmallows
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10.5 oz. can mandarin oranges (drained)
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10 oz. can pineapple tidbits (drained)
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⅔ cup sweetened shredded coconut
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½ cup chopped pecans
How to Make This Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
Making this Fruit Salad with Cool Whip couldn’t be easier. Honestly, I love recipes that don’t require baking or cooking. Especially on hot days or when time is short, this one comes in handy. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together in less than ten minutes, yet it tastes like something you spent all afternoon preparing.
I usually make it right before guests arrive. While it chills in the fridge, I set the table or finish other dishes. It holds up well for hours, and you don’t have to worry about it losing flavor or freshness. Let me show you exactly how I do it.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
Step 1: Combine Cool Whip and Cherry Juice
In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed Cool Whip. Pour in the 4 tablespoons of reserved maraschino cherry juice. Then, using a spatula, fold the two together gently. The cherry juice gives a lovely pink color and subtle flavor to the whipped base. Don’t overmix – just enough to combine them smoothly.Step 2: Prepare the Fruits and Add-ins
Next, halve the red and green grapes and drain all the canned fruits—mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and maraschino cherries. Be sure there’s no extra juice left, or it could water down the salad. Measure out the marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans as well. I like to keep everything ready so the mixing goes faster.Step 3: Fold Everything Together
Now, gently add the fruits, marshmallows, coconut, and pecans into the bowl with the Cool Whip mixture. Fold slowly using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure everything is well coated, but try not to break the fruits. The key is a gentle hand to preserve the texture.Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill until you’re ready to serve. I usually give it at least an hour. This helps the flavors come together, and the marshmallows soften a bit, making each bite melt in your mouth.Quick and Easy
This recipe is a dream for busy days. You don’t need to cook, blend, or bake anything. Just chop, fold, and chill. It’s a perfect last-minute dessert that still feels thoughtful and special. Best of all, it only takes about six minutes from start to finish.
Customizable
This salad can easily be tailored to suit different tastes. Don’t like pecans? Swap them out for walnuts or leave them out altogether. Want it extra sweet? Add a handful of mini chocolate chips. For a tropical twist, try adding mango or banana slices. There’s plenty of room to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing
Every time I bring this to a brunch or dinner, it’s the first bowl to empty. Kids love the marshmallows, adults enjoy the mix of fruit and creaminess, and I always get asked for the recipe. It’s light enough to serve as a side dish and sweet enough to be dessert.
It fits in just as well at casual backyard gatherings as it does on a holiday table. And because it scales up so well, it’s ideal for feeding a crowd. Just double or triple the ingredients, and you’re good to go.
FAQs
Can I make this fruit salad in advance?
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare it a few hours ahead of time. In fact, letting it chill enhances the flavors. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. However, I recommend making it the same day for the best texture.Can I use fresh fruits instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh fruits. Just make sure to peel and slice them properly. Also, be careful to remove excess moisture, as it might affect the creamy texture. Choose firm and sweet fruits for best results.How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad stays good in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the texture may start to break down, and the fruits could become too soft. For the freshest taste, consume it within 24 hours.Can I skip the pecans or coconut?
Yes, you can leave out either or both. If you prefer a nut-free version, just omit the pecans. Similarly, if you don’t like coconut, skip it or replace it with another ingredient you enjoy.Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes. Simply replace the Cool Whip with a dairy-free whipped topping. There are several available at grocery stores that work just as well.Can I serve it frozen like a dessert?
This salad is not designed to be frozen. Freezing changes the texture of the fruits and the whipped topping. It’s best served chilled but not frozen.
Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
This Fruit Salad with Cool Whip is light, creamy, and packed with fruity goodness. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or casual gatherings, it’s a quick and crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together in minutes.
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale-
8 oz. Cool Whip (thawed)
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10 oz. maraschino cherries (reserve 4 tablespoons of juice, then drain)
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½ cup seedless green grapes (halved)
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½ cup seedless red grapes (halved)
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2 cups miniature marshmallows
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10.5 oz. can mandarin oranges (drained)
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10 oz. can pineapple tidbits (drained)
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⅔ cup sweetened shredded coconut
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½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed Cool Whip and 4 tablespoons of reserved maraschino cherry juice. Fold gently to combine.
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Prepare all fruits by draining and cutting as needed. Halve the grapes.
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Add cherries, grapes, marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans to the Cool Whip mixture.
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Fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the whipped topping.
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Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Best served chilled.
Notes
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For best flavor and texture, use well-drained fruits.
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You may substitute or skip pecans and coconut if needed.
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This dish is best consumed within 24–48 hours.
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Avoid freezing as it alters the creamy consistency
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minutes