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fruit salad with cool whip

🍓 Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

This Fruit Salad with Cool Whip is light, fluffy, and bursting with sweet fruit flavor! Made with just a few ingredients, it’s the perfect no-bake dessert or side dish for holidays, potlucks, or summer barbecues.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 8 oz tub Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix (or cheesecake flavor)
  • 1 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 15 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup seedless grapes halved
  • 1 cup strawberries sliced
  • 1 banana sliced (optional, add just before serving)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows optional

Method
 

Prepare the Base:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together Cool Whip and the dry instant pudding mix until smooth and creamy.
Add the Fruit:
  1. Add pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, strawberries, and any other fruits you like. Gently stir until everything is coated.
Optional Add-Ins:
  1. Fold in mini marshmallows for extra fluff and sliced banana right before serving to prevent browning.
Chill and Serve:
  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors blend and the pudding thicken slightly.

Notes

Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be made up to 1 day ahead; just wait to add bananas until serving time.
Customize It: Swap in blueberries, kiwi, or peaches depending on what’s in season.
Healthier Twist: Use sugar-free pudding and light Cool Whip for fewer calories.
Texture Boost: Add chopped pecans or shredded coconut for a fun crunch.