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Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

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This Fruit Salad with Cool Whip has 5 ingredients that are probably already in your pantry and fridge! I love to pull this one out whenever we have company because it’s so incredibly easy. Plus it’s one I can have the kids make on their own. Win win!

 

Main image for recipe of fruit salad in a bowl with a spoon full.

 

Stuffed with easy fruit, fun mini marshmallows, and creamy cool whip, this creamy fruit fluff is a hit with kids and adults alike! It works well as either a side dish or a dessert! This fruit salad is easy, delicious, and perfect in a pinch!

The one thing I love most about this ambrosia is that it can be ready in 5 minutes. I’m all about simplifying where possible so hallelujah for recipes like this. It can be served either as a easy side dishes or simple desserts at any holiday meal too!

I should also mention how customizable it is! Don’t like Maraschino cherries? No problem, use another fruit. Out of Cool Whip and don’t have time to run to the store? There are options for that too! 

 

orange, pineapple, cherries and marshmallows in a bowl

 

Ingredients in Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

Only 5 ingredients? Ah! Bliss.

  • Mandarin Oranges: A staple in my pantry!
  • Pineapple Tidbits: No chopping, cutting or dicing here, simply drain and add!
  • Maraschino Cherries: Not only do these add color, but they are delicous!
  • Miniature Marshmallows: Hands down, my kids favorite part of the “salad”.
  • Cool Whip: This is what binds the salad together!  Feel free to use fresh whipped cream if you don’t have cool whip.

Pro Tip: Try sprinkling on some nuts or coconut flakes to make this fruit salad look extra fancy!

 

All fruit mixed up in a bowl

 

How to Make Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

It doesn’t get more simple than two steps!

  • Mix: The important thing here is to make sure you mix gently. You don’t want to put your fruit in a mixer as it’ll chop your poor little fruit to bits and change the texture significantly. Just gently fold all the ingredients together.
  • Serve: That’s it. Ready to eat. So simple!

 

cool whip added to fruit and mixed.

 

Can You Freeze Fruit Salad with Cool Whip?

Yep! It’s actually really simple. Make the recipe according to directions, wrap it, and place it in the freezer. This makes it super easy to make the day ahead of your big party instead of the day of.

Remove it from the freezer at least 30 minutes before you are ready to eat because it will be SOLID. Then you can be sure you’re not going to break a tooth when you bite into your fruit fluff. It should be fluffy!

It freezes best with cool whip, as real whipped cream gets runny when thawed.

 

close up fruit salad in bowl

 

How Long Will Fruit Salad With Cool Whip Last?

Though I think it tastes better on the day of, you can actually prepare this fruit salad recipe 2-3 days ahead of time or keep the leftovers for 2-3 days after. Just note that the juices in the fruit do water down the salad a little more each day so by day 4, it’s not much of a fluff salad anymore. 

 

side view of fruit salad in a bowl with a spoon full being held above the bowl.

 

What Other Fruits Can I Use in Fruit Salad with Cool Whip?

Fruit Salad is really one of the easiest things in the world and you can’t go wrong adding almost any fruit you have in your fridge or pantry. Here are some ideas:

  • Drained Fruit Cocktail
  • Nuts – pistachios, pecans, walnuts are all tasty!
  • Bananas
  • Grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Coconut
  • Kiwi
  • Raspberries

I could go on but I think you get the idea. Use what you have on hand. Use your favorites. Let your kids feel like little chefs and let them choose. You cannot go wrong making this fluff salad.

 

top view looking down of fruit salad in a bowl with a spoon

 

Is Fruit Salad with Cool Whip Healthy?

Hmm… is this a trick question? We’ve got fruit, marshmallows and Cool Whip. I think you need to make this decision for yourself but overall I would say no, this fluff salad is more dessert than side dish.

But hey, when has that stopped us before? Pancakes with syrup or berries and whipped cream anyone? Or maybe some donuts, pastries, and sugary cereal? Yeah. Those all count as breakfast. We’re fans of all those things.

 

fruit salad in a small single serving dish.

 

What Are Some Other Fruit Salads I Can Make?

Sometimes you don’t have what is on hand or just don’t feel like experimenting. When you need an exact recipe and are looking for something delicious and simple try out these:

 

top view of single serving dish with a spoon

 

More Recipes with Cool Whip:

You are absolutely going to love this Fruit Salad with Cool Whip! It is so easy to put together and requires just 5 minutes using all pantry and refrigerator ingredients.

It is recipes like this that’ll get you through till the next time your kids say: “Mom, I’m hungry!”

 

Yield: 6 Servings

Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

top view of single serving dish with a spoon

This Fruit Salad with Cool Whip has 5 ingredients that are probably already in your pantry and fridge! Easy, quick and oh so tasty!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
  • 6 ounces (1/2 jar) of Maraschino Cherries, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip (or less) (or 2 cups real whipped cream)

Instructions

  1. In a serving bowl combine drained oranges, drained pineapple, drained and chopped maraschino cherries & marshmallows. Gently mix.
  2. Add Cool Whip and gently fold until combined.
  3. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 63Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 8mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 1g
Originally Posted: April 14, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: March 30, 2019

Photos & Text Updated: October 27, 2021

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Vicki

Monday 11th of September 2023

Can you use cream cheese and cool whip

Janelle

Friday 22nd of September 2023

Hi Vicki! If you like the flavors of cream cheese and cool whip then sure! Just make sure to bring your cream cheese to room temperature so it blends easier.

Dianne

Wednesday 20th of April 2022

I don't like marshmallows so I omit them but add everything else.

Janelle

Tuesday 10th of May 2022

Great idea Dianne! They are my Father-in-Laws favorite part!

Shelley

Thursday 26th of November 2020

This is the closest I could find to a salad a chef used to make for the hotel restaurant my Dad owned in the '70's. The chef did individual layers of strawberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits and bananas, with cool whip and peanuts between each layer of fruit. The peanuts were a nice salty surprise hidden in the sweetness. In a glass dish, one could see each layer of fruit. I can hardly wait to make this for my kids at Christmas.

Janelle

Wednesday 16th of December 2020

I've never heard of that salad. It sounds unique and delicious! YUM! Thanks for sharing.

Laura Lopez

Monday 23rd of November 2020

Oh wow its easy I've been craving this for years but didn't know how to make it now do thanks to you God Bless you 🙏 ❤

Janelle

Wednesday 25th of November 2020

So glad I could help! Enjoy!

Cindy

Tuesday 15th of September 2020

This is ambrosia minus the coconut. Been making this for years in New York.

Janelle

Wednesday 16th of December 2020

Yes. Though many people also add nuts to their ambrosia. Thank you for your comment.

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