Skip to Content

Creamy Fruit Salad with Pudding

Step up your fruit game with our creamy fruit salad with pudding, featuring a variety of fresh fruits covered in a creamy dreamy pudding. Dive into a bowl of fruity paradise today!

Bowl of creamy fruit salad on table next to spatula and fresh fruit.

I only had to taste this fruit salad once to know I needed the recipe.

It’s that good!

I grew up eating fruit covered in Cool Whip (usually fruit from a can), but this fruit salad with pudding tastes like it has something a little extra.

Because it does!

This recipe works because it’s:

  • Easily customizable. Add the fruits you love and that are in season to make this salad your own.
  • Just a few ingredients. Besides the fruit, you’ll only need 2 ingredients to put this dish together.
  • Perfect any time of year! Summer, winter, holidays, potlucks…this fruit salad is perfect all year long.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients to make fruit salad with pudding including fresh fruit and Cool Whip.

Wash, dry, or peel your fresh fruits and drain any canned fruits. Chop larger fruits into bite-sized pieces and add all of the fruit to a large mixing bowl.

Chopped strawberries on cutting board with banana and large bowl of fruit nearby.

Mix 8 ounces of whipped topping with 1.7 ounces of dry instant vanilla pudding mix.

Whipped topping on top of cut fruit in large white bowl.

Add the creamy pudding mixture to the large bowl and carefully fold together to avoid crushing the delicate fruit pieces.

Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

Bowl of creamy fruit salad with pudding on table next to towl.

While you can pick any fruits you’d like, choose a colorful array of fruits for both flavor and visual appeal. Think strawberries, grapes, kiwis, mandarin oranges, pineapple, and blueberries. Aim for a mix of sweet and tangy fruits.

If you make this salad in the winter when a variety of fresh fruits aren’t available, you can substitute canned fruits like pears, mandarin oranges, peaches, or fruit cocktail.

Try substituting Greek yogurt for the whipped topping for a tangy flavor with additional protein.

Add a splash of citrus juice (such as orange or lemon) to the pudding mixture to brighten up the flavors. A drizzle of honey or a touch of vanilla extract can also add depth to the overall taste.

After mixing, refrigerate the creamy fruit salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set.

Just before serving, consider topping the fruit salad with additional fresh fruit. Chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), fresh mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance the presentation.

Creamy fruit salad is best enjoyed on the day it’s prepared. If you’re making it ahead of time, keep the fruits and pudding mixture separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

Feel free to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. Experiment with different pudding flavors (chocolate, banana, etc.) or incorporate dried fruits, coconut flakes, or mini marshmallows for extra texture and sweetness.

More Like This

Looking for more delicious fruit side dishes? You’ll love these!

What To Serve With

Creamy fruit salad with pudding is a delicious side dish that pairs well with:

It also makes a wonderful dessert on its own.

The salad can also be paired with vanilla ice cream, angel food cake, or served as a topping for pancakes or waffles.

FAQs

Creamy fruit salad topped with fresh fruit in white bowl.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?


If you have leftovers, store the creamy fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the fruit may release juices over time, so consume within a day or two.

Can I use non-dairy milk or alternative sweeteners?


Yes, you can experiment with non-dairy whipped topping like Cocowhip, and alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that these substitutions might affect the final taste and texture.

Do I need to peel the fruits?


Peeling the fruits is a matter of personal preference. Some fruits like kiwi and pineapple have tougher skins that may need to be removed, but for many others, leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.

Two bowls of fruit salad with pudding and fresh fruit on pink table.

Love this creamy fruits salad with pudding? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below. If you really like the recipe consider leaving a comment at the end of the post. Thanks for visiting!

 

And if you’d like to get a 4-week meal plan featuring my recipes, just enter your email in the form above and you’ll get it straight to your inbox!

Bowl of creamy fruit salad on table next to spatula and fresh fruit.

Creamy Fruit Salad with Pudding

The Ashcroft Family Table
Step up your fruit game with our creamy fruit salad with pudding, featuring a variety of fresh fruits covered in a creamy dreamy pudding. Dive into a bowl of fruity paradise today!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 171 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1 pound strawberries, quartered
  • 6 ounces blueberries
  • 3 kiwis, peeled and sliced
  • 0.5 pineapple, peeled and cubed
  • 2 bunches grapes
  • 10.5 ounces canned mandarin oranges, drained
  • 8 ounces whipped topping
  • 1.7 ounces Instant vanilla pudding mix, half a regular-sized package

Instructions
 

  • Add all of the fruit to a large mixing bowl.
  • Mix whipped topping with instant vanilla pudding mix in a small bowl.
  • Add the creamy pudding mixture to the large bowl and carefully fold together to avoid crushing the delicate fruit pieces.
  • Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 0.5mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 341mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 496IU | Vitamin C: 82mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg
Keyword creamy fruit salad, fruit salad, fruit salad with pudding
Love this recipe? Share it on Social!Mention @ashcroftfamilytable or tag #ashcroftfamilytable!
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating