Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

My Fruit salad with Cool Whip is a quick and creamy classic that’s perfect for any gathering or just a sweet treat at home. This no-bake dessert comes together in minutes. It tastes like a nostalgic scoop of sunshine—marshmallows, juicy fruit, and whipped topping in every bite. If you’re looking for a foolproof, family-friendly dessert, this one’s a keeper.

If your family wants even more fruit salad recipes, try this breakfast ideas with fruit and my lime honey fruit salad.

Why this Fruit Salad with Cool Whip Recipe is a Keeper

This easy, retro-style fruit dessert with cool whip is as delicious as it is simple to make. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Ease of Preparation: It’s incredibly simple to make, often requiring just a few ingredients (fruit, Cool Whip, and sometimes instant pudding mix, marshmallows, or coconut). Many recipes are ready in minutes with minimal effort, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or when you need a quick dessert. Kids can even help put it together.  
• Versatility and Customization: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can use a wide variety of fresh or canned fruits depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Popular additions include strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas, and cherries. You can also add mini marshmallows for sweetness and texture, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for crunch. Some variations even include cottage cheese or sour cream for a different flavor profile.  
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Fruit salad with Cool Whip is a classic for a reason – it’s widely loved by all ages. Its sweet, creamy, and refreshing nature makes it a hit at potlucks, picnics, barbecues, holiday meals, and family gatherings.  
• Refreshing and Light: Especially during warm weather, this chilled dessert offers a refreshing and light alternative to heavier options. The creamy Cool Whip provides a delightful contrast to the fresh, juicy fruit.
• Nostalgic Comfort: For many, this dish evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of recipes their grandmothers used to make. It’s a comforting and familiar treat.
• Good for Using Up Fruit: It’s a great way to use up leftover fruits that might be nearing their expiration date, reducing food waste.  
• Balance of Flavors and Textures: The combination of sweet fruit and creamy Cool Whip, often with the added chewiness of marshmallows or the crunch of nuts, creates a satisfying sensory experience.

Can I Substitute Fresh Fruit for Canned Fruit?

Absolutely! Fresh fruit works great, especially grapes, strawberries, or diced apples. Just make sure to use fresh fruit that’s ripe and dry—too much juice will water down the salad. If using apples or bananas, toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Ingredient Notes for Cool Whip Fruit Salad

This marshmallow fruit salad with cool whip recipe uses only a few simple ingredients you probably already have—or can grab in one quick trip.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

• Cool Whip: The base for that fluffy texture. Thaw fully before using for easy mixing.
• Mini Marshmallows: Add sweetness and texture. Use regular or fruit-flavored.
• Canned Fruit: Use fruit cocktail, pineapple tidbits, pears, maraschino cherries and mandarin oranges. Be sure to drain the fruit well.
• Optional Add-Ins: Instant vanilla pudding (for a thicker texture), chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or fresh fruit.
  

Salad Variations and Salad Ingredient Substitutions

This is a great recipe for a fruit salad with cool whip and is super easy to customize. I like to take it to the next level by using different ingredients or trying different flavors.

• Shredded Coconut: Sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes adds a lovely tropical flavor and chewiness.
• Chopped Nuts: Add pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds for a satisfying crunch. Toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can complement certain fruit combinations (e.g., with apples or peaches).
• Extracts: A drop or two of vanilla, almond, or coconut extract can enhance the flavor.
• Honey/Maple Syrup: For extra sweetness, drizzle a little over the fruit before adding the Cool Whip, or if using a yogurt base.
• Fresh Fruit: Use 1–1.5 cups chopped fresh strawberries, apples, grapes, or bananas instead of canned fruit.
• Swap Whipped Topping: Make your own homemade whipped cream and replace Cool Whip with fresh whipped cream or a combo of cream cheese and whipped topping for a tangier version.
• Pudding Mix: Add a few tablespoons of instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix to thicken and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Fruit Salad Recipe with Cool Whip

Fruit salad recipes with cool whip come together in just 3 quick and easy steps. Fruit salads with whip cream are so good, I love to make them for potlucks.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

1. Make Pudding Base: Drain the pineapple juice into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the instant pudding to the pineapple juice.
2. Add in the Fruit: Stir in the pineapple chunks, drained fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, and halved pears and cherries.
3. Add the Fluff: Gently fold in the tub of cool whip and marshmallows. Chill before serving.

Prep Ahead for the Best Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream

Prepping ambrosia fruit salad with cool whip ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space when hosting a party.

• Drain Fruit in Advance: Place the fruit in a colander and let it drain for a good 15-30 minutes, or even longer. You can even gently press down on the fruit to extract more liquid. Pat it dry with paper towels if you’re extra concerned about moisture.
• Stabilized Cool Whip: If using instant pudding mix to stabilize the Cool Whip, you can whisk the pudding mix with the thawed Cool Whip (and any other liquid like cherry juice from canned fruit if your recipe calls for it) the day before. Cover this mixture tightly and refrigerate. This allows the pudding to fully set and the mixture to become very stable.
• Prepare Mix-Ins: Measure out your mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts. Store them in separate airtight containers at room temperature. This prevents them from absorbing moisture from the fruit and becoming soggy.
• Mix the Base: Combine fruit and marshmallows ahead, then fold in Cool Whip just before serving.
• Chill Overnight: Letting the salad rest overnight melds flavors and improves texture.

Marshmallow Fruit Salad with Cool Whip FAQs