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Fruit salad with Cool Whip, creamy fruit salad, easy fruit salad recipe, whipped fruit dessert, marshmallow fruit salad

Cool Whip Fruit Salad: A Complete Guide to a Creamy, Fruity Delight

  • Author: Camily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Cool Whip Fruit Salad is a creamy, refreshing, and easy-to-make dessert that perfectly combines fresh and canned fruits with the light, fluffy texture of Cool Whip. Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or holiday meals, this fruit salad can be customized with a variety of fruits and add-ins like marshmallows, nuts, and even yogurt. It requires minimal preparation and delivers a sweet, crowd-pleasing treat that can be made in just a few minutes and served chilled.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tub (8 oz.) of Cool Whip – Fluffy and light whipped topping that forms the base of the salad.
  • 1 cup of strawberries – Hulled and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 cup of pineapple chunks – Fresh or canned (if using canned, drain thoroughly).
  • 1 cup of red or green grapes – Halved for easy serving.
  • 1 cup of mandarin orange slices – Canned or fresh, drained if canned.
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows – Adds a chewy, sweet texture to the salad.
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional) – For a tropical flair.
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – For a crunchy texture.
  • 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt or softened cream cheese (optional) – To add extra creaminess.
  • 1 tablespoon honey or vanilla extract (optional) – Adds a hint of sweetness and flavor.

Instructions

  • Prepare the fruits:
    • Start by washing, peeling, and chopping the fresh fruits. Slice the strawberries and halve the grapes. Drain the canned fruits thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the salad watery.
  • Mix the base:
    • In a large mixing bowl, add the Cool Whip. If using, mix in the yogurt or softened cream cheese for a richer consistency.
  • Fold in the fruits:
    • Gently fold the prepared fruits into the Cool Whip mixture. Be careful not to stir too vigorously as you want to maintain the light and fluffy texture of the Cool Whip.
  • Add the marshmallows and nuts:
    • Add mini marshmallows and chopped nuts (if using) into the salad. Fold these in gently to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
  • Optional flavor boost:
    • For added flavor, drizzle a bit of honey or add vanilla extract into the mixture. This enhances the sweetness and brings the flavors together.
  • Chill:
    • Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the salad a cool, refreshing texture.
  • Serve:
    • Once chilled, serve the Cool Whip Fruit Salad in a large serving bowl or individual cups. You can garnish with extra fruit slices or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a decorative touch.

Notes

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become slightly watery after the first day due to the moisture from the fruits, but it will still taste great.
  • Variations: Customize the salad by using different fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. You can also swap the mini marshmallows with chia seeds or flaxseeds for a healthier version.
  • Make Ahead: This recipe can easily be made the day before your event. Just mix everything except the marshmallows and nuts, which you should add just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: None (no cooking required)
  • Category: Dessert, Salad
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 175
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Fruit salad with Cool Whip, creamy fruit salad, easy fruit salad recipe, whipped fruit dessert, marshmallow fruit salad

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Find it online: https://camirecipes.com/2024/10/12/easy-cool-whip-fruit-salad-recipe-creamy-refreshing-and-delicious-variations/