Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

This creamy fruit salad with Cool Whip transforms ordinary fruits into a luxurious dessert that's perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or summer barbecues. The combination of toasted coconut and pecans adds a delightful crunch to the creamy mixture, while the instant pudding creates a silky sauce that coats every bite.

I first made this fruit salad for my daughter's graduation party, and it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now it's requested at every family gathering, especially during hot summer months when we all crave something refreshing.

Ingredients

• Mandarin oranges in water: The juice combines with pudding to create the creamy base
• Instant vanilla pudding: Thickens the dressing without cooking
• Cool Whip: Creates that light, fluffy texture everyone loves
• Green grapes, blueberries, strawberries: Fresh fruits provide color and natural sweetness
• Pineapple tidbits: Add tropical flavor and juicy texture
• Coconut flakes: Toasting them enhances the nutty flavor and adds crunch
• Pecans: Provide richness and texture contrast to the soft fruits

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the Pecans:

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat until warm. Add the pecans to the skillet and stir continuously for 2 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly. You'll know they're done when they become fragrant and develop a slightly darker color. Remove immediately from the hot pan to stop the cooking process.

Toast the Coconut:

Using the same skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the coconut flakes and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until the coconut turns a light golden brown. The edges will toast first, so keep the coconut moving in the pan. Remove immediately when toasted to prevent burning.

Create the Creamy Base:

In a large mixing bowl, add the entire can of mandarin oranges WITH their juice. Sprinkle the dry vanilla pudding mix over the oranges and whisk until completely combined. The mixture will begin to thicken almost immediately. Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a rubber spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

Add Fruits and Nuts:

Add the halved grapes, whole blueberries, sliced strawberries, and drained pineapple to the creamy mixture. Sprinkle in the toasted coconut and pecans. Fold everything together gently to avoid crushing the berries.

Chill and Serve:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to blend and the pudding to set properly. When serving, consider garnishing with additional toasted coconut, pecans, and fresh fruit for visual appeal.

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The mandarin orange juice mixing with vanilla pudding is the secret magic of this recipe. My grandmother taught me this technique, and I remember standing on a stool in her kitchen, amazed at how quickly the pudding transformed into a silky sauce without any cooking.

Fruit Selection Tips

While this recipe lists specific fruits, you can customize based on what's in season. Peaches and nectarines work beautifully in summer, while apples and pears make a wonderful autumn version. Just ensure harder fruits are cut into small, bite-sized pieces. Bananas can be added just before serving if desired, but they will brown if left in the salad too long.

Make-Ahead Strategies

You can prepare components separately up to a day ahead. Toast the nuts and coconut and store in airtight containers. Wash and prepare the fruits, keeping them separate in the refrigerator. Mix the pudding base with Cool Whip and refrigerate. Combine everything 1-2 hours before serving for the freshest result. If preparing fully in advance, save a few fresh berries to add just before serving for visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

This fruit salad makes a wonderful dessert on its own, but it's also delicious served alongside pound cake or angel food cake. For brunch, offer it with croissants or muffins. In summer, I like to serve it in hollowed-out watermelon halves for a striking presentation. Small mason jars with the salad make charming individual servings for picnics or outdoor gatherings.

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Enjoy this creamy fruit salad as a perfect treat for any occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh mandarins, but you'll need to substitute the juice with a small amount of water or orange juice to mix with the pudding.

→ Can I substitute Cool Whip with another ingredient?

Yes, you can use whipped heavy cream or any non-dairy whipped topping as an alternative to Cool Whip.

→ How do I prevent the fruit from getting soggy?

Make sure to properly drain canned fruits and pat fresh fruits dry with a paper towel before mixing them in.

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

This salad is best enjoyed on the same day, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until serving.

→ What other fruits can I add?

You can add fruits like bananas, raspberries, or kiwi for additional flavor and variety.

→ Is it necessary to toast the coconut and pecans?

Toasting enhances their flavor and adds crunch, but you can skip this step if preferred.