Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad is cool and creamy. With only 5 ingredients it comes together quickly and can be made ahead. Add extra cherries and you have a party!
This delicious recipe was first published in 2016 and was updated to improve reader experience.
Tropical Fruit Cocktail salad is one of those “
Now I am sure you are wondering if I’ve forgotten how to cook, but I just had to share this fruit salad with Cool Whip. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.
When my kids were younger they always thought it was a special meal when I’d make this Fruit Cocktail salad. They loved it then and now make it for their families.
With the holidays, graduations, and nicer weather activities coming up, it’s nice to have a recipe that is quick and easy to make that can be made ahead of time so you can concentrate on more important things.
If you grew up with canned fruit cocktail, you knew that the one who opened the can
With this fruit cocktail salad, you can just leave it as is or hey, go dump in enough cherries for everyone. And the addition of the miniature marshmallows makes it fun for all.
I used Dole Tropical Fruit instead of fruit cocktail. It has nice big pieces of fruit that aren’t mushy like some canned fruit. The traditional fruit cocktail can be interchanged
What is Fruit Cocktail?
Fruit cocktail is a mixture of canned diced fruit in juice or syrup. It traditionally includes pears, peaches, grapes, and a maraschino cherry. The tropical version contains pineapple and papaya.
I love making Fruit Salad with Cool Whip and the pudding gives it a thicker consistency while adding a bit of sweetness. You might call this a salad or a dessert. I call it cool, creamy and delicious just like our Pineapple Cherry Fluff salad. And, did you see the Fruit Salad Trifle Dessert?
When we have a potluck with the neighbors I always bring this fruit cocktail recipe. The kiddos dive in to get their share (of the cherries) before the adults can get their hands on it. It makes a good-sized fruit cocktail salad so it’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients for Tropical Fruit Cocktail with Cool Whip & Pudding Recipe
- Dole Tropical Fruit Cocktail
- Cool Whip
- Crushed pineapple
- Miniature marshmallows
- Instant lemon pudding
Variations that you can make to Fruit Cocktail Salad
- Use different flavors of pudding. Vanilla, Lemon, Coconut, are all delicious options.
- Add a cup of nuts. Pecans or macadamia would both be delicious.
- For a real tropical flair add toasted coconut.
- Add additional maraschino cherries to make the kiddos happy!
- Exchange Tropical Fruit salad with traditional Fruit Cocktail.
Pin this to have on hand for when you need a quick delicious dish!
You May Need the following products:
- Trifle Bowl – Just because it’s a simple salad doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty! Serve it in this trifle bowl and guests will think it’s a little fancier than it is!
- Silicone Spatulas – This pretty set has a flat side and a curved side to take on your toughest job. I love that they are all one piece and can withstand 500°F! Throw out those old chipped ones and treat yourself!
If you like this recipe leave me a comment and a 5-star rating. Here are a few more recipes I think you’ll like!
- Big Batch Pineapple Cherry Fluff
- Orange Jello Salad with Pudding Whipped Cream
- Strawberry Cheesecake Salad
- Snicker Apple Salad
- Caramel Apple Salad
- Paradise Fruit Trifle Dessert with Pudding
- Orange Salad
Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad
Ingredients
- 1 medium can crushed pineapple don’t drain
- 1 can Dole Tropical Fruit Cocktail don’t drain (chop in smaller pieces if desired)
- 1 box of instant lemon pudding can also use vanilla or coconut
- 2 cups marshmallows miniature
- 8 oz whipped topping I used Cool Whip Free
- Maraschino cherries coconut optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate. Chill at least 30 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Other make and take recipes that we love to make and take include:
Do you have a tried and true fruit salad with cool whip or pudding that your family loves? Please share in the comments below. You are my inspiration!
Billie McVey says
Do I make the jello as directed on the package or just pour the powder in?
Julie Menghini says
Just pour the powder in. It will mix with the juice of the canned fruit and thicken the salad.
Michaela Kenkel says
We made this for the 4th and it disappeared in no time!! Everyone loved it!
Julie Menghini says
Thanks, Michaela! We love it too!
michele says
This was delicious. It was so reminiscent of my Mom’s recipe we used to eat at the holidays! Definitely a keeper!
April Wascher says
Haven’t tried it yet going to make it for my sons wedding. can I add manderine oranges
Julie Menghini says
Sure you can! I believe that I would probably drain them though. If you want it creamier add more whipped topping. Congratulations on your son’s wedding! My son got married in March.
Jennifer A Stewart says
This will definitely save my bum when I am cooking for church! The ladies love these types of salads and this is definitely going on the menu for next session!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Jennifer! It is so easy and I make it quite a bit in the summer.
Naina says
I grew up eating a lot of fruit salad in India, basically chopped fruits with vanilla custard, so this post brought back happy memories 🙂 LOve the idea of making it with lemon pudding!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Naina! This was one of my children’s favorite salads, and it’s so easy that I still make it for John and I or when we go to potlucks.
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
Yes, I always wanted the cherry! Love that you can put as many as you want into this salad! And this is so perfect for warm summer days, especially for bringing to a picnic or BBQ!
Julie Menghini says
Meghan you slipped into the spam. Stay out of there girl! Thank you. Love these dishes too and John and I can both make them our own.
Michele says
Julie~ I can’t wait to take this to our memorial day picnic… My niece is hosting it and she remembers my moms recipe, but none of us have a copy of that one. Im thinking this is a pretty close alternative! And she will especially love the pineapple! Its her favorite!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Michele! I think that there are a lot of versions. I’ve make it with vanilla and lemon pudding and different fruits too. Always easy and yummy.
Aena | Scrambled Chefs says
I was trying to find some fruit salads for the summer and this one looks perfect! Super easy to make and only 5 ingredients?! Can’t beat that! Thanks for the recipe <3
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Aena! You are right that it is easy and we really enjoy it!
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says
I love this salad, I especially love how easy it, you can’t beat that – especially in the warmer weather. And who doesn’t love fruit cocktail?
I would have to swap the pineapple out for something else as I’m allergic, but I think I would love it all the same
Pinning and sharing!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much for sharing Michelle! It’s easy and always a hit even though it doesn’t like it’s picture taken.
Lynz Real Cooking says
What a lovely and easy salad!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Lynz! Kids love it too. Has you son had his baby yet?
demeter | beaming baker says
Omigosh, I would totally be the one rushing to grab the cherry! Haha. Anyway, love this tropical fruit salad, Julie. Just looking at your pics makes me hungry. Thanks for sharing such an awesome recipe. 🙂
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much Demeter!
Petra @ CrumblesAndKale says
Oh it was so fun to see this recipe, firstly it looks fabulous, and secondly we have something similar in Sweden called “Mimosasallad” but I have never seen it with lemon pudding and marshmallows. Instead we always have the cherries and the “sauce” is made of whipped cream and mayonnaise.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Petra! Your version sounds delicious too!
Lily says
Wow, you weren’t kidding when you said it was easy to whip up. It’s an absolutely perfect dessert for when you need something quick. Thanks for sharing another fabulous recipe.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much Lily! I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend!
Celebrating Sunshine says
Oh, so many refreshing flavors! Perfect for any occasion and any time of the year.
Julie Menghini says
Any easy peasy Ana! Happy Easter to you and your family!
Hilda Cowan says
This does bring back memories, although your version looks a lot better than the ones I’ve had in my past. Very kid friendly and festive for Easter. Have a lovely weekend
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much Hilda! Happy FF and Happy Easter to you too!
Jhuls says
Julie, we have the same dessert in the Philippines and I haven’t made it in a long time. Now, I am craving for some. This looks very delicious! Happy FF! x
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much Jhuls! Happy FF!
Linda says
Yummy Julie! I’ve made this type of fruit salad before – the kids loved it! I loved how quickly it pulled together! Thanks for reminding me of this tasty treat!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Linda! I didn’t remember it myself until I started thinking about my Easter menu. Hope you have a wonderful Easter.
Alida @mylittleitaliankitchen says
This look so simple to make and fresh. A very nicely presented salad too!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Alida
simplyvegetarian777 says
Beautiful salad Julie❤️
Julie Menghini says
Thank you sweet girl! ❤️❤️
cookingwithauntjuju.com says
I make a few varieties of this fruit salad and my family loves it too. I often will serve it when the fresh fruit is not so tasty or I am in a hurry. Good salad to have any time of the year and you can have the ingredients always on hand!
Julie Menghini says
Thanks Judi. These salads are just so handy, and a couple marshmallows make them a child’s favorite.