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Home » Recipes » Salads » Creamy Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad Recipe

Creamy Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad Recipe

April 7, 2019 Updated: December 12, 2020 By Julie Menghini 41 Comments

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Two photo collage for Pinterest showing close ups of a Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad filled with pineapple and papaya in Cool Whip and pudding in a white bowl. A title banner separates the two photos.

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.

2 bowls of Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad with a jar of marshmallows

Tropical Fruit Cocktail salad is one of those “save the day” recipes. Dump 5 ingredients together and in about 5 nanoseconds you have a creamy dreamy dish that everyone is guaranteed to like!

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 got the cherry. The rest of us just got a bunch of peaches, pears, and grapes. They were good, but who’s kidding who, the cherry was what you wanted.

Closeup of a partial bowl of Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad

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
Top angle photo of two bowls of a tropical fruit cocktail salad in white bowls on top of a pink napkin. A jar of marshmallows sit in the back.
Print
5 from 5 votes

Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad

Dump five ingredients together and you have a delicious Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad, that everyone loves. Add some maraschino cherries, and we have a party!
Prep Time 35 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Servings 12
Author Hostess At Heart

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

Recipe adapted from The St. Robert Bellarmine cookbook, “Angel Foods”

Nutrition

Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 19mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
Tried this recipe? That’s awesome!Mention @hostessatheart or tag #hostessatheart!

Other make and take recipes that we love to make and take include:

  • Looking down at a cast iron pot filled with baked beans, apples, shredded pork and jalapeno peppers with a wooden spoon on the side.
    Apple Pie Baked Beans
  • Top view of 3/4 of an apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet with a basket of fresh apples sitting behind it
    Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie
  • 3/4 view of a Chocolate Pudding Trifle with layers of fluffy whipped topping, chocolate cake, chocolate pudding and topped with chocolate cookie crumbs
    Creamy Chocolate Cake Trifle
  • Two bowls with the word \"yummy\" on the front are overflowing with Crispix cereal, peanuts and M&M mix sitting on a green napkin with pieces of cereal spilled in front.
    Finger-Friendly Crispix Mix

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!

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Comments

  1. Michaela Kenkel says

    July 6, 2020 at 10:12 am

    We made this for the 4th and it disappeared in no time!! Everyone loved it!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      July 7, 2020 at 8:17 am

      Thanks, Michaela! We love it too!

      Reply
  2. michele says

    November 16, 2019 at 10:12 am

    This was delicious. It was so reminiscent of my Mom’s recipe we used to eat at the holidays! Definitely a keeper!

    Reply
  3. April Wascher says

    August 25, 2019 at 6:54 am

    Haven’t tried it yet going to make it for my sons wedding. can I add manderine oranges

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      August 25, 2019 at 9:27 am

      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.

      Reply
  4. Jennifer A Stewart says

    May 23, 2016 at 3:04 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 23, 2016 at 8:37 pm

      Thank you Jennifer! It is so easy and I make it quite a bit in the summer.

      Reply
  5. Naina says

    May 23, 2016 at 11:46 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 23, 2016 at 8:41 pm

      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.

      Reply
  6. Meghan | Fox and Briar says

    May 22, 2016 at 6:54 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 24, 2016 at 7:59 am

      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.

      Reply
  7. Michele says

    May 22, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 23, 2016 at 8:45 pm

      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.

      Reply
  8. Aena | Scrambled Chefs says

    May 22, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 23, 2016 at 8:46 pm

      Thank you Aena! You are right that it is easy and we really enjoy it!

      Reply
  9. Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says

    May 20, 2016 at 7:33 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 20, 2016 at 9:13 am

      Thank you so much for sharing Michelle! It’s easy and always a hit even though it doesn’t like it’s picture taken.

      Reply
  10. Lynz Real Cooking says

    March 30, 2016 at 9:04 am

    What a lovely and easy salad!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 30, 2016 at 1:11 pm

      Thank you Lynz! Kids love it too. Has you son had his baby yet?

      Reply
  11. demeter | beaming baker says

    March 30, 2016 at 8:19 am

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 30, 2016 at 8:38 am

      Thank you so much Demeter!

      Reply
  12. Petra @ CrumblesAndKale says

    March 27, 2016 at 8:15 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 27, 2016 at 6:53 pm

      Thank you Petra! Your version sounds delicious too!

      Reply
  13. Lily says

    March 26, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 27, 2016 at 6:54 pm

      Thank you so much Lily! I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend!

      Reply
  14. Celebrating Sunshine says

    March 25, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    Oh, so many refreshing flavors! Perfect for any occasion and any time of the year.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 26, 2016 at 9:16 am

      Any easy peasy Ana! Happy Easter to you and your family!

      Reply
  15. Hilda Cowan says

    March 25, 2016 at 11:47 am

    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

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 25, 2016 at 1:30 pm

      Thank you so much Hilda! Happy FF and Happy Easter to you too!

      Reply
  16. Jhuls says

    March 25, 2016 at 8:49 am

    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

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 25, 2016 at 9:20 am

      Thank you so much Jhuls! Happy FF!

      Reply
  17. Linda says

    March 25, 2016 at 7:28 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 25, 2016 at 7:37 am

      Thank you Linda! I didn’t remember it myself until I started thinking about my Easter menu. Hope you have a wonderful Easter.

      Reply
  18. Alida @mylittleitaliankitchen says

    March 25, 2016 at 1:22 am

    This look so simple to make and fresh. A very nicely presented salad too!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 25, 2016 at 7:38 am

      Thank you Alida

      Reply
  19. simplyvegetarian777 says

    March 24, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    Beautiful salad Julie❤️

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 24, 2016 at 7:31 pm

      Thank you sweet girl! ❤️❤️

      Reply
  20. cookingwithauntjuju.com says

    March 24, 2016 at 10:35 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      March 24, 2016 at 7:32 pm

      Thanks Judi. These salads are just so handy, and a couple marshmallows make them a child’s favorite.

      Reply

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