Creamy Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad Recipe

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 “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.

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

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

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

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:

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!