Try our easy fruit salad with Cool Whip recipe this weekend. It is super creamy and easy to make with 3 ingredient using fresh or canned fruit. A light fruit dessert idea that everyone will love!

Whether it's summertime and you're going to BBQ, or you're looking for a refreshing side dish this creamy easy Cool Whip fruit salad is fantastic! You can use any fresh or canned fruits you like. We use what's on sale, and everyone loves it.

We live where are lots of strawberry farms and farmers markets. When the fruit is inexpensive and beautiful it is a solid time to make an easy fruit salad. It's not only is it a great side dish you can call it “dessert” when you add these 2 ingredients to make a creamy fruit salad!

If if you can get your hands on a watermelon we would add chunks of that too. Next to our ambrosia recipe this is a favorite around here. Some of the same ingredients are used for this one except most are fresh fruits instead of canned. The choices of fruit for fruit salad are vast.

So first off this fruit salad recipe is versatile. We typically use whatever fruits we find that are in season, look the best, and are the least expensive. When preparing a fruit salad with Cool Whip, it's essential to choose fruits that pair well with the creamy and sweet nature of the topping.

Best Fresh Fruit for Fruit Salad

Strawberries are juicy and vibrant berries that are firmer so they work well inside fruit salads. They add a burst of sweetness and a beautiful color to the salad. Blueberries are nice and small, flavorful, and when they pop with the Cool Whip provide a burst of flavor and already bite sized so they need little prep.

Seedless grapes in either red, green, or a mix of both are great. They add a refreshing and juicy element to the salad. If you have little ones you will want to slice them in half for safety reasons. Pineapple tidbits add a tropical flavor with the sweetness of whipped topping.

Cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. You can drain a can that is already sliced or this is how to cut a pineapple into diced pieces.

Can you use canned fruit?

Diced fruit that is fresh is best but yes you could use drained fruit cocktail. The texture isn't as ideal as that is softer, but a great option in the winter time. We would buy the ones with light syrup and drain the liquid as much as possible.

Can you use frozen fruit?

We mean technically you could but the texture would be totally different. Fresh fruit salad is way better since they remain firm. Using frozen you would need to defrost them first which makes them soft and a bit mushy.

Sour cream is the surprising ingredient that actually turns sweet as it sits with the other ingredients. We have found dairy free varieties too. Cool Whip or store brand whipped topping tastes the same. We have found a sugar free version that is quite good too.

You could add mini marshmallows in there too. If you are going to go there a handful of sweetened coconut and/or a few maraschino cherries are fabulous too.

What fruits should not be mixed in fruit salad?

Those that brown easily or are soft and may be mashed in the folding together process are a no for us. We do love bananas but not in this unless they are quite yellow and firm. If we use those we add at the end and are careful OR set some on the top.

Can you add coconut?

Yes you can also garnish the fruit salad with a sprinkle of shredded coconut and that is a great addition for sure. Sometimes we like to add chopped nuts too for added texture and flavor.

Can you add pudding?

We did this with our pistachio ambrosia but we will say that it has a different texture. It is much thicker if you add a box of instant pudding mix in with everything else, and much sweeter too.

How Long to Refrigerate Fruit Salad before Serving

We always suggest that you chill in the fridge for an hour or so, covered with plastic wrap before serving. It gives it time to meld the flavors and chill which we like better. This also keeps well for the next day saved in a sealed container in the fridge too.

Fruit Salad with Cool Whip Recipe

By Easy fruit salad with cool whip recipe that's super creamy and easy to make.. The solid BBQ side dish or a light fruit dessert idea that everyone will love! Prep: 15 minutes minsTotal: 15 minutes minsServings: 8 Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe Comment Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

1/2 cup sour cream, light or fat free is fine
1/2 tub whipped topping, cool whip, 12 oz.
1 pkg strawberries, stems removed, cut into 4ths
1 pkg fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry
1 can mandarin oranges, drained

Instructions

Dice your strawberries, add your blueberries, and add mandarin oranges after draining the can.
In a small bowl gently whisk together your sour cream and whipped topping and then gently fold it into your fruit mixture.
Add mini marshmallows too if you desire! Chill in the fridge for an hour or so, covered with plastic wrap, keeps well for the next day too.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert, Salad, Side DishCuisine: American Tried this recipe?Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!

Kitchen questions

Is Cool Whip the only option for the whipped topping in fruit salad?

No, Cool Whip is a popular choice due to its convenience and creamy texture. However, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream or other whipped topping brands if you prefer.

Can we add additional ingredients to fruit salad with Cool Whip?

Common additions include mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or honey for added sweetness.

Other Cool Whip desserts you'll love

If you are looking for more yummy side dishes to bring to church potlucks or special occasion we have a bunch of other ones that are either sweet or savory in flavor. Let's start with something else using whipped topping like our Cool Whip Cookies. And our Cool Whip Pudding Frosting is great on cupcakes.

Now jump to recipe y'all and make a bowl yourself. If you tweak it in another way we haven't mentioned yet that is a hit let us know.