Kids Favorite Fruit Salad

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A colorful, sweet fruit salad perfect for kids, featuring a mix of canned fruit, marshmallows, and whipped topping. Ideal for parties, picnics, or quick snacks.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 17 oz. can fruit cocktail, drained
  • 1 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows
  • 1/4 c. maraschino cherries, drained and halved
  • 2 medium bananas, sliced
  • 1 medium apple, coarsely chopped
  • 1 1/2 c. frozen whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Gently mix until well combined.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist on this classic fruit salad, consider adding diced pineapple or strawberries for extra flavor. You can also substitute the miniature marshmallows with shredded coconut or yogurt-covered raisins for a healthier option. If you're short on time, pre-chopped fruit from the grocery store can save you prep time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful fruit salad as a refreshing side at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or can be enjoyed as a light dessert. For an extra fun touch, consider serving it in hollowed-out fruit halves for a vibrant presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may release some juices, so give it a gentle stir before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruit will change once thawed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kids Favorite Fruit Salad contains roughly 656 calories, with 8g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 496mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

656 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8g 16% DV
Total Fat 10.1g 13% DV
Carbs 136.2g 50% DV
Fiber 8.2g 29% DV
Sugar 82.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 495.8mg 22% DV
Potassium 584.2mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 465.5mcg 52% DV
Vitamin C 70.5mg 78% DV
Vitamin D 3.2mcg 16% DV
Calcium 331.6mg 26% DV
Iron 14.1mg 79% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit cocktail?

Absolutely! Fresh fruit can add a great texture and flavor to the salad. Use a mix of your favorite fruits like grapes, berries, and melons. Just be sure to keep the proportions similar to maintain the overall balance of ingredients.

How can I make this fruit salad healthier?

To make the fruit salad healthier, consider reducing the amount of marshmallows or using sugar-free whipped topping. You can also incorporate more fresh fruits and reduce the amount of canned fruit to cut down on added sugars.

Is there a way to make this fruit salad vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this fruit salad vegan by substituting the whipped topping with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut whipped cream. Also, ensure that your marshmallows are vegan, as some brands contain gelatin.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →