Moms Favorite Company'S Coming Salad
A sweet, creamy fruit salad with a delightful vanilla flavor, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks, combining fresh fruit with a smooth pudding and Cool Whip.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the fruit cocktail, drained mandarin oranges, and crushed pineapple with juice.
- Add the dry vanilla pudding mix and stir well to combine.
- Fold in Cool Whip until evenly incorporated.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use full-fat Cool Whip or Greek yogurt instead of the regular version. You can customize the fruit based on what you have; for instance, fresh berries or diced apples can add a nice crunch. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider substituting the instant vanilla pudding with a sugar-free alternative. This salad is reminiscent of *Sandy'S Frozen Fruit Salad for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or as a light dessert after a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a simple green salad. For a festive touch, consider serving it at brunch along with pastries or *Graham Wafer Toffees for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the fruit and pudding mixture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Moms Favorite Company'S Coming Salad contains roughly 131 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh fruit! Just make sure to cut the fruit into small pieces. Keep in mind that fresh fruit may release more juice over time, so you might want to adjust the amount of pudding mix to maintain the desired consistency.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare this salad up to a day ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated and covered until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even more delicious when you serve it to your guests.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
The original recipe is not vegan due to the use of Cool Whip and pudding mix, which often contain dairy. However, you can use vegan whipped topping and a plant-based pudding mix to create a delicious vegan version of this salad that everyone can enjoy.
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).