Quick And Easy Creamy Fruit Salad

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A quick, creamy fruit salad combining sweet canned fruits with a smooth vanilla pudding mixture, perfect for casual gatherings or family desserts, with a cool, refreshing flavor.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cans fruit cocktail, drained
  • 2 cans pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 can sliced peaches, drained
  • 1 quart buttermilk
  • 1 (5 5/8 oz.) package Jell-O instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 large container Cool Whip

Instructions

  1. Mix Jell-O instant pudding mix, buttermilk, and Cool Whip with a wire whip.
  2. Add drained fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, and sliced peaches to the mixture.
  3. Chill the salad before serving.
  4. Sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk. You can also substitute any canned fruit with your favorites or fresh options, like strawberries or blueberries, for a twist. Adding a splash of orange juice can enhance the flavor. To make it lighter, use a sugar-free pudding mix and a reduced-fat version of Cool Whip.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy fruit salad chilled as a refreshing dessert or side dish at picnics and barbecues. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Brooks' No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies for a sweet treat. Consider topping with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may separate slightly, but a gentle stir will restore its creamy texture. Avoid freezing, as the fruit will become mushy upon thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick And Easy Creamy Fruit Salad contains roughly 1602 calories, with 27g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (60% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1602 kcal 80% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27g 54% DV
Total Fat 78.8g 100% DV
Carbs 215.4g 78% DV
Fiber 7.4g 26% DV
Sugar 51.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 220.3mg 10% DV
Potassium 2806.1mg 60% DV
Cholesterol 22mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 123.1mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 21.4mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 2.6mcg 13% DV
Calcium 352.9mg 27% DV
Iron 3.9mg 22% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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?

Absolutely! Fresh fruit can be a great alternative, especially seasonal varieties. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the sweetness if needed, as fresh fruit may be less sweet than canned options.

How long should I chill the salad?

Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. If possible, chilling it overnight will enhance the taste even more.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just remember to keep it covered in the refrigerator. If you're planning to add nuts, consider sprinkling them on just before serving to maintain their crunch.

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 → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →