Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad is cool and creamy. With only five ingredients it comes together quickly and can be made ahead. Add extra cherries and it becomes a party favorite.
This delicious recipe was first published in 2016 and has been updated for a better reader experience.
I love making fruit salad with Cool Whip; the instant pudding powder thickens the mixture and adds a touch of sweetness. You can serve this as a salad or a light dessert. It’s similar in feel to Pineapple Cherry Fluff and Strawberry Cheesecake Salad. It also works well layered in a trifle for a more elegant presentation.
Tropical Fruit Cocktail salad is one of those “save the day” recipes. Combine five ingredients and in minutes you have a creamy, dreamy dish that guests of all ages will enjoy. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, and warm-weather gatherings.
When my kids were small they thought this was a special treat. They loved it then and now make it for their own families. Because it can be made ahead, it frees you to focus on hosting and spending time with loved ones.
If you grew up with canned fruit cocktail, you probably remember the excitement over the maraschino cherry. This version lets you keep those cherries in abundance if you like — and the miniature marshmallows make it fun and fluffy for kids and adults alike.
I often bring this to neighborhood potlucks. The kids dive in to claim the cherries before the adults get a chance. The recipe makes a generous bowl, so it’s ideal for sharing.
What is Fruit Cocktail?
Fruit cocktail is a mixture of canned diced fruit packed in juice or syrup. Typical ingredients include pears, peaches, grapes, and maraschino cherries. The tropical version swaps in pineapple and papaya for a brighter flavor and larger, firmer pieces.
I prefer Dole Tropical Fruit for this salad because the fruit pieces stay firmer and less mushy than some other canned varieties. You can substitute traditional fruit cocktail if you prefer.
Ingredients for Tropical Fruit Cocktail with Cool Whip & Pudding
- 1 can Dole Tropical Fruit Cocktail (15.25 oz) — do not drain
- 1 container whipped topping/Cool Whip (8 oz) — any variety; lite works well
- 1 can crushed pineapple (15.25 oz) — do not drain
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 small box instant lemon pudding mix (3.4 oz) — use the dry powder only, do not prepare
Variations you can try
- Swap pudding flavors: vanilla, lemon, or coconut all work well.
- Add a cup of nuts such as pecans or macadamia for crunch.
- Top with toasted coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Load it with extra maraschino cherries if you want more color and sweetness.
- Use traditional fruit cocktail if you don’t have the tropical mix.
- Try rainbow-colored miniature marshmallows for a festive look.
Don’t forget to stop back and let me know how your Fruit Cocktail salad turned out.
Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Trifle or serving bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz crushed pineapple (canned) — don’t drain
- 15.25 oz Dole Tropical Fruit Cocktail (canned) — don’t drain; chop pieces if desired
- 3.4 oz instant lemon pudding mix (small box) — dry powder only; vanilla or coconut may be substituted
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip) — I used a lighter variety
Add additional maraschino cherries or toasted coconut if desired.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple and tropical fruit cocktail with the instant pudding powder. Stir gently to combine so the fruit stays in pieces.
- Fold in the whipped topping until evenly mixed.
- Fold in the miniature marshmallows.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the pudding powder to help thicken the mixture.
Notes
Recipe adapted from The St. Robert Bellarmine cookbook, “Angel Foods.” This salad is best served chilled and can be made ahead the day before. If you prefer a firmer texture, drain a small amount of juice from the canned fruit, but keeping the juice adds flavor and prevents dryness.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutritional Disclaimer
This nutrition estimate was calculated using specific brands and measurements used in the recipe. If you change brands, quantities, or ingredients, the nutrition information will change. Use the values as a general guide only.
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