Delicious Fruit Salad Recipe with Cool Whip
A refreshing and creamy fruit salad that's perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh seasonal fruits and topped with a light Cool Whip dressing.
The Perfect Blend of Freshness and Creaminess
A fruit salad with Cool Whip is a classic dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh fruits with the creamy richness of Cool Whip. This versatile dish can be served as a light dessert, a refreshing snack, or a side dish at potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings.
What makes this fruit salad recipe so special is the creamy Cool Whip dressing that ties all the flavors together. The Cool Whip adds a light, airy texture that complements the juicy fruits perfectly. It's also incredibly customizable - you can use any combination of fruits you like, depending on what's in season or what your family enjoys most.
Why This Fruit Salad Recipe With Cool Whip Works
Easy to Make
This recipe requires minimal preparation. Simply chop the fruits, mix them together, and fold in the Cool Whip. No cooking or baking involved!
Customizable
You can use any combination of fruits you like. Whether you prefer tropical fruits, berries, or stone fruits, this salad can be tailored to your taste.
Healthy Option
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the fresh fruits, this salad is a healthier dessert option that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
Ingredients for the Perfect Fruit Salad With Cool Whip
Fruits
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 cups seedless grapes, halved
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
Cool Whip Dressing
- 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fruit Salad With Cool Whip
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
Wash all the fruits thoroughly under running water. Hull and slice the strawberries, rinse the blueberries and raspberries, peel and slice the bananas, cut the pineapple into chunks, halve the grapes, peel and slice the kiwis, and drain the mandarin oranges.
Step 2: Make the Cool Whip Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the thawed Cool Whip, vanilla yogurt, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth and creamy. The lemon juice helps to prevent the bananas from browning and adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the fruits.
Step 3: Assemble the Fruit Salad
In a large bowl, gently combine all the prepared fruits. Be careful not to overmix or crush the fruits. Pour the Cool Whip dressing over the fruits and gently fold it in until the fruits are evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional but recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Step 5: Serve
Before serving, you can garnish the fruit salad with toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or fresh mint leaves. Serve chilled in individual bowls or as a large salad in a serving dish.
Tips and Variations for Your Fruit Salad With Cool Whip
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh, Ripe Fruits: The quality of the fruits will determine the overall taste of the salad. Choose fruits that are ripe but still firm.
- Add a Splash of Citrus: Squeezing a little lemon or lime juice over the fruits helps to prevent browning and adds a bright, fresh flavor.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold the Cool Whip into the fruits to avoid crushing them and releasing too much juice.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld and keeps the salad fresh and crisp.
- Serve Immediately After Adding Dressing: If you're making the salad ahead of time, it's best to store the fruits and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to prevent the fruits from getting soggy.
Delicious Variations
- Tropical Twist: Add diced mango, papaya, or kiwi for a tropical flavor. You can also use coconut-flavored Cool Whip for an extra island vibe.
- Berries Galore: Use a variety of berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, antioxidant-rich salad.
- Creamy Vanilla: For an extra creamy dressing, add a tablespoon of vanilla pudding mix to the Cool Whip mixture.
- Chocolate Lover's: Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the salad or fold in some mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 160 | 8% |
| Total Fat | 6g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g | 23% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 40mg | 2% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Sugars | 20g | - |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 60% | - |
| Vitamin A | 10% | - |
| Calcium | 4% | - |
| Iron | 2% | - |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make the fruit salad ahead of time, but it's best to keep the fruits and the Cool Whip dressing separate until just before serving. This prevents the fruits from getting soggy and the bananas from browning. You can store the prepared fruits in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The Cool Whip dressing can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
To prevent the bananas from browning, you can toss them in a little lemon or lime juice before adding them to the salad. You can also add the bananas just before serving or layer them at the bottom of the salad bowl and cover them with other fruits.
Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream or a different store-bought whipped topping if you prefer. Keep in mind that homemade whipped cream may not hold its shape as well as Cool Whip, especially if the salad will be sitting out for a while. If you're making homemade whipped cream, you can stabilize it with a little gelatin or cornstarch to help it hold up better.
This fruit salad is very versatile, and you can add any fruits you like! Some other great options include diced apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, or even tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or dragon fruit. Just make sure to choose fruits that are in season and at their peak ripeness for the best flavor.
Yes! To make this salad dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free whipped topping (such as a coconut-based whipped cream) and a dairy-free yogurt. There are many great dairy-free alternatives available at most grocery stores these days.
What People Are Saying
"This fruit salad is absolutely delicious! The Cool Whip dressing adds the perfect amount of creaminess without being too heavy. I love that I can customize it with whatever fruits I have on hand. It's become a staple at our family gatherings!"
Sarah Johnson
Posted on June 15, 2025
"I made this for a summer picnic and it was a hit! Everyone loved the combination of fresh fruits and the creamy Cool Whip dressing. I added some toasted coconut and chopped almonds on top for extra crunch, and it was perfect. Will definitely make this again!"
Michael Chen
Posted on July 4, 2025
"This is such an easy and refreshing recipe! I made it for my book club meeting, and everyone commented on how good it was. I used a mix of berries, tropical fruits, and some green grapes. The dressing is simple but adds just the right amount of sweetness. I'll be making this often!"
Emily Rodriguez
Posted on May 28, 2025
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View RecipeEnjoy Your Delicious Fruit Salad!
This fruit salad with Cool Whip is the perfect combination of fresh, juicy fruits and creamy, sweet dressing. It's easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and always a hit at any gathering. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast option, a refreshing snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
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