Fruit Salad With Pudding: A Creamy, Refreshing Dessert Everyone Loves

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fruit salad with pudding is the perfect balance between freshness and indulgence. It combines juicy, colorful fruits with a smooth, creamy pudding base that instantly elevates a simple fruit bowl into a satisfying dessert. This is the kind of recipe that works for almost any occasion, from family gatherings to quick weekday treats. What I personally love about it is how adaptable it is. I once made it with only the fruits I had left in the fridge and a simple vanilla pudding, and it still turned out wonderfully creamy and refreshing.

This recipe is especially appealing because it requires minimal cooking, making it ideal when you want something sweet without spending too much time in the kitchen. It is also a great way to encourage fruit consumption, especially for kids, since the pudding adds a familiar and comforting flavor. Light, creamy, and endlessly customizable, this fruit salad with pudding is a dessert you will find yourself preparing again and again.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh strawberries add sweetness and a slight tartness that balances the creaminess of the pudding beautifully. They also bring vibrant color to the salad.

Bananas provide natural sweetness and a soft texture that blends well with the pudding. They help make the salad more filling.

Apples add crunch and freshness. Choosing a crisp variety ensures the salad keeps its texture.

Seedless grapes contribute juiciness and a refreshing bite, preventing the salad from feeling too heavy.

Canned pineapple chunks introduce a tropical sweetness and slight acidity that brightens the overall flavor.

Vanilla pudding mix forms the creamy base of the salad. It ties all the fruits together with a smooth, comforting texture.

Cold milk is used to prepare the pudding, giving it the perfect consistency.

Whipped topping adds lightness and makes the salad airy rather than dense.

A small amount of sugar is optional, depending on the sweetness of the fruits and pudding used.

A splash of lemon juice helps prevent fruits like bananas and apples from browning while adding a subtle brightness.

Directions

Begin by washing all fresh fruits thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries, peel and slice the bananas, core and dice the apples, and halve the grapes if they are large. Place all prepared fruits into a large mixing bowl.

Prepare the vanilla pudding according to package instructions using cold milk. Whisk until smooth and thickened, then allow it to set for a few minutes. This step ensures the pudding blends evenly with the fruit without becoming runny.

Once the pudding is ready, gently fold it into the bowl of mixed fruits. Add the drained pineapple chunks and stir carefully to avoid breaking the fruit.

Fold in the whipped topping until the salad becomes creamy and evenly coated. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and improves the overall texture.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately four generous servings.

Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for marinating.

Cooking time is roughly 25 minutes, making the total time around 45 to 50 minutes.

This timing makes it ideal for weeknight dinners while still feeling special.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately six servings.

Preparation time is about 20 minutes.

Chilling time is around 30 minutes.

Total time required is roughly 50 minutes, making it a convenient make-ahead dessert.

Storage/reheating

Fruit salad with pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to two days, although the texture is best on the first day.

Reheating is not recommended, as this dessert is meant to be served chilled. Stir gently before serving if any separation occurs.

Variations and Customizations

For a tropical version, add mango, kiwi, and coconut flakes. This variation works especially well with vanilla or coconut pudding.

To make it lighter, use low-fat milk and a reduced-fat whipped topping. The salad will still be creamy but less rich.

Chocolate pudding can be used instead of vanilla for a more indulgent dessert that pairs well with bananas and strawberries.

For added texture, mix in mini marshmallows or chopped nuts just before serving.

You can also use sugar-free pudding and naturally sweet fruits for a lower-sugar option.

FAQs

Can I make fruit salad with pudding ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made several hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated until serving.

What fruits work best in this recipe?

Fruits that hold their shape, such as apples, grapes, and berries, work best.

Can I use homemade pudding?

Yes, homemade pudding works well as long as it is fully cooled before mixing.

How do I keep bananas from turning brown?

Toss them lightly with lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, it is kid-friendly and a great way to serve fruit in a fun way.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can use plant-based milk and dairy-free whipped topping alternatives.

Why is my salad watery?

Excess juice from fruits can cause this. Drain canned fruit well and avoid overripe fruit.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Fresh fruit is recommended, as frozen fruit releases too much liquid when thawed.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It is best consumed within two days for optimal texture and flavor.

Can I add yogurt instead of whipped topping?

Yes, yogurt can be used for a slightly tangy and healthier variation.

Conclusion

Fruit salad with pudding is a simple yet satisfying dessert that brings together fresh fruit and creamy sweetness in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it is a reliable recipe for both everyday treats and special occasions. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most enjoyable.

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