Creamy Fruit Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
8 oz. tub of Cool Whip, thawed and ready for use
02 -
15 oz. can of mandarin orange slices, drained completely
03 -
12 oz. jar of maraschino cherries with no stems, drained
04 -
20 oz. can of pineapple chunks, drained thoroughly
05 -
1 cup mini marshmallows for sweetness
06 -
3/4 cup of tangy vanilla Greek yogurt (a 6-oz container works great)
07 -
1 cup of shredded coconut for extra texture
08 -
1/2 cup of chopped pecans for crunch (optional, sprinkle on top)
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab a colander and drain the oranges, pineapple, and cherries well. Let them sit for a bit to ensure as much juice is removed as possible. If you spot any cherry stems hiding in the jar, take them out now so they don't surprise anyone later.
02 -
Use a big bowl to combine the drained oranges, pineapple, and cherries. Throw in the marshmallows and coconut. Stir in the yogurt, which brings a creamy tang to the dish and helps tie the flavors together. You'll start seeing all the ingredients come together beautifully.
03 -
Take a rubber spatula or large spoon and carefully fold everything together. Be gentle to avoid crushing the fruit while ensuring that the marshmallows and coconut are evenly distributed.
04 -
Time to fold in your Cool Whip. Use an up-and-over motion with your spoon or spatula, working it gently into the mix. Don't overdo it—keeping it light and airy makes a difference. Make sure all ingredients are coated without mixing too much.
05 -
Scoop the finished mix into a serving dish or a container with a lid if you're making it ahead. The flavors really pop when chilled, so stick it in the fridge for an hour or more. This resting time softens the marshmallows and helps the tastes blend perfectly.
06 -
Before serving, give it a light stir to freshen it up. If you’re using pecans, sprinkle them on top right before setting it out to keep them from getting soft. The addition of nuts adds a nutty crunch that works perfectly with the sweet dish.
# Notes:
01 -
This Southern comfort dish is a go-to for holiday meals, summer get-togethers, and family gatherings.
02 -
Switch it up for special occasions by using flavored Cool Whip—seasonal options like birthday cake or pumpkin spice bring a fun twist!
03 -
Whip this up a day ahead! It's an ideal make-ahead option for reducing mealtime stress while hosting.