A sweet, creamy fruit salad loaded with fresh fruit, mini marshmallows, and a fluffy creamy dressing. Great for potlucks, holidays, brunches, or summer desserts.

Ingredients

Fruit

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 cup blueberries
• 2 mandarin oranges (peeled and segmented)
  or 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 cups seedless grapes (optional)
• 1 banana, sliced (add just before serving)
• 1 apple, diced (optional)

Marshmallows

• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Creamy Dressing

• 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)

Optional Nuts

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup walnuts

Nut Information

Are nuts required?

No. The salad tastes great without nuts.

Best nuts for this recipe

• Pecans → buttery flavor and soft crunch
• Almonds → light crisp texture
• Walnuts → rich earthy taste

How to toast nuts

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Add nuts.
3. Stir for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
4. Cool before adding.

Allergy Note

If serving guests, ask about tree nut allergies before adding nuts. You can:

• Leave nuts out entirely
• Serve nuts on the side
• Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Mixture

In a large bowl combine:

• whipped topping
• sour cream or yogurt
• pudding mix
• milk
• vanilla

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Fruit

Fold in:

• strawberries
• blueberries
• oranges
• grapes
• apples

Mix gently to avoid crushing fruit.

Step 3: Add Marshmallows

Stir in mini marshmallows.

If using bananas, add them last to prevent browning.

Step 4: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for:

• at least 1 hour
• best flavor: 2–4 hours

This helps the marshmallows soften slightly and the flavors blend.

Step 5: Serve

Top with:

• extra fruit
• toasted nuts
• extra marshmallows

Serve cold.

Yield

• Serves: 6–8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1–4 hours

Storage Tips

• Store refrigerated in an airtight container
• Best eaten within 2 days
• Bananas may soften after storage

Do not freeze; the creamy texture can separate.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

Without nuts:

• Calories: 220–280
• Protein: 3–5g
• Carbohydrates: 35–42g
• Fat: 7–10g

With nuts:

• Calories increase by about 40–80 per serving depending on amount used.

Q & A

Q: Can I use canned fruit?

Yes. Drain canned fruit very well so the salad does not become watery.

Q: Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Make it up to 24 hours ahead for best texture.

Q: What can replace marshmallows?

Try:

• shredded coconut
• yogurt-covered raisins
• diced cheesecake cubes

Q: How do I keep fruit from getting watery?

• Dry washed fruit thoroughly
• Drain canned fruit completely
• Add bananas just before serving

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Yes. Fresh whipped cream gives a richer flavor but should be served within 24 hours.

Q: Is this a dessert or side dish?

It can be either:

• dessert salad
• brunch side
• picnic dish
• holiday sweet side

Q: What fruits work best?

Excellent choices:

• strawberries
• blueberries
• pineapple
• grapes
• kiwi
• peaches
• mandarin oranges

Q: Can I make it healthier?

Yes:

• use Greek yogurt
• reduce marshmallows
• use sugar-free pudding
• skip added sugar
• add extra fresh fruit

Flavor Variations

Tropical Version

Add:

• pineapple
• coconut
• mango

Cheesecake Version

Mix in:

• softened cream cheese
• cheesecake pudding mix

Holiday Version

Use:

• red strawberries
• green grapes
• white marshmallows

Perfect for Christmas gatherings.

Serving Ideas

Serve alongside:

• grilled foods
• brunch dishes
• barbecue meals
• holiday dinners
• picnic spreads