Summer Bliss Creamy Fruit Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this delightful creamy fruit salad that’s sure to be the star of any gathering! The luscious blend of fruit cocktail, sweet mandarin oranges, and juicy maraschino cherries creates a deliciously refreshing base, while the silky instant vanilla pudding binds everything together for a creamy texture that's simply irresistible. Topped with fluffy mini marshmallows, this salad not only looks inviting but also offers a perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness. It's a versatile recipe, allowing you to add your favorite seasonal fruits such as blueberries and strawberries for an extra touch of freshness. Prepare it ahead of time and let it chill, making it an effortless side dish for picnics, barbecues, and family celebrations. Your guests will be asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fruit cocktail in light syrup
30 ounces (do not drain (or use two 17 oz. cans))
Mandarin oranges
11 ounces (drained)
Maraschino cherries
8 ounces (drained and halved)
Instant vanilla pudding
3.5 ounces (1 box)
Mini marshmallows
as needed (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the undrained fruit cocktail and the drained mandarin oranges.
2
Carefully slice the maraschino cherries in half and add them to the bowl with the other fruits.
3
Sprinkle the package of instant vanilla pudding over the fruit mixture.
4
Gently fold the ingredients together until they are well mixed and the pudding is evenly distributed.
5
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, garnish the top with a generous handful of mini marshmallows to add an extra touch of sweetness.
7
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite fruits as well – blueberries and strawberries make excellent additions!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Bliss Creamy Fruit Salad?
It is a refreshing and creamy fruit salad made with fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and instant vanilla pudding.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 5 main ingredients: fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, instant vanilla pudding, and mini marshmallows.
Should I drain the fruit cocktail?
No, you should use the fruit cocktail undrained as the syrup helps create the creamy pudding base.
Do I need to drain the mandarin oranges?
Yes, the mandarin oranges should be drained before being added to the mixing bowl.
What type of pudding mix is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for one 3.5-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding.
Do I need to prepare the pudding with milk first?
No, you sprinkle the dry instant pudding mix directly over the fruit and its juices.
How should the maraschino cherries be prepared?
The cherries should be drained and carefully sliced in half before adding them to the salad.
When should I add the mini marshmallows?
The mini marshmallows should be added as a garnish on top just before serving.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes, you can customize it with seasonal fruits like blueberries and strawberries for extra freshness.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor events?
Yes, it is an excellent side dish for picnics, barbecues, and family celebrations.
How do I combine the ingredients?
Gently fold the ingredients together until the pudding mix is evenly distributed to keep the fruit intact.
Can I use two smaller cans of fruit cocktail?
Yes, if you don't have a 30-ounce can, you can use two 17-ounce cans.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not specified, but it uses approximately 50 ounces of fruit and pudding mix.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare it ahead of time so it has sufficient time to chill in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different pudding flavor?
While vanilla is standard, you could experiment with cheesecake or lemon instant pudding for a different flavor profile.
What gives the salad its creamy texture?
The combination of the fruit cocktail syrup and the instant vanilla pudding mix creates the silky, creamy texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is rated as an easy recipe with only a few simple steps and no cooking required.
Can I use sugar-free pudding?
Yes, sugar-free instant vanilla pudding can be substituted if you want to reduce the sugar content.
Are the marshmallows mixed in or just on top?
According to the instructions, they are used as a garnish on top, but you can fold them in if preferred.
What size can of mandarin oranges is needed?
You will need one 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, though maraschino cherries provide a specific sweetness and color common to this style of salad.
Does this salad contain nuts?
The base recipe does not contain nuts, making it a safe choice for those with nut allergies.
How long will the salad stay fresh in the fridge?
It is best consumed within 2-3 days as the fruit may release more juice over time.
Can I freeze this fruit salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it will change the texture of the pudding and the fruit once thawed.
Should I use a specific brand of pudding?
Any brand of instant vanilla pudding will work, provided it is the 3.5-ounce size.
Can I use fruit cocktail in heavy syrup?
The recipe calls for light syrup, but heavy syrup can be used for a much sweeter salad.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
It is vegetarian, though note that many marshmallows contain gelatin which is animal-derived.
Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double; just ensure you have a large enough mixing bowl.