This fruit salad with vanilla pudding is a creamy, easy dessert made with simple ingredients and comes together in just minutes. It’s one of those classic recipes that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want something sweet without a lot of effort.
What makes this version so good is the vanilla pudding—it coats the fruit, adds sweetness, and gives the salad that smooth, creamy texture people love.
The beauty of a fruit salad with vanilla lies in its simplicity and the endless possibilities for customization based on personal taste or seasonal availability of fruits.
If you enjoy other fruit salad recipes please try Weight Watchers Orange Fluff, Berry Cheesecake Salad, or Fudge Stripe Cookie Fruit Salad.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Like This Recipe
- Ingredients Needed for Fruit Salad
- How to make Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pudding
- Why Vanilla Pudding Makes It Better
- Pro Tips the Best Fruit Salad
- Variations
- How to Store Fruit Salad
- What To Serve With Fruit Salad
- How do I store leftovers?
- Fruit Salad Recipe FAQS
- Easy Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pudding
Why You Will Like This Recipe
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Quick and easy to make
- No baking required
- Creamy, sweet, and satisfying
- Perfect for parties and meal prep
Ingredients Needed for Fruit Salad
- Strawberries sliced - those succulent, heart-shaped fruits, have captivated people's palates and imaginations for centuries.
Sliced peaches 15 ounces each - Can use fresh or canned peaches if they are in season.
Pineapple chunks 15 ounces - Can use fresh or canned pineapples if they are in season.
Bananas sliced - are one of the most popular fruits on the planet, known for their distinctive yellow peel and sweet, creamy flesh. They're not only delicious but also pack a punch of nutritional benefits. They are also rich in potassium.
Blueberries -
Purple grapes or green grapes. I like the purple ones cause they add some more color to the fruit salad.
Lime - zested
Instant vanilla pudding mix - only need 2 tablespoons. Can also use sugar free instant pudding. - See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to make Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pudding
Step 1: Drain one of the cans of peaches into a large bowl. Stir 2 tablespoons pudding mix into the juice.
Step 2: Drain remaining can of peaches, mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks. (Juice is not needed for this recipe). Add all fruit and lime zest to the pudding mixture. Gently stir to combine.
Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why Vanilla Pudding Makes It Better
Vanilla pudding is what transforms this from a basic fruit salad into a creamy dessert.
- thickens the fruit juices
- adds sweetness and flavor
- creates a smooth, cohesive texture
👉 it’s the key ingredient that makes this recipe stand out
Pro Tips the Best Fruit Salad
- Drain fruit really well to avoid a watery salad
- Use instant pudding (not cook-and-serve)
- Let it chill before serving for best texture
- Stir before serving if needed
Variations
- Use fresh fruit instead of canned
- Add bananas or strawberries
- Use sugar-free pudding for a lighter version
- Skip whipped topping for a simpler version
How to Store Fruit Salad
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
What To Serve With Fruit Salad
Fruit Salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes, particularly breakfast food. When deciding what to serve with fruit salad, consider these popular options like a 5 Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole, Lemon Blueberry Pancakes, or Ree Drummond’s French Toast Casserole.
Its versatility allows you to get creative with your culinary creations and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite. So, next time you're wondering what to serve with fruit salad in Summer think Traeger Smoked Pulled Pork or Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs.
How do I store leftovers?
Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic, whatever! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Fruit Salad Recipe FAQS
Fruit salad with vanilla pudding is a creamy, sweet dish made with a mix of fruit and dry vanilla pudding mix. The pudding creates a light, smooth coating that brings everything together without needing a heavy dressing.
Use instant vanilla pudding mix for this recipe. You add it dry directly to the fruit—no cooking required.
The dry pudding mix absorbs moisture from the fruit and creates a creamy, lightly sweet coating. It’s an easy way to thicken the salad without adding extra liquids.
If you tried this Easy Fruit Salad with Vanilla Puddingorany other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Recipes Diaries.
Easy Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pudding
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy fruit salad with vanilla pudding is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the natural sweetness and flavors of various fruits with the aromatic essence of vanilla.
Ingredients
1 pint strawberries sliced
2 cans sliced peaches 15 oz
1 can pineapple chunks 15 oz
2 bananas sliced
1 ½ cups blueberries
1 ½ cups purple grapes can
1 lime
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
Instructions
Drain one of the cans of peaches into a large bowl. Stir 2 tablespoons pudding mix into the juice.
Drain remaining can of peaches, mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks. (Juice is not needed for this recipe).
Add all fruit and lime zest to the pudding mixture. Gently stir to combine.
Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve the fruit salad in small plastic cups!
WW Points 4: 1 cup of fruit salad
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 144
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
Leave a Reply