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This fruit salad with vanilla pudding combines juicy canned fruits with a creamy flavorful vanilla sauce for a simple yet delicious treat. The pudding is made by mixing instant vanilla pudding powder with the natural juice from canned fruit creating a luscious coating that enhances the fresh fruit flavors. It’s a quick dish to prepare and perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack.
I first tried this recipe more than twenty years ago thanks to a friend on a diet and it has been a family favorite ever since
Ingredients
- Sugar free instant vanilla pudding mix: for a creamy and guilt free base
- No sugar added fruit cocktail: to provide a mix of sweet and tart flavors choose quality canned fruit with firm texture
- No sugar added mandarin oranges: add bright citrus notes and vibrant color opt for peeled segments without seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Drain Fruit Juice:
- Carefully drain all juice from the canned fruit cocktail and mandarin oranges into a large mixing bowl to capture the natural fruit syrup
- Combine Pudding Mix and Juice:
- Sprinkle the dry vanilla pudding mix evenly over the fruit juice in the bowl without stirring yet
- Whisk Pudding Sauce:
- Use a wire whisk to blend the pudding mix and juice thoroughly until smooth and creamy avoid lumps or use an electric mixer if preferred
- Add Fruit:
- Gently fold the drained fruit cocktail and mandarin orange segments into the pudding mixture so every piece is coated
- Chill Salad:
- Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for several hours or ideally overnight to let the flavors marry and the pudding thicken
I love the way the mandarin oranges bring a pop of color and brightness to this otherwise simple dish it reminds me of summer picnics with family
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week if using only canned fruit. Adding fresh fruit will shorten shelf life to about two to three days.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try swapping mandarin oranges with peaches or pineapple chunks for a different but equally delicious twist. Using butterscotch pudding mix can add warmth in cooler months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled as is or top with whipped cream vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra indulgence. It also pairs nicely with a slice of pound cake.
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Recipe FAQs
- → What other fruit can I add to my fruit salad?
Feel free to add frozen or fresh fruit such as chopped apples, sliced strawberries, grapes, blueberries, or bananas. About 2 cups total works well, but fresh fruit shortens fridge storage time.
- → How do you serve fruit salad?
This dish is delicious on its own, but can also be topped with whipped cream, spooned over vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt, or served with pound cake.
- → How long does the salad keep in the fridge?
Canned fruit versions last up to 1 week in an airtight container. Adding fresh fruit reduces storage time to 2 to 3 days.
- → Can I use sugar-free pudding and fruit?
Yes, sugar-free and no-sugar-added options work well to reduce sweetness without sacrificing flavor.
- → Can I change the pudding flavor?
Absolutely. Flavors like butterscotch pudding offer a nice variation, especially for fall seasons.