Creamy Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad: Quick & Refreshing
Fruit salad is a classic dish that everyone loves. It is fresh, healthy, and delicious. But sometimes, you want to make it a little more special. That is where this creamy vanilla pudding fruit salad comes in. It combines the natural sweetness of fresh fruits with a smooth, rich vanilla pudding.
The result is a dessert that feels indulgent but is still full of good nutrition. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home. It is easy to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time. Let us learn how to make this wonderful dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This creamy vanilla pudding fruit salad is not just tasty. It has many benefits that make it a great choice.
- It is very easy to make. You do not need any special skills or equipment.
- You can use many kinds of fruit. This means you can make it with whatever is in season or your personal favorites.
- It is a crowd pleaser. Both kids and adults enjoy this sweet and creamy dessert.
- It can be made in advance. You can prepare it a few hours before serving, which is helpful when planning meals.
- It is a healthier dessert option. Since it is full of fruit, it provides vitamins and fiber.
Ingredients for Creamy Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad
Using fresh and high quality ingredients will give you the best results. Here is what you will need.
For the Vanilla Pudding
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup of cold whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream or full fat Greek yogurt for a tangy option
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
For the Fruit Mix
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup of fresh blueberries
- 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup of green seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup of red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced (optional for color and taste)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (to prevent browning of bananas)
Optional Add ins
- 1/2 cup of miniature marshmallows for a fun texture
- 1/4 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch
- 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut for extra flavor
Essential Kitchen Tools
You do not need fancy tools for this recipe. Here is a simple list.
- A large mixing bowl
- A medium mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A sharp knife and cutting board for preparing the fruit
Step by Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your fruit salad.
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
First, wash all your fruits thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Next, prepare the fruits. Hull the strawberries and cut them into quarters. Slice the bananas and immediately toss them with the lemon juice in a small bowl.
This will keep them from turning brown. Cut the grapes in half. Chop the pineapple into bite sized chunks if it is not pre cut. Peel and slice the kiwi. Place all the cut fruit into your large mixing bowl.
Gently mix the fruits together so they are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Vanilla Pudding
Take your medium mixing bowl. Pour in one cup of cold milk. Add the entire package of instant vanilla pudding mix. Use your whisk to mix it together. Whisk for about two minutes until it becomes smooth and starts to thicken.
Now, add the one cup of heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk again until everything is well combined and the mixture is creamy. If you are using Greek yogurt, you might need to whisk a little longer to make it smooth.
Step 3: Combine Pudding and Fruits
Pour the creamy vanilla pudding mixture over the prepared fruits in the large bowl.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the pudding into the fruit. Be careful not to mash the softer fruits like bananas and strawberries. You want to coat all the fruit pieces evenly with the pudding.
Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients
If you are adding any optional ingredients like marshmallows, nuts, or coconut, now is the time. Sprinkle them over the top and gently fold them into the salad.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together and the pudding to set a little more.
After chilling, your creamy vanilla pudding fruit salad is ready to serve. Spoon it into individual bowls or cups.
Tips for the Best Fruit Salad
Here are some tips to make sure your dessert turns out perfect every time.
- Use ripe, but firm fruit. Very soft or overripe fruit can become mushy when mixed.
- Keep it cold. This salad is best served cold. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than an hour.
- Customize it. You can use any combination of fruits you like. Apples, peaches, mangoes, raspberries, or blackberries are all great choices.
- Make it ahead. You can prepare the fruit and pudding mixture separately a few hours ahead. Combine them about an hour before you plan to serve to keep the fruit from getting too soft.
- Drain canned fruit. If you use canned fruit, make sure to drain the syrup or juice well so it does not make your pudding watery.
FAQ
Can I use sugar free pudding mix?
Yes, you can use a sugar free instant vanilla pudding mix if you prefer. It will change the taste slightly but will still be delicious.
How long does this fruit salad last in the fridge?
It is best eaten within 24 hours. After that, the fruits, especially bananas, will release water and become soft.
Can I use frozen fruit?
It is not recommended. Frozen fruit tends to release a lot of water when it thaws, which will make your pudding mixture thin and watery.
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes. Use a plant based milk like almond milk or oat milk for the pudding. Instead of heavy cream, you can use a dairy free whipped topping or coconut cream.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Full fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It makes the pudding tangier and adds protein. Sour cream is another option.
Can I add citrus fruits like oranges?
Yes, you can. However, the acid in citrus can sometimes cause the milk in the pudding to curdle slightly. It is still safe to eat, but the texture might be different. Add them just before serving if you are concerned.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Most instant pudding mixes are gluten free, but you should always check the label on the package to be sure.
Creamy Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad
A fresh, crowd-pleasing fruit salad tossed in a smooth, rich vanilla pudding. Easy to make, customizable with your favorite fruits, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners. Make ahead friendly and irresistibly creamy.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Pudding:
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangy option)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Fruit Mix:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup green seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to prevent banana browning)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
Instructions
- Wash and dry all fruit thoroughly.
- Hull and quarter the strawberries; place in a large mixing bowl.
- Halve the grapes and add to the bowl. Add blueberries and pineapple chunks.
- Slice bananas and immediately toss with lemon juice in a small bowl to prevent browning, then add to the large bowl.
- Peel and slice the kiwi (if using) and add to the fruit bowl. Gently toss to evenly distribute the fruit.
- In a medium bowl, whisk cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix for about 2 minutes until smooth and thickened.
- Add heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) and vanilla extract to the pudding; whisk until creamy and fully combined.
- Pour the creamy pudding over the fruit in the large bowl.
- Gently fold with a rubber spatula until all fruit is evenly coated, being careful not to mash softer fruits.
- If using marshmallows, nuts, or coconut, sprinkle over the top and gently fold to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve cold in bowls or cups.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm fruit to avoid a mushy salad.
- Keep cold; do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
- Customize with other fruits like apples, peaches, mangoes, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Make-ahead: Prep fruit and pudding separately up to a few hours ahead; combine about 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 304Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 219mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 3gSugar: 34gProtein: 4g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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