Easy Fruit Salad

Craving something refreshing? This Easy Fruit Salad is bursting with vibrant flavors and delightful colors. Perfect for summer gatherings, it's an easy way to enjoy a healthy treat. Make it tonight for a refreshing twist!

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Prep Time 25

Total Time 25

Servings: 16 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 pound strawberries hulled and sliced
11 ounces blueberries
3 cups red grapes
1 whole pineapple sliced
15 ounces mandarin oranges (1 can)
2 Tablespoons instant vanilla pudding powder not prepared
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Mixing Bowl
Chef's Knife

Method

Start by gathering all your ingredients. You'll need your freshly prepared strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Make sure everything is washed and ready to go.
In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Gently stir them together to mix well, being careful not to mash the fruit.
Next, sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding powder evenly over the fruit mixture. This step is key as it will later create that delicious glaze.
Now, add your vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. These extracts will enhance the fruit flavors and add depth.
Using a spatula or a large spoon, gently fold the pudding powder and extracts into the fruit. Mix until everything is coated evenly, ensuring that the pudding powder starts to absorb the juices.
Once well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the salad for at least two hours, or better yet, overnight. This allows the juices to mingle with the pudding mix, creating a wonderful glaze.
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir. You’ll notice how the juices have developed a light coating over the fruit, making it look even more enticing.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual cups. For an added touch, you can garnish with fresh mint leaves or extra slices of strawberries on top.
Enjoy your Easy Fruit Salad as a refreshing snack, dessert, or side dish at your next gathering!

Notes

Tip 1: You can skip the vanilla pudding mix and extracts if you prefer to have a simple fruit salad that’s just tossed together. It will not have a glaze on it if you leave that off.
Tip 2: The almond extract can be skipped, just replace it with more vanilla extract if you don’t like almond or someone has an allergy.
Tip 3: This is great served with yogurt. A fun option is to make breakfast parfaits with it.
Tip 4: If you use bananas or apples toss them with a splash of lemon juice before mixing them in the salad to prevent browning.
Tip 5: Use fruit with contrasting colors for the best presentation.
Tip 6: Chop fruit roughly the same size. It’s easier to eat this way and prettier in the bowl.
Tip 7: Make sure you make it at least a few hours ahead of time because the juices from the fruit mix with the vanilla pudding mix and create a delicious glaze on the fruit.
Tip 8: I would not recommend using frozen fruit in this recipe. Once the frozen fruit is thawed it is mushy and watery.
Tip 9: Pop leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy it the next day or pile it on top of some vanilla yogurt and add a little granola to it for breakfast!
Tip 10: You’ll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days depending on how ripe your fruit was when you made it!