Aunt Marion’s Fruit Salad Dessert

This delightful fruit salad with vanilla pudding brings a burst of freshness to your family picnics or weeknight meals. This recipe is easy and delicious, combining the vibrant flavors of assorted fruits with a creamy vanilla pudding sauce. With just 20 minutes of prep time, it’s an easy option for a summer dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Fruit salad ingredients

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• Pineapple chunks: Pineapple chunks add a tropical sweetness and juicy texture to the salad. Fresh pineapple can be used for a brighter taste or canned pears can substitute for a milder, softer option without detracting from the dish’s essence.
• Sliced peaches: Sliced peaches provide a soft, sweet, and lightly tart flavor that blends well with the other fruits and creamy vanilla pudding. Fresh peaches offer a more robust taste, while nectarines can be used as a convenient alternative without needing to be peeled.
• Mandarin oranges: Mandarin oranges bring a tangy, citrusy note that brightens the salad and complements the other fruits. Fresh mandarin segments offer a firmer texture and fresher taste and canned pineapple tidbits can add a complementary citrus flavor.
• Bananas: Bananas add a rich, creamy texture and natural sweetness, balancing the tanginess of the other fruits. For a tropical twist, ripe mango or sliced strawberries can provide a fresh, slightly tart alternative that fits well with the other ingredients.
• Unpeeled red apples: Red apples add a crunchy texture and slight tartness. Green apples offer a sharper tartness and crispness, while pears provide a similar crunch with a slightly sweeter flavor.
•  Whole milk: Whole milk creates a creamy base for the pudding sauce. Almond or coconut milk are two dairy-free substitutes that will maintain the creamy texture. Make sure it’s cold.
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the fruits and pudding. Greek yogurt can serve as a high-protein alternative with a similar tangy flavor, while coconut yogurt provides a non-dairy option with a hint of coconut.
•  Orange juice concentrate: Thawed orange juice concentrate builds on the fruit flavors, adding a bright, citrusy note. Fresh orange juice offers a fresher, more vibrant citrus flavor, or a combination of lemon juice and zest can provide a sharper citrus punch.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: The vanilla pudding mix thickens the sauce, tying all the ingredients together. Homemade vanilla pudding can offer a richer taste and smoother texture, while vanilla Greek yogurt provides a quick, creamy alternative with a slight tang.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the fruits

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Combine the pineapple chunks, sliced peaches, mandarin oranges, bananas and red apples in a large bowl. Ensure all the fruits are evenly mixed to create a balanced flavor in every bite.

Editor’s Tip: If you use canned fruit, drain them well to avoid excess liquid.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce

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Whisk together the milk, sour cream, orange juice concentrate and vanilla pudding mix until smooth and well-blended in a separate bowl. This sauce should have a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Mix the sauce with the fruits

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Gently fold the pudding sauce into the mixed fruits until all the pieces are evenly coated. Do not mash the fruits to maintain their texture and appearance.

Step 4: Chill and serve

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Cover the bowl and chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for three to four hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and the pudding sauce time to slightly thicken.

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Recipe Variations

• Mix your fruits: Incorporate fresh strawberries, blueberries and red seedless grapes for more flavors and textures.  
• Add texture: For added crunch, combine chopped walnuts or almonds. These nuts provide a satisfying crunch and rich flavor that complement the creamy pudding sauce and soft fruits.
• Fun mix-ins: For a fun twist, mix in mini marshmallows, maraschino cherries or even a dollop of whipped cream. These additions can make the salad more indulgent and appealing, especially for kids or those with a sweet tooth.

How to Store Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pudding

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the fruit salad and pudding fresh. It’s best to consume the salad within a few days.

How long does fruit salad with vanilla pudding last?

Fruit salad with vanilla pudding can last for three days in the refrigerator. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours, as the fruits can start to release more juice over time.

Can you make a fruit salad with vanilla pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the fruit salad a few hours in advance. Mix the fruits and sauce, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even more delicious.

Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pudding Tips

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How do you fix runny instant pudding?

If your instant pudding turns out runny, you can thicken it by adding more instant pudding mix or a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in cold milk. Whisk these into the pudding until it reaches your desired consistency. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken properly.

How do you keep fruit salad from getting mushy?

Choose firm, fresh fruits to keep your fruit salad from getting mushy and avoid over-mixing. Add delicate fruits like bananas and berries just before serving. Draining canned fruits like pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges thoroughly will also help maintain the texture.

What can I substitute for milk in pudding?

You can substitute milk in pudding with non-dairy alternatives such as unsweetened almond, coconut, or oat milk. These options provide a similar creamy texture, ensuring your pudding remains smooth and delicious.