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Secret Ingredient Overnight Fruit Salad Recipe

Secret Ingredient Overnight Fruit Salad

A creamy, colorful fruit salad made with instant vanilla pudding mix, whipped topping, tropical fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and nuts. Prepare it the night before for an easy make-ahead side dish or dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruit and Dressing
  • 1 20-ounce can Pineapple tidbits or chunks in juice, drained; reserve juice
  • 1 11-ounce can Mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 10-ounce jar Maraschino cherries, drained and halved
  • 1 3.4-ounce package Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 8-ounce container Frozen whipped topping, thawed
Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup Miniature marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup Sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup Chopped walnuts or pecans

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Drain the pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries thoroughly. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pineapple juice for the dressing.
  2. Whisk the reserved pineapple juice and dry instant vanilla pudding mix in a bowl until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
  3. Fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until evenly combined and creamy.
  4. Add the pineapple, mandarin oranges, halved cherries, miniature marshmallows, coconut, and chopped walnuts or pecans. Fold gently to protect the fruit.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Drain the canned fruit very well so the dressing stays thick and the marshmallows do not collapse. Add bananas, fresh apples, or other easily browning fresh fruit shortly before serving rather than the night before.