This old fashioned fruit salad is the fruit salad that my grandma made for years and then my mom made for years.
This recipe for old fashioned fruit salad with whipped cream is great for potlucks, barbecues, parties, and holidays. I think someone in my family makes this every Christmas and Easter. It’s also a good recipe to keep on hand and a great way to use up any fruit that you’re not sure what to do with. You can easily swap some of the fruit out for what you have on hand or what is in season.
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What ingredients do I need for this fruit salad recipe?
For this old fashioned fruit salad with whipped cream you’ll need:
- Cream cheese
- Whipped cream
- Chopped pecans
- Powdered sugar
- Mandarin oranges
- Banana
- Grapes
- Apple
- Berries
- Fruit cocktail with cherries
- OR whatever fruit you have on hand or is in season
Mini marshmallows and coconut flakes also go really well in this fruit salad recipe. If you are fan feel free to add some. These are totally optional but ¼ cup of coconut flakes and just a small handful of mini marshmallows are a nice touch to this salad. The great thing about this fruit salad recipe is that the recipe is very forgiving. You can add more or less of what you like. If you don’t have a certain fruit on hand you can use what you have.
How do I make this recipe?
Combine cream cheese and whipped topping in a large bowl and beat well with a blender. Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the berries and add to mixture.
Add the other fruit and gently stir in with a large spoon. Serve immediately if possible.
Can fruit salad sit overnight?
If you’d like to make this fruit salad the night before, you absolutely can. I recommend waiting to add the banana to the next day as it will brown or if you wish to go ahead and add the banana brush it with a small amount of lemon juice to prevent any browning.
Do I have to use the fruits listed?
No, not at all. You can substitute a wide variety of fruit and this recipe will still work. Pineapple, peaches, grapes, pitted cherries, pears, and kiwi are also very good in this salad if that’s what you have on hand. In season fruit is always best for a fruit salad so just use what is in season.
How long is the fruit salad good for in the refrigerator?
You can store this fruit salad for 2-3 days in an air tight container in your refrigerator.
Variations:
- Add one cup of mini marshmallows.
- Add a handful of walnuts or pecans on top.
Other easy dessert recipes:
Old Fashioned Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream {Easy + Delicious}
Equipment
- Hand mixer
Ingredients
- 1 package cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 tub whipped cream or whipped topping about 8 ounces
- ¼ cup chopped pecans optional
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 can mandarin oranges (about 10.5 ounces) drained
- 1 can fruit cocktail with cherries (about 15 ounces) drained
- 1 banana sliced
- 1 green apple diced
- 1 red apple diced
- 1 cup berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries)
- ½ cup grapes sliced
- OR whatever fruit you have on hand or is in season
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and whipped topping in a large bowl and beat well with a blender.
- Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the berries and add to mixture.
- Drain your fruit cocktail and mandarin oranges well and gently stir them in.
- Add the other fruit and gently stir in with a large spoon.
- Add the pecans, if desired.
- Serve immediately if possible.
Lauren
This looks so yummy! I love the old school recipes. My mom still makes jello salad for holidays and it is always something I look forward too!
Two Pink Peonies
Yum! Jello salad is such a fun dessert. I love vintage recipes.
Bri
I haven’t seen this in YEARS!! Love it!
Two Pink Peonies
Thanks so much, Bri!!
Mary
How long will it keep in refrigerator please?
Two Pink Peonies
Hi Mary, it will be good for 2-3 days in the fridge.
Kimmy
This looks so yummy! Definitely going to have to try this.
Kris
Very good recipe!
Chloe
Sometimes the old fashioned dishes are the best! Great recipe!
Kim Guzman
Yum! That looks so fresh and inviting!
Lindsay
This looks so yummy! I’ll have to pick on the ingredients on the next run to the store!
Emily Flint
Love this old school dish and your’s look so delish!
Sue
This salad is so much like what my mom used to make – thanks for the recipe!
Ramona
A delicious idea and thanks for all the info and the tips. Brilliant!
Sabrina
Just like my grandma used to make!
Swathi
This Old fashioned fruit salad looks delicious
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
It looks incredibly delicious. I wish this were in front of me.
Christina
So delish!
Audrey
thank you so much!
Hail
Sooo a whole tub of whipped topping as in 16oz or 8??
Two Pink Peonies
8 ounces
Lynda Derks
I have always put pineapple in. I really do not see the need for any sugar.
Audrey
You can always leave it out. I recommend using it because people usually make this recipe for Thanksgiving and Christmas when strawberries aren’t in season. Since they’re not in season they can be kind of tart so it helps balance it out. This is a versatile recipe and you can definitely use pineapple or whatever your favorite fruit is.