Homemade Fruit Salad

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Creamy, refreshing, and full of vibrant fruity goodness, this Homemade Fruit Salad is the no-fuss dessert or side dish everyone loves. It comes together in minutes with just a few staple ingredients and is a hit at every gathering, from summer picnics to cozy holiday spreads.

Packed with sweet pineapple, juicy grapes, bananas, and the nostalgic pop of maraschino cherries, this salad gets its lush texture from a dreamy mix of whipped topping and sour cream. It’s indulgent yet light, fruity but creamy – and easily adjustable depending on what you have in your fridge.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Fruit Salad

• Ridiculously Easy: Just dump, mix, and chill. It’s perfect for last-minute prep.
• Customizable: Use your favorite fruits, add nuts, or go dairy-free.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Kid-Approved: Sweet and colorful enough to get picky eaters interested.
• Perfect for All Occasions: From BBQs to brunches, this is a salad that fits in anywhere.

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Can I Use Fresh or Canned Fruit in Homemade Fruit Salad?

Great question! You can use both – or a combination. Canned fruit (like pineapple chunks and fruit cocktail) is super convenient and adds sweetness. Fresh fruit gives a crisp texture and can balance out the syrupy canned varieties. Just remember to drain any canned fruits really well, or your salad might turn out soupy. Fresh bananas are best added right before serving to avoid browning.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Fruit Salad

To keep this fruit salad rich and satisfying, each ingredient brings a unique texture and taste.

• Whipped Topping: The creamy base that ties everything together with a fluffy lightness.
• Sour Cream: Adds a tangy balance to the sweetness, making the salad extra creamy.
• Maraschino Cherries: A pop of color and candy-like sweetness.
• Pineapple Chunks: Juicy and tart, pineapple gives a tropical touch.
• Bananas: Soft and sweet – add these just before serving.
• Fruit Cocktail Mix: A medley of peaches, pears, and grapes for variety.
• Mini Marshmallows (optional): For added texture and a sweet, chewy surprise.

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How To Make the Homemade Fruit Salad

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Drain all canned fruits very well and slice bananas. Halve grapes if using whole ones.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine the whipped topping and sour cream. Stir until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Gently fold in all the fruit and optional marshmallows. Mix until well-coated.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve cold and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store Homemade Fruit Salad

This recipe serves about 6-8 people as a side dish. You can double it for parties or scale it down for smaller servings.

To store, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re using bananas, it’s best to add them fresh each time to avoid browning and mushy texture.

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What to Serve With Homemade Fruit Salad?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

The fruity creaminess pairs well with lightly charred, savory proteins.

Cinnamon French Toast

Perfect for a brunch spread, balancing richness with freshness.

Honey Butter Biscuits

A Southern-style breakfast dream with this cool, creamy salad.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The salad cuts through the richness and adds fruity brightness.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layer it into a breakfast parfait for extra decadence.

Veggie Frittata

A healthy savory breakfast + creamy fruit = win-win.

Mini Pancakes or Waffles

Turn this into a breakfast board with fruit salad on the side.

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Want More Salad Ideas That Pop?

If you love this chilled fruit salad, check out these fresh, flavorful favorites:

• Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs
• Easy Veggie Patties – A Crispy, Flavorful Delight
• Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Italian Grinder Salad – A Bold and Flavorful Twist on a Classic
• Orange Dreamsicle Salad

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add nuts? Go for all fresh fruits? Try it with Greek yogurt?

I love seeing your versions of this fruity favorite. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more fruit-forward inspiration on Nora Nosh Recipes

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