If you’re looking for a fruit salad that goes beyond ordinary and turns heads at every gathering, the “Better Than Ses Fruit Salad” might just become your go-to indulgence. Despite the bold name, this dish is all about sensational flavor and texture. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and loaded with fruits and nuts that provide the perfect balance of freshness and crunch. The creamy base ties everything together into a dessert that’s cool, satisfying, and irresistibly good. It’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, picnics, holidays, and family dinners — and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to be requested again and again!
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (do not drain)
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, drained
- 1 cup seedless grapes (red or green), halved
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ripe banana, sliced (add just before serving to avoid browning)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the crushed pineapple with all its juice. This will be the liquid base that blends the pudding mix beautifully.
- Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the pineapple and stir until the pudding begins to dissolve and thicken slightly. This creates a creamy, flavorful coating for the fruits.
- Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, drained fruit cocktail, halved grapes, strawberries, and maraschino cherries. Make sure the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the pudding base.
- Add the chopped pecans or walnuts if you enjoy a bit of crunch in your fruit salad. This is optional but adds a nice texture contrast.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows. They absorb some of the moisture and create a soft, chewy element that enhances the richness of the salad.
- In a separate bowl, combine the whipped topping and sour cream. Fold the two together until smooth, then gently add this mixture to the fruit and pudding bowl.
- Carefully mix everything together, ensuring the creamy mixture coats all the fruits without breaking them apart. Use a soft spatula to preserve the fruit’s shape.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld and the salad to set perfectly.
- Just before serving, gently fold in the sliced banana to avoid browning. This adds a soft, naturally sweet finish that completes the salad.
- Serve chilled in individual dessert bowls or a large serving dish. Garnish with extra cherries or a sprinkle of nuts on top if desired for a fancier presentation.