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Pink Fruit Salad

This gloriously pink, sweet-as-sin “salad” is basically dessert in disguise—and we’re all too happy to play along. With whipped topping, juicy fruit, coconut, marshmallows, and just enough cherry juice to turn it Barbie-core, it’s the ultimate retro treat that your grandma probably served with pride.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert, Salad
Servings 12

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula or large spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Plastic wrap or airtight container

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Cool Whip one 8 oz tub
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice optional, for the pink color
  • 10 ounces maraschino cherries drained and halved
  • 1 cup seedless grapes halved
  • 11 ounces canned mandarin oranges drained
  • 20 ounces canned pineapple chunks drained
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Make the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the Cool Whip and sour cream until fully combined. Add the maraschino cherry juice if you want the classic pastel pink color.
    3 cups Cool Whip, ½ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
  • Prep the Fruit: Cut the grapes and maraschino cherries in half. Make sure to drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly so the salad doesn’t get watery.
    10 ounces maraschino cherries
  • Mix It All Together: Add the halved cherries and grapes, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, coconut, marshmallows, and chopped pecans to the creamy base. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
    1 cup seedless grapes, 11 ounces canned mandarin oranges, 20 ounces canned pineapple chunks, 2 cups mini marshmallows, ¾ cup chopped pecans, 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend and the marshmallows soften.
  • Serve It Up: Give it a quick stir before serving. If you're trying to impress guests (or just yourself), top it with a few extra cherries or a mint sprig. Either way, it'll vanish fast.