This 5 Cup Salad is a sweet and creamy fruit salad made with marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, and sour cream. It’s an easy, no-cook dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you need a refreshing side dish or a light dessert. The combination of fruity sweetness with a creamy texture makes it irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this 5 Cup Salad for its simplicity and the way it brings a burst of sweetness to any meal. The marshmallows add a fun, chewy texture, while the sour cream provides a creamy richness that ties everything together. The pineapple and mandarin oranges give it that perfect fruity tang, and the shredded coconut adds a tropical twist. It’s so quick to make and the flavors meld beautifully after a short chill in the fridge, making it an easy go-to for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup sour cream
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and shredded coconut.
Then, I add the sour cream to the fruit and marshmallow mixture. I gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the sour cream.
After mixing, I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the texture.
When ready, I serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish or dessert. The creamy texture and sweet, fruity flavors make it a perfect treat!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Storage/Reheating
I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep it chilled! There’s no need for reheating since it’s best served cold.
FAQs
How long can I store 5 Cup Salad in the fridge?
I recommend storing it for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. After that, the fruits may begin to lose their freshness.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned mandarin oranges and pineapple?
Yes, I can definitely use fresh fruit! Just make sure to drain any excess juice to avoid watering down the salad.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Absolutely! If I want to get creative, I can add other fruits like grapes, strawberries, or even bananas for a twist.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! I can use a dairy-free sour cream or a non-dairy yogurt substitute to make this salad dairy-free.
Can I make this salad in advance for a party?
Definitely! I like to make this salad ahead of time to let the flavors meld together. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Conclusion
This 5 Cup Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors that come together in a snap. I love how easy it is to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Whether served as a refreshing side dish or a simple dessert, it’s sure to be a hit!
📖 Recipe:
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5 Cup Salad
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 5 Cup Salad is a sweet and creamy fruit salad made with marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, and sour cream. It’s an easy, no-cook recipe perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and creamy texture.
Ingredients
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and shredded coconut.
- Add the sour cream to the mixture and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
You can use fresh fruit (like mandarins or pineapple) instead of canned for a fresher taste, just be sure to drain any excess juice.
Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits such as grapes, strawberries, or bananas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Dessert
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 200 kcal
