Try a new take on dessert with this sweet marshmallow salad recipe!
Light, sweet, and creamy marshmallow salad has tangy pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, and coconut mixed in sour cream, and a generous portion of mini marshmallows!
Bring on the summer of simple salads with this retro-fave marshmallow fruit salad recipe!
Delicious Side Dish or Dessert
- Is it a side or a dessert? Marshmallow salad can be either and the options for mix-ins is limitless!
- Five ingredients, one bowl, and two steps are all it takes to whip up this make-ahead picnic and party favorite!
- Fun, fresh, and colorful marshmallow salad is easy enough for every day, but an elegant addition to any brunch, wedding, or baby shower!
Marshmallow Salad vs Ambrosia Salad
In the South, Ambrosia (AKA food of the Gods) salad is typically made during the holidays. Marshmallow salad, which is nearly identical to ambrosia salad, can be made any time of year, especially when fresh fruit is scarce. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that’s always a welcome crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients and Variations
Fruit: Canned pineapple, mandarin oranges, fruit cocktail, peaches, and pears all work. Fresh blueberries, strawberries, grapes (cut them in half to avoid a choking hazard), apples, and bananas are great, too!
Marshmallows: Add some marshmallow crème (AKA fluff) to the sour cream for an extra creamy salad. Choose white or pastel-colored mini marshmallows over large ones (but they can be cut into quarters if minis aren’t available.
Coconut: Sweetened or unsweetened flaked coconut should be toasted in a dry pan until the edges become golden as this will intensify their flavor. Not a fan of coconut? Use crushed-up pretzels or homemade granola instead.
Dressing: Sour cream offers light coverage with a little tang to complement the natural sugars in the fruit. One cup is a starting point, if you want your salad more or less creamy, simply adjust the sour cream. Feel free to fold in some vanilla Jell-O, cool whip, or even some cream cheese for a thicker texture.
Optional Add-Ins
Maraschino cherries, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds, currants, and even mini chocolate chips can be added to marshmallow salad! The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Marshmallow Salad
Easy marshmallow salad can be different every time you make it, even little chefs love to make and eat marshmallow salad!
- Drain canned fruit thoroughly and add to a large bowl with remaining ingredients, folding in the marshmallows last.
- Cover and chill overnight.
Storing Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Make marshmallow salad up to a day ahead and it will taste even better! Keep leftovers in a covered container for up to three days and stir before serving (add fresh ingredients, if desired). It’s not recommended to freeze marshmallow salad since it won’t thaw well at all. But it’s so easy to make, simply start fresh!
Salads Perfect For Entertaining!
Have you tried this Marshmallow Salad recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Marshmallow Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 13 ounces pineapple chunks drained (1 can)
- 11 ounces mandarin oranges drained (1 can)
- 1 cup shredded coconut or flaked
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mini marshmallows fruit flavored (or plain)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple chunks, oranges, coconut, and sour cream. Fold in marshmallows.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Marshmallow salad can be made up to a day ahead, and will taste even better!
- Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to three days.
- Do not freeze marshmallow salad.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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