If you’re searching for the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, 5 Cup Salad is here to delight. Each bite is a mix of tropical flavors, fluffy marshmallows, and smooth sour cream that comes together in a no-fuss, retro-style dessert. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like nostalgia and sunshine wrapped up in one dish.

 

 

This easy fruit salad recipe is one that is perfectly suited on the dinner table and at the dessert table. It’s fruity, creamy, and delicious.

This 5 cup salad recipe uses 5 different ingredients, and one cup of each of those ingredients.

When mixed together, you have a 5 cup fruit salad.

The best part is, all these ingredients are simple.

You probably have everything you need in your pantry or easily available wherever you shop (no specialty stores needed for this dish!).

And it’s so fast to put together. You mix. And then chill.

There are no complicated steps or tools needed.

It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Make it the day before and the flavors get better as it sits overnight.

The different between this and an ambrosia salad (food of the gods!) or Watergate salad is this recipe doesn’t use any cool whip.

But it’s not savory either.

The sour cream is balanced by the crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges, giving you a not too sweet salad with fresh fruit that everyone loves.

Whether you need a fun side dish for a group gathering or are just looking for a sweet fruit salad, this recipe for 5 cup fruit salad is fast, easy, and delicious.

It is sure to become a family favorite.

 

 

What is 5 Cup Salad?

5-Cup Salad is a classic recipe known for its simplicity and tropical flavors.

It’s a vintage recipe that everyone loves to eat and since it’s a dessert salad, it is accepted as part of the main course.

Made with just five ingredients and one cup of each ingredient, it combines fruit, coconut, marshmallows, and sour cream into a large bowl of creamy, fluffy goodness.

 

 

What Ingredients Are in 5 Cup Salad?

• Coconut Flakes: Adds texture and a tropical hint to every bite of this fruit salad recipe .
• Canned Mandarin Oranges: Provides a juicy citrusy burst.
• Sour Cream: The tangy sour cream balances out the sweetness of the pineapple chunks in this 5-cup fruit salad.
• Canned Pineapple Tidbits: Brings in sweetness and tropical flavor to this fruit salad sour cream.
• Miniature Marshmallows: Offers softness and sweetness for balance. Use colorful mini marshmallows for a fun, festive look.

Pro Tip: Drain mandarin oranges thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.

 

 

How to Make 5 Cup Salad:

1. Gather all ingredients and ensure the fruit is well-drained.
2. Add the prepared ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
3. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated in sour cream.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Before serving, give it a good stir.
6. Garnish with extra coconut or marshmallows if desired.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Pro Tips:

• Use a spatula to mix gently to avoid breaking up the fruit.
• Letting it sit overnight is key for the flavors to fully combine and soften the marshmallows.

 

 

How to Store 5 Cup Salad:

Store Sour Cream Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Keeping it chilled maintains its freshness and texture.

Can You Freeze 5 Cup Salad?

No, you should not freeze this salad as the texture of the fruit and sour cream may change upon thawing.

Freshly made or refrigerated is best.

Pro Tip: If you have more leftover creamy fruit salad than you can eat, freeze it in ice cube trays. You can toss the frozen sweet ingredients in your morning smoothies.

 

 

How Long Does 5 Cup Salad Last?

Fruit Salad can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Stir it each day to refresh the texture before serving.

Is 5 Cup Salad Healthy?

Fruit Salad with Sour Cream is more of a treat than a health food.

Its high sugar content from marshmallows and canned fruit makes it best enjoyed in moderation.

 

 

Is 5 Cup Salad Gluten Free?

Yes, this 5 cup salad recipe is naturally gluten free!

It is safe to feed your friends on a medically restrictive diet.

Is 5 Cup Salad Vegan?

No, this 5 cup salad recipe is not vegan since it uses sour cream and marshmallows.

Sour cream can be replaced with a vegan vanilla yogurt for a slightly different flavor and texture.

But you would need to make sure to purchase vegan marshmallows.

Most marshmallows use gelatin which is an animal fat product.

 

 

What to Serve with 5 Cup Salad:

This 5 cup salad dessert pairs wonderfully with light meals or barbecue favorites like grilled chicken or ribs.

It also complements savory dishes by balancing them with its sweet and tangy flavors.

Try some of these great dishes the next time you serve this dish:

• Slow Cooked Brisket in Oven
• Short Rib Gnocchi Recipe
  
• Pot Roast Grilled Cheese
  
• Steak Kabob Marinade
  
• Asian Shrimp Tacos

 

 

Additional Fruit Salads You’ll Love…

• Simple Frog Eye Salad Recipe
• Caramel Apple Salad Recipe
• Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
• Blueberry Pretzel Salad
• Old Fashioned Orange Fluff Recipe
• Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
• Strawberry Pretzel Salad
• Summer Fruit
• Cranberry Fluff
• Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

Whether you are looking for a great recipe with creamy texture or a yummy fruit salad you can make when everything is out of season, this 5 cup salad is fast, easy, and delicious.

And the best part is you make it the night before so there is nothing you have to do the next day but eat it.

 

 

Sharing is caring!