5 Cup Salad (Easy Recipe)

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Sometimes, comfort comes in the simplest forms. Let me introduce you to the 5 Cup Salad—a creamy, tangy, and delightfully nostalgic fruit salad that’s charmed potlucks and family gatherings for generations. Also known as Ambrosia Salad or 24-Hour Salad, this dish thrives on minimal effort and classic ingredients. With vibrant fruit, pillowy marshmallows, and a gentle tang from sour cream, this luscious treat strikes a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What Makes 5 Cup Salad Special

5 Cup Salad is more than a recipe; it’s a celebration of simplicity and tradition. The name comes from its basic formula: one cup each of five key ingredients. Each bite combines soft, sweet mini marshmallows, juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy coconut, tropical pineapple, and rich sour cream. No complex steps, no obscure flavors—just timeless comfort.

There’s little room for error, making 5 Cup Salad ideal for anyone seeking an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert or side. You can enjoy it at holiday feasts or serve it as a sweet afternoon snack. Best of all, its creamy base naturally carries all the juicy add-ins, so every spoonful captures a bit of everything.

Ingredients for 5 Cup Salad

All you need are five ingredients, measured in equal parts. For a classic bowl that serves 6-8, gather the following:

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
  (white offers classic appeal, but colored work for a festive twist)
• 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained well
  (segments hold their shape best)
• 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, drained
  (try tidbits for chunkier texture)
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  (unsweetened is okay if you prefer less sugar)
• 1 cup sour cream
  (yogurt or whipped topping are easy substitutes)

Ingredient Table

How to Prepare 5 Cup Salad

This salad emerges from a single bowl and just a few steps. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by draining both the mandarin oranges and the pineapple extremely well. Set them aside in a colander or sieve for at least 15–20 minutes to release excess moisture; this keeps your salad creamy, not watery.

Next, take a large mixing bowl and add the mini marshmallows, coconut, drained pineapple, and sour cream. Carefully mix with a spatula or large spoon. Stir until everything looks evenly coated. The coconut and marshmallows should mingle freely with the creamy dressing.

Step 2: Fold in Mandarin Oranges

Because mandarin orange segments are fragile, fold them in last, using gentle, upward scoops. Avoid breaking the fruit or overmixing. You want the segments intact for color and a juicy bite in every spoonful.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid. Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 4–5 hours. Overnight chilling brings out the best texture and flavor, as the marshmallows soften and the flavors meld.

When ready, give the salad a gentle stir. Spoon into serving dishes or a larger family-style bowl. For a retro touch, garnish with maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Customizing Your 5 Cup Salad

While the original holds plenty of charm, you can switch things up to suit tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to make this salad your own:

Fruit Alternatives

• Fruit Cocktail: Substitute in one cup canned fruit cocktail for a medley of peaches, pears, cherries, grapes, and pineapple.
• Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, halved grapes, or apple chunks add fresh flavor and color.
• Cherries: Add maraschino cherries just before serving to prevent streaking the salad pink.

Creaminess Options

• Lighter Version: Substitute all or part of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for extra protein and tang.
• Sweeter Version: Swap sour cream for whipped topping or blend with cream cheese and a splash of vanilla.
• Richer Touch: Stir in a few tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk for a silkier base.

Extra Texture and Flavor

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch. If serving guests, mention nuts to accommodate any allergies.
• Spice: A dash of nutmeg or cinnamon adds a subtle, warm flavor.
• Color: Top with pomegranate seeds, blueberries, or a handful of halved red grapes before serving.

Tips for Success

Crafting the perfect 5 Cup Salad isn’t complex, but these reminders can make all the difference:

• Drain Thoroughly: Fruit packed in juice or syrup brings extra liquid. Extra moisture will thin the dressing, so never skip draining.
• Gentle Mixing: Use a soft hand when folding. This preserves the shape of fruits and maintains a pleasant, chunky texture.
• Chill Time: Don’t rush—refrigerate for a minimum of four hours, ideally overnight. Letting the salad sit helps flavors blend and the marshmallows soften for classic texture.
• Portion Control: Use measuring cups for accuracy; extra fruit adds water, and too many marshmallows turn it gummy.

Serving and Presentation

5 Cup Salad feels most at home atop a buffet table or picnic spread. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Family Gatherings

Present the salad in a clear glass bowl. The colors and textures layer beautifully and invite curiosity. A sprinkle of coconut or a scatter of cherries finishes the look.

Individual Servings

Spoon into parfait glasses for parties. Layering the salad with extra fruit or a touch of granola gives it a modern, elegant touch.

Holiday Occasions

Include 5 Cup Salad next to heartier mains. It offers a cool, sweet counterpoint to savory roast meats or spicy barbecue.

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll last up to three days. Stir before serving to reincorporate any separated dressing. For best texture and flavor, avoid freezing; thawed salad becomes watery and loses its creamy appeal.

If you decide to store individual portions, consider adding delicate add-ins—like extra fruit or nuts—just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

5 Cup Salad: A Nostalgic Favorite

With its unpretentious charm, 5 Cup Salad continues to win hearts at potlucks, family reunions, and cozy weeknight dinners. Its mix of soft, juicy, and creamy defines classic comfort food, yet its bold colors and flavors never fail to brighten the table.

Whether you make it exactly as written or take liberties with extra fruit and toppings, you’ll find the 5 Cup Salad becomes an easy staple in your kitchen. Discover the satisfaction of a recipe that’s stood the test of time—one scoop at a time.