If you are looking for a delightful treat that feels like a party in every bite, the Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant, creamy salad combines the light sweetness of whipped cream and marshmallows with the juicy freshness of mixed fruits, creating a refreshing dish that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply brightening up a meal. Every spoonful delivers a wonderful balance of texture and flavor, making it a timeless classic that truly shines on any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe comes from simple, yet carefully selected ingredients that bring together sweetness, creaminess, and fruity freshness. Each item plays a unique role—whether it’s the fluffiness of the whipped cream or the burst of citrus from canned mandarin oranges—making this salad both satisfying and visually appealing.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: The base for light, airy texture to carry the flavors.
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar: Adds delicate sweetness without graininess.
- ¼ cup sour cream: A touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- 10 oz. mini marshmallows: Brings chewy, sugary fun to every bite.
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained: Bursts of juicy citrus add brightness.
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries: Adds color and fresh berry sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple: Offers tropical zing and texture.
- 1 cup green grapes, halved: Adds a pop of fresh, juicy crispness.
- â…“ cup maraschino cherries, halved: Sweet and slightly tart gems for garnish and flavor.
- â…“ cup chopped pecans: Crunchy, nutty contrast that elevates overall texture.
How to Make Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by whipping your heavy cream with powdered sugar using a hand mixer until soft to medium peaks form. This step gives your salad the luscious, fluffy foundation it needs, making it wonderfully light. Then, gently fold in the sour cream to bring a subtle tanginess that brightens the dish without overpowering its sweetness. Remember to fold carefully and not over-mix, or you’ll lose that airy texture.
Step 2: Fold in the Goodies
Now, the fun part: folding in all the colorful fruits, mini marshmallows, and pecans. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor and texture—juicy mandarin orange segments, tart strawberries, tropical pineapple, crisp grapes, and the surprise pops of maraschino cherries. The mini marshmallows add that iconic chewiness we all love, while chopped pecans bring the perfect crunch to the mix. Folding gently keeps everything intact and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Final Touches
Once everything is combined beautifully, spoon your Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe into your favorite serving dish. To make it extra welcoming, top with a few extra maraschino cherries and pecans for color and texture contrast. This finishing touch not only makes the salad look irresistible but also teases the flavors coming your way.
How to Serve Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few brightly colored maraschino cherries and a sprinkle of chopped pecans as garnish instantly makes the salad pop. If you want to get fancy, add a mint leaf or two for a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness. These small details turn your Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe into an inviting centerpiece everyone will reach for.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with lighter main dishes like grilled chicken, turkey, or even a fresh green salad. It acts as a delightful, cool counterpoint to savory and savory-spiced foods, making your meal feel complete and well-balanced. It’s also a fantastic side for summer BBQs or festive holiday dinners, where a little sweetness is always welcome.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving individual portions in clear glass cups or elegant parfait glasses—this showcases the beautiful colors and layers. For a fun twist, stuff hollowed-out melon halves or pineapple rings with the salad. It’s playful and instantly eye-catching, perfect when you want your dish to be a conversation starter along with a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping it cold is crucial as it preserves the creaminess and freshness of the fruits. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute any separated juices or cream.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe because the texture of the whipped cream and marshmallows changes upon thawing, potentially becoming watery or mushy. The fresh fruits also lose their crispness, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
This Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t applicable. If you want to serve it in advance, just take it out of the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly for maximum flavor and softness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh in the Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe?
While fresh fruit is ideal for texture and taste, if you choose frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra water making the salad soggy. The salad will still taste delicious, but the texture might be slightly softer.
Is there a substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream to maintain a similar tang and creamy consistency. It’s a great alternative for those looking for a lighter option without compromising flavor.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
The Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe is best prepared the same day or the night before. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully without the marshmallows losing their signature chewiness or the fruits turning mushy.
Can I customize the fruits in the salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal fruits like blueberries, kiwi, or apples to suit your taste or what’s available. Just remember to adjust quantities so the texture balance stays inviting.
What’s the best way to serve this salad for a crowd?
For a crowd, consider making the salad in a large, beautiful bowl and offer garnishes on the side so guests can customize their portions. Serving it chilled with colorful utensils adds to the festive vibe and makes it easy for everyone to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe, it will quickly become a cherished favorite at your table. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and fresh with a fantastic pop of texture from marshmallows and pecans. Whether it’s for a sunny weekend brunch or a holiday feast, this salad makes every occasion a bit more special and joyful. Go ahead and make some today—you won’t regret the smiles it brings!
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Marshmallow Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Marshmallow Salad is a delightful and colorful fruit and marshmallow dessert salad perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any festive occasion. It combines fluffy whipped cream, tart sour cream, sweet mini marshmallows, and a medley of fresh and canned fruits, all topped with crunchy pecans and maraschino cherries for texture and flavor contrast.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (227g)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (14g)
- ¼ cup sour cream (57g)
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 10 oz. mini marshmallows (283g, 1 bag)
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained (268g)
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries (170g)
- 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple (170g)
- 1 cup green grapes, halved (150g)
- â…“ cup maraschino cherries, halved (57g)
- â…“ cup chopped pecans (38g)
Instructions
- Whip the Cream and Sugar: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until soft to medium peaks form. This creates a light and fluffy base for the salad.
- Fold in Sour Cream: Gently fold the sour cream into the whipped cream mixture without over-mixing. Over-mixing can cause the whipped cream to deflate, losing its volume and texture.
- Add Fruit and Marshmallows: Carefully fold in the mini marshmallows, drained mandarin oranges, diced strawberries, chopped pineapple, halved grapes, halved maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans. Fold gently to keep the mixture airy and well combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the salad into your serving dish. Top with additional maraschino cherries and pecans as garnish to add an attractive finishing touch and extra crunch.
Notes
- Use fresh fruits for the best flavor and texture.
- Drain canned fruits well to avoid excess liquid in the salad.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding.
- Prepare the salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Gently fold ingredients to maintain the fluffy texture of the whipped cream base.
- This salad is best served chilled.
