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Why This 5 Cup Fruit Salad Recipe Works

What You’ll Need for 5 Cup Fruit Salad

How to Make 5 Cup Fruit Salad

Serving and Storage Tips for 5 Cup Fruit Salad

Mistakes to Avoid while making 5 Cup Fruit Salad

Suggestions for 5 Cup Fruit Salad Variations

Conclusion

Easy 5 Cup Fruit Salad Recipe

Name: Easy 5 Cup Fruit Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mandarin orange slices, canned and drained; 1 cup pineapple chunks, canned and drained; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup mini marshmallows

Looking for a quick and delicious treat? This classic 5 cup fruit salad recipe is exactly what you need! A perfect blend of sweet and creamy, this traditional dish gets its name from the five key ingredients—each measured in exactly one cup. The beauty of this retro dessert lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet yet refreshing, this 5 cup fruit salad delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Super quick preparation—ready in just 5 minutes with no cooking required, perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need a quick dessert solution.
Budget-friendly recipe using simple pantry staples like canned fruit and marshmallows, making it economical while still delivering delicious results.
Versatile dish that works as both a side dish or dessert, fitting seamlessly into any meal from casual family dinners to holiday feasts.
Kid-friendly flavors with a fun texture combination that appeals to picky eaters while still satisfying adult palates with its nostalgic taste.
Make-ahead friendly recipe that actually tastes better after sitting in the refrigerator, saving you time on the day of serving while improving the flavor.

Why This 5 Cup Fruit Salad Recipe Works

The 5 cup fruit salad has stood the test of time for good reason. This beloved recipe, sometimes called “ambrosia salad,” strikes the perfect balance between convenience and deliciousness. The magic happens when the sour cream binds with the sweet ingredients, creating a luscious, creamy texture that coats every bite.

What makes this recipe truly special is how the flavors meld together over time. The marshmallows slightly absorb the moisture from the fruits and sour cream, becoming soft and pillowy. Meanwhile, the coconut adds a delightful chew and tropical flavor that complements the citrus and pineapple perfectly. The contrasting textures—from the tender fruit to the soft marshmallows and chewy coconut—create an interesting mouthfeel with every spoonful.

Unlike more complicated fruit salads that require extensive chopping or specialized ingredients, this 5 cup version relies on pantry staples that are affordable and readily available. The use of canned fruits means you can enjoy this treat year-round, regardless of what’s in season. For a recipe with such a simple preparation method, the result is surprisingly complex in flavor—sweet, tangy, creamy, and refreshing all at once.

If you’re looking for other simple but delicious recipes, check out this Ultimate Chicken Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite that pairs wonderfully with this fruit salad for a complete meal.

What You’ll Need for 5 Cup Fruit Salad

Ingredients

1 cup mandarin orange slices, canned and drained
1 cup pineapple chunks, canned and drained
1 cup sour cream
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup mini marshmallows

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in this balanced recipe. The mandarin oranges provide bright citrus notes and a tender texture. The pineapple chunks contribute tropical sweetness and a slightly firmer bite. Sour cream serves as the creamy binder that brings everything together while adding a subtle tanginess that prevents the salad from becoming overly sweet.

The sweetened shredded coconut introduces a chewy texture and distinctive flavor that elevates this from an ordinary fruit mix to something special. Finally, the mini marshmallows add a playful element with their pillowy softness and sweet vanilla flavor. Together, these five simple ingredients create a harmonious blend that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

For the best results, use quality canned fruits packed in juice rather than heavy syrup, which can make the final dish too sweet. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, though this will alter the classic flavor profile slightly.

Tools

Medium mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Can opener
Colander or strainer (for draining fruit)
Rubber spatula or large spoon
Airtight container (for storage)

The beauty of this 5 cup fruit salad recipe lies in its simplicity—you don’t need any specialized equipment. Most kitchens will already have these basic tools on hand, making this an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels.

How to Make 5 Cup Fruit Salad

Open the cans of mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks.
Thoroughly drain both fruits using a colander or strainer. For best results, allow them to sit in the strainer for a few minutes to ensure excess liquid is removed.
In a medium mixing bowl, gently add the drained mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks.
Add the sour cream to the bowl, being careful not to break up the fruit pieces.
Add the sweetened shredded coconut and mini marshmallows to the bowl.
Using a rubber spatula or large spoon, fold all ingredients together with a gentle touch until everything is evenly coated with sour cream.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

The entire preparation process takes just 5 minutes, making this 5 cup fruit salad one of the quickest desserts you can make. While it’s ready to eat immediately, the flavors develop and improve after chilling for at least an hour. If you have time, prepare it the day before serving for optimal taste and texture.

For a visual demonstration of a similar recipe, you might want to check out Grandma’s Five Cup Salad Recipe which shows the traditional preparation method in action.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

Drain your canned fruits thoroughly by letting them sit in a colander for 5-10 minutes—excess liquid will make your salad watery and dilute the creamy texture you’re aiming for.
For the best flavor development, make this salad at least 4 hours before serving, or ideally the night before—the extra time allows the marshmallows to soften and the flavors to fully meld together.
When mixing the ingredients, use a folding motion rather than stirring to preserve the integrity of the fruit pieces and prevent them from breaking apart and turning mushy.
If you’re taking this to a potluck or picnic, transport it in a chilled container or cooler to maintain food safety and optimal texture, as the sour cream base needs to stay cold.
For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions in small glass dishes or parfait glasses rather than one large bowl—this showcases the colorful ingredients and makes for a more sophisticated presentation.

Serving and Storage Tips for 5 Cup Fruit Salad

This versatile 5 cup fruit salad can be served in numerous ways depending on the occasion. For casual family meals, simply spoon it into a decorative bowl and let everyone help themselves. For more formal gatherings, consider individual servings in small glass dishes or parfait glasses topped with a sprinkle of additional coconut or a maraschino cherry for color.

The salad pairs beautifully with brunch dishes, complements holiday meals, and works as either a side dish or dessert. Its creamy sweetness makes it an excellent counterpoint to savory main courses, particularly ham, turkey, or 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta.

For storage, keep the 5 cup fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain optimal quality for up to 3 days. The texture may change slightly as the marshmallows continue to soften, but many people prefer this developed texture. Give it a gentle stir before serving if any liquid has separated.

This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the sour cream base and the delicate texture of the fruits, so plan to consume it within the recommended storage time for the best experience.

Serving Tips

Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
For a pretty presentation, serve in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients.
Add a sprig of fresh mint as a garnish for a pop of color and freshness.
For a dessert variation, serve over a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Include small serving spoons if offering as part of a buffet.

Mistakes to Avoid while making 5 Cup Fruit Salad

Despite its simplicity, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the quality of your 5 cup fruit salad. Avoid these mistakes to ensure perfect results every time:

Not draining the fruit properly is perhaps the most common error. Excess liquid from the canned fruit will make your salad watery and dilute the creamy texture. Take the time to thoroughly drain the fruit, even patting it dry with paper towels if necessary.

Another mistake is mixing too vigorously. The delicate mandarin orange segments can break apart easily, creating a mushy texture. Instead, use a gentle folding motion to combine the ingredients while preserving the integrity of the fruit pieces.

Serving immediately after preparation doesn’t allow the flavors to develop fully. While the salad is technically ready to eat right away, the taste improves significantly after the ingredients have had time to meld in the refrigerator.

Using fruit packed in heavy syrup rather than juice or light syrup can make the final dish cloyingly sweet. Look for fruit packed in juice or light syrup, or rinse the fruit briefly if heavy syrup is all you have available.

Finally, don’t substitute regular marshmallows for mini marshmallows without adjusting the preparation. Regular marshmallows are too large and won’t integrate properly with the other ingredients. If you only have regular marshmallows, cut them into quarters before adding them to the salad.

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You Must Know

This salad contains dairy in the form of sour cream, which means it shouldn’t sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to food safety concerns—always keep it refrigerated until shortly before serving and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly.
The traditional recipe isn’t suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies, but you can create an alternative version using coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream substitutes—just be aware that these will alter the classic flavor profile somewhat.
While the classic recipe calls for canned fruit, you can substitute fresh fruit if preferred, though this will change both the texture and sweetness level—if using fresh fruit, you may want to add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to compensate for the sweetness of canned fruit syrup.
This recipe contains approximately 250-300 calories per serving based on 6 servings from the recipe—the majority coming from the sour cream, coconut, and marshmallows, making it a relatively rich dessert that’s best enjoyed in moderation.

Suggestions for 5 Cup Fruit Salad Variations

While the classic 5 cup fruit salad is perfect as is, there are countless ways to customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some delicious variations to consider:

For a tropical twist, substitute the mandarin oranges with drained canned mango chunks or fresh mango pieces. You could also add a touch of lime zest to enhance the tropical flavors. Another option is to use crushed pineapple instead of chunks for a different texture throughout the salad.

If you prefer a tangier profile, try using half sour cream and half plain Greek yogurt as your creamy base. This adds protein while reducing fat content slightly. For a richer version, substitute the sour cream with cream cheese that has been softened and whisked until smooth.

Add some crunch by incorporating chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds. The textural contrast works wonderfully against the soft fruits and marshmallows. You could also try adding drained maraschino cherries for a pop of color and sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

For more inspiration, check out 5 Cup Salad Recipe and Sarah’s Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe which offer additional variations on this classic concept.

If you’re looking for a dessert to serve after this lighter fruit salad, consider this 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake Recipe for a delightful contrast.

FAQs:

Can I make 5 cup fruit salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, 5 cup fruit salad benefits from being made ahead of time. Preparing it 4-24 hours before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the marshmallows to soften to the perfect consistency. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if any separation has occurred.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned for 5 cup fruit salad?

Yes, you can substitute fresh fruit, though it will change the flavor profile somewhat. If using fresh pineapple, make sure it’s fully ripe for sweetness. For mandarin segments, fresh clementines or tangerines work well if peeled and separated carefully. Remember that fresh fruit isn’t as sweet as fruit packed in syrup, so you might want to add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to compensate.

What can I substitute for sour cream in 5 cup fruit salad?

There are several alternatives you can use instead of sour cream. Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) works well for a tangier, higher-protein option. Whipped cream cheese provides a richer texture. For dairy-free versions, coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream alternatives can be used. Each substitute will alter the flavor profile slightly, but all will create a delicious creamy binding for the salad.

Why is my 5 cup fruit salad watery?

The most common reason for watery fruit salad is inadequately drained canned fruit. Make sure to drain the fruit thoroughly, allowing it to sit in a colander for 5-10 minutes, or even patting it dry with paper towels. Another cause could be making the salad too far in advance (more than 24 hours), as the fruits can release more liquid over time. If your salad becomes watery, you can drain off the excess liquid or stir in additional coconut to absorb some moisture.

How long does 5 cup fruit salad last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, 5 cup fruit salad will maintain good quality for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture may deteriorate as the marshmallows break down and the fruit softens too much. For food safety reasons, since this salad contains dairy in the form of sour cream, don’t consume it if it’s been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

This classic 5 cup fruit salad recipe proves that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most beloved. With just five ingredients, minimal preparation time, and no cooking required, you can create a versatile dish that works equally well as a side dish or dessert. The perfect balance of sweet fruit, creamy sour cream, tropical coconut, and pillowy marshmallows creates a nostalgic flavor that appeals to all ages.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a potluck contribution, this 5 cup fruit salad is sure to please. The make-ahead convenience factor makes it ideal for busy hosts, while its adaptability allows you to customize it to your preferences.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations suggested or create your own unique twist on this classic. No matter how you serve it, this fruit salad delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give this retro recipe a try, and it might just become a new family favorite in your household!

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