This Millionaire Peach Salad is like a burst of sunshine in a bowl, combining juicy peaches, tangy pineapple, and bright mandarin oranges into one irresistible creation. You’ll love how the fluffy mini marshmallows and sweetened coconut weave in a playful chewiness, while a creamy blend of sour cream and instant vanilla pudding adds just the right touch of indulgence. It’s a nostalgic nod to classic dessert salads, but with a tropical twist that makes each bite feel like a mini-vacation. Whether you’re whipping this up for a potluck picnic, a family barbecue, or simply craving something light and fruity, this salad fits the bill perfectly.
As a home cook who’s always looking for quick, beginner-friendly recipes, I adore how this dish comes together in only 15 minutes of active prep time—no cooking required! After a brief 1-hour chill, the flavors meld into a harmony of sweet, tangy, and creamy notes that dance on your taste buds. Perfect as a dessert or a fun appetizer, it sits comfortably in both roles, and at about 250 calories per serving (based on 8 servings), it’s a treat that feels generous without going overboard. Brighten up your table, delight your friends and family, and let this salad become your new go-to for effortless entertaining.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN MILLIONAIRE PEACH SALAD
Before diving into the mixing bowl, let’s talk about the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient brings its own personality, texture, and flavor to the party, creating that signature balance of fruity sweetness and creamy richness. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Sliced peaches
These tender, juicy slices lend a familiar sweetness and a beautiful golden hue, setting the tropical tone. Drained and chopped, they form the fruity base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Crushed pineapple
With its bright acidity and juicy bits, crushed pineapple cuts through the richness and adds a pop of citrusy freshness. Its finely crushed texture ensures it blends seamlessly.
- Mandarin oranges
Each sweet, juicy segment brings a burst of sunshine and vibrant color. These little orbs add a zingy contrast and keep every forkful feeling lively and fun.
- Mini marshmallows
The fluffy, pillowy bits introduce a playful sweetness and a soft chew, reminiscent of classic fruit salads. They help lighten the overall texture.
- Sweetened flaked coconut
This tropical garnish adds subtle crunch and a whisper of coconut flavor that elevates the salad’s island vibes.
- Sour cream
Creamy with a mild tang, sour cream helps balance the sweetness of the fruits and marshmallows. It provides body and richness to the salad.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Toasted for extra flavor, these nuts contribute a nutty crunch and a hint of earthiness. They’re optional but highly recommended for texture contrast.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
Acting as the secret binder, this mix thickens the salad and infuses it with sweet vanilla notes, ensuring a luscious, spoonable consistency.
- Whipped topping
Light and airy, whipped topping ties everything together into a dreamy, creamy blend. It helps keep the salad feeling fresh and cloud-like.
HOW TO MAKE MILLIONAIRE PEACH SALAD
This recipe is all about gentle, straightforward assembly—no fancy cooking techniques required! You’ll simply fold, stir, and chill your way to a delightful, creamy fruit salad that’s bursting with flavor.
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained peaches, crushed pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Gently fold the fruits together using a spatula to avoid breaking up the delicate pieces, ensuring an even fruit distribution.
2. Add the mini marshmallows, sweetened flaked coconut, and chopped nuts (if using) to the fruit mixture. Stir with care until every morsel is coated in fruit and coconut, creating a balanced texture.
3. Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the fruit and coconut blend. Stir gently until the pudding mix is fully incorporated and begins to thicken the mixture.
4. Fold in the whipped topping and sour cream until the mixture is creamy and smooth, with no streaks of white or fruit juices remaining. The consistency should be light yet sumptuous.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the flavors to meld, the pudding to set, and the salad to chill thoroughly.
6. Serve as a refreshing dessert or playful side dish. Scoop into bowls or ramekins and savor every vibrant, creamy bite of your delightful Millionaire Peach Salad!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MILLIONAIRE PEACH SALAD
When it comes to serving this salad, the possibilities are as bright and varied as the fruit itself. Whether you’re dishing it out at a barbecue, a holiday feast, or an intimate dinner with friends, these ideas will help you present it in style and make each serving feel extra special.
- Serve in individual glass bowls topped with fresh peach slices and a sprinkle of toasted coconut to highlight the tropical theme and create an elegant, layered look.
- Pair with chilled glasses of iced tea or homemade lemonade for a refreshing contrast—the cool, crisp drinks complement the creamy sweetness beautifully.
- Offer alongside grilled meats or light sandwiches at a summer cookout; the fruity salad acts as a vibrant, palate-cleansing side that balances savory dishes.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch, perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, or celebratory brunches.
HOW TO STORE MILLIONAIRE PEACH SALAD
Storing this salad properly ensures that its delightful texture and flavors last as long as possible. Whether you’re prepping a day ahead or looking to enjoy leftovers, these tips will help maintain that creamy, fruity bliss.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to seal it well to prevent the salad from absorbing other odors and to keep its texture fresh.
- Keep a little separation between the salad and any fresh garnishes (like mint or extra coconut) in a separate container to avoid premature moisture and sogginess.
- If you’d like to prep parts in advance, consider storing the fruit mixture, whipped topping, and nuts in individual containers and assemble them just before serving. This helps preserve the marshmallow and coconut texture.
- For longer storage, you can place the fully mixed salad in a freezer-safe container, though note that the texture may become slightly softer upon thawing. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
CONCLUSION
This Millionaire Peach Salad has everything you’re looking for in a show-stopping, beginner-friendly recipe: vibrant fruit, a creamy vanilla pudding base, playful marshmallows, and that delightful crunch of coconut and nuts. You’ve learned how simple it is to assemble—just a few minutes of folding and stirring, followed by a restful chill—and how versatile it can be as both a dessert and a side dish. With only 15 minutes of prep, zero cooking time, and just an hour of rest time, it’s the perfect make-ahead treat for potlucks, family gatherings, or a sunny weekend lunch.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later; tuck it into your recipe binder or pin it to the fridge so you can revisit it whenever you need a breezy, tropical pick-me-up. You’ll find a FAQ section below if you have any questions about substitutions, storage, or flavor variations. And of course, I’d love to hear from you—leave your comments, questions, or feedback after you try the recipe. Happy mixing, chilling, and indulging!
Millionaire Peach Salad
Description
This Millionaire Peach Salad combines sweet peaches, pineapple, and oranges with fluffy marshmallows and creamy sour cream for a delightful, tropical experience in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained peaches, crushed pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Gently fold together to avoid breaking the fruit.
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Add the mini marshmallows, sweetened flaked coconut, and chopped nuts (if using) to the fruit mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
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Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the fruit and stir gently until the mix is fully incorporated into the fruits.
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Fold in the whipped topping and sour cream until the mixture is creamy and all ingredients are well combined.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
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Serve as a refreshing dessert or side dish. Enjoy your delightful Millionaire Peach Salad!
Note
- This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, enhancing its flavor.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts for a different nutty taste if desired.
- Experiment with adding other fruits like grapes or strawberries for variation.
- For a lighter version, use sugar-free pudding mix and light whipped topping.
- Ensure fruits are well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming too liquidy.
