The Sweet & Zingy 5 Cup Salad Recipe Everyone Loves

Mixing up a delightful 5 cup salad promises pure culinary joy for anyone seeking a simple yet remarkable dessert.

Sweet memories of potlucks and gatherings dance through this classic recipe.

Marshmallows, pineapple, and coconut create a magical combination that feels like a party in a bowl.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with fruity hints, making every spoonful a celebration.

Minimal ingredients and zero complicated techniques mean you can whip this treat together in minutes.

Some desserts require skill, but this one welcomes even kitchen novices with open arms.

Grab a spoon and prepare for a delectable adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Variations to Try with 5 Cup Salad

• Tropical Paradise Remix: Swap maraschino cherries with fresh passion fruit and add toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant island-inspired version.
• Nutty Crunch Delight: Incorporate chopped pecans or sliced almonds to introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone to the classic recipe.
• Berry Bliss Blend: Replace mandarin oranges with mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a tangy and colorful spin.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or drizzle dark chocolate sauce over the salad for an indulgent dessert-like experience.

Pairings to Serve with 5 Cup Salad

• Tropical Fruit Fizz Pairing: Complement the sweet and tangy 5 Cup Salad with a chilled coconut sparkling water or a light passion fruit mocktail that echoes the fruity notes.
• Creamy Contrast Companion: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness of the sour cream and provides a refreshing counterpoint.
• Dessert Harmony Match: Pair with a light vanilla pound cake or coconut shortbread cookies that mirror the sweet, creamy texture of the salad without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
• Brunch Beverage Boost: Serve alongside a mimosa or a gentle orange juice spritzer that amplifies the citrusy mandarin and pineapple elements in the dish.

Keeping 5 Cup Salad Crisp and Fresh

Store the 5 Cup Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it tightly sealed to prevent absorbing other food odors.

Not recommended due to the creamy texture and soft fruits, which may become watery and lose their original consistency when thawed.

Gently stir the salad before serving to redistribute the sour cream and prevent liquid separation.

If the salad seems slightly dry after refrigeration, add a small dollop of fresh sour cream and mix lightly to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in 5 Cup Salad?

The key ingredients are mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, and sour cream.

• Is this recipe considered a dessert or a side dish?

It’s typically served as a sweet side dish or a light dessert, popular at potlucks and family gatherings.

• How long can I keep 5 Cup Salad in the refrigerator?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

• Can I make substitutions in the recipe?

You can swap sour cream with whipped cream or use coconut cream for a different flavor profile, and you can adjust fruit quantities based on preference.

Classic 5 Cup Salad to Brighten Any Table

• Blast Flavor Combinations: Dive into a tropical party of sweet mandarin oranges, tangy pineapple, and playful maraschino cherries that dance together in every single bite.
• Super Simple Prep: Mix ingredients in one bowl with zero complicated techniques, making this recipe perfect for beginner cooks or anyone wanting a quick dessert without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Attract smiles from kids and adults alike with its colorful appearance and creamy texture that feels like a delightful treat at potlucks, family gatherings, or summer parties.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic

Ingredients for Refreshing 5 Cup Salad

• Mandarin Oranges: Sweet citrus segments that add bright, tangy flavor to the salad.
• Pineapple Tidbits: Juicy tropical fruit pieces that provide a refreshing and sweet element.
• Maraschino Cherries: Vibrant red cherries that contribute a sweet and slightly tart taste.

• Mini Marshmallows: Soft, fluffy white bites that create a unique texture and sweetness.

• Sour Cream: Creamy dairy ingredient that coats and binds all the other ingredients together, adding a rich and smooth consistency.

How to Toss the Perfect 5 Cup Salad

Step 1: Prep The Colorful Fruit Mix

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in the vibrant mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple tidbits, and bright maraschino cherries. Each fruit brings a pop of color and delightful flavor to your salad.

Step 2: Add Fluffy Marshmallow Clouds

Sprinkle in the mini marshmallows, creating little white puffy clouds throughout the fruity mixture. Gently stir the ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of these soft, sweet morsels.

Step 3: Create Creamy Harmony

Pour in the tangy sour cream and carefully fold it through the fruit and marshmallow blend. Make sure every single piece gets a smooth, creamy coating that will bind all the ingredients together beautifully.

Step 4: Chill And Let Flavors Dance

Cover your bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and slide it into the refrigerator. Let the salad rest and mingle for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify.

Step 5: Serve And Savor

Pull out the chilled salad from the refrigerator and serve in pretty dessert bowls. Each spoonful promises a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy goodness that will make taste buds smile.

Tips for Crunchy and Flavorful Salad

• Pat the mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries completely dry to prevent excess liquid from making the salad watery.
• Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and create a refreshing, cool dessert.
• Use soft, fresh mini marshmallows for the best texture and to ensure they blend smoothly with other ingredients.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the classic 5 Cup Salad.
• Keep the salad covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and freshness.

5 Cup Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Five-cup salad brings tropical sweetness to summer potlucks with its classic blend of pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, sour cream, and coconut. Cool creamy textures and fruity flavors make you crave another spoonful of this retro dessert salad.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and drained

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup sour cream

Sweet Add-ins:

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

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Instructions

1. Drain mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
2. Transfer the drained fruits into a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Introduce mini marshmallows into the fruit mixture, carefully folding to maintain the delicate texture of the marshmallows.
4. Incorporate sour cream, gently stirring to create a smooth, creamy coating that envelops each ingredient.
5. Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 60-90 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the creamy coating and ensure a consistent taste throughout.
7. Present the chilled salad in a decorative serving dish, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of marshmallows for visual appeal if desired.

Notes

• Drain fruits thoroughly to prevent watery salad and maintain ideal texture.
• Choose full-fat sour cream for richer, creamier consistency that binds ingredients smoothly.
• Customize by adding shredded coconut or chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
• Prepare salad up to 24 hours in advance for convenient entertaining and enhanced taste development.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 243 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 53 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 1.3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg