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I cannot make a bowl of this 5-cup salad without thinking about my grandma standing at the kitchen counter, gently folding everything together in her big glass mixing bowl. She never measured with any fancy tools, just five simple ingredients, fruit, mini marshmallows, and a creamy base, and somehow it always came out perfect. This classic dessert salad showed up at every holiday and still does.

Glass dish of 5 cup salad with marshmallows, cherries, and fruit.

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I still make it the same way she did because it is quick, easy, and full of that old-fashioned flavor I grew up loving. The pineapple and mandarin oranges add bright, juicy sweetness; the marshmallows soften into chewy bites as they chill; and the creamy base ties it all together in the very best way. Every spoonful feels like sneaking dessert beofre dinner, and honestly, that is just part of the charm. It is simple, nostalgic, and proof that sometimes the easiest recipes are the ones that stick with you the longest.

5 Cup Salad Is the Easiest No Bake Classic for Holidays and Potlucks

Just five simple ingredients. You probably have everything you need already, which means no extra grocery trip and no complicated prep.

Ready in minutes. Stir it together in one bowl and let it chill. No oven, no stovetop, and barely any cleanup.

Creamy with a light, refreshing finish. It’s sweet without feeling heavy, so it balances out richer holiday dishes perfectly.

Perfect for parties and potlucks. This old fashioned favorite always disappears fast at picnics, family gatherings, and holiday tables.

Totally beginner friendly. If you can measure and mix, you can make this. It turns out right every single time.

Full of nostalgic flavor. That fluffy, fruity combination brings back the kind of cozy memories everyone talks about after the first bite.

If you can’t get enough of sweet, creamy fruit salads with a fun nostalgic twist, be sure to check out my Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad and Fruit Salad.

Key Ingredients

5 cup salad ingredients.

Let’s go over the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. You’ll find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

  • Sour cream: Creates the creamy base. You can swap in plain Greek yogurt, vanilla Greek yogurt, or even whipped topping if you prefer a sweeter version.
  • Pineapple chunks: Add juicy sweetness and a bit of texture. Pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple work just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Mandarin oranges: Canned mandarin oranges hold their shape best. You can use canned orange segments or well drained fresh oranges in a pinch.
  • Maraschino cherries: Bring bright color and extra sweetness. Sweetened coconut flakes make a great substitute if you want more of a classic ambrosia style salad.
  • Miniature marshmallows: Give the salad its soft, pillowy texture. Multicolored miniature marshmallows are a fun option for extra color.

Recipe Variations

Add some crunch: Toss in chopped pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for extra texture.

Classic twist: Stir in shredded sweetened coconut for a more traditional fruit salad feel.

More fruit: Add grapes or chopped apples to give the salad extra variety, especially when serving a crowd.

Extra creamy: Fold in a little whipped topping to make the salad softer and fluffier.

Spoonful of 5 cup salad over a glass dish with fruit and marshmallows.

How to Make 5 Cup Salad

  1. Mix the base: Add the sour cream to a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy.
  2. Combine the ingredients: Gently fold in the pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, and miniature marshmallows until everything is just combined.
    add all ingredients into a bowl.
  3. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve cold for the best flavor and texture.
    mix all ingredients in the bowl.