Fruit Salad with Marshmallows

Indulge in the perfect harmony of textures and flavors with our signature fruit salad featuring fluffy marshmallows. This delightful dish brings together nature's freshest produce with the comforting sweetness of marshmallows, creating a symphony of taste that's both nostalgic and sophisticated.

Whether you're planning a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply want to treat yourself to a healthy yet indulgent snack, this fruit salad with marshmallows is the ideal choice. It's quick to prepare, visually stunning, and guaranteed to become a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of fresh fruits and marshmallows creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
The marshmallows add a fun, playful element that makes this salad appealing to all ages.
Customizable with your favorite fruits, allowing you to showcase seasonal produce.
Serves as a versatile dish - enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even a side dish.

How to Make Fruit Salad with Marshmallows

Gather Your Ingredients

Start by selecting the freshest fruits available. Opt for a colorful variety to make your salad visually appealing and nutritionally balanced. You'll also need high-quality marshmallows - regular or mini work great depending on your preference.

Prepare the Fruits

Wash all fruits thoroughly. Remove any stems, seeds, or rinds as needed. Cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces. For softer fruits like berries, you can leave them whole or halve them depending on their size.

Combine the Fruits

In a large bowl, gently toss the prepared fruits together. Be careful not to crush delicate fruits like peaches or grapes. This step allows the flavors to mingle slightly before adding the marshmallows.

Add Marshmallows

Gently fold in the marshmallows. For a more cohesive salad, you can melt a small portion of the marshmallows and use them as a sticky binder, but this step is optional. The key is to distribute the marshmallows evenly throughout the salad.

Optional Enhancements

For added flavor, you can drizzle the salad with a light dressing made from honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. You can also sprinkle on some shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled in decorative bowls or glasses. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a few extra fruit slices for an eye-catching presentation.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
2 bananas, sliced
2 cups cubed pineapple
2 cups cubed watermelon
1 cup seedless grapes, halved
1 cup mini marshmallows (or regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces)
1/4 cup honey (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
A pinch of salt (optional)
Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Nutrition Information

Calories 180 kcal

Protein 2g

Carbohydrates 42g

Sugar 32g

Dietary Fiber 4g

Fat 1g

Vitamin C 85% DV

Vitamin A 10% DV

Calcium 4% DV

Iron 2% DV

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Visual Inspiration

Fruit salad with marshmallows in a glass bowl

Colorful Presentation

Arrange the fruit salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the fruits and marshmallows.

Fruit salad with marshmallows served in individual glasses

Individual Servings

Serve the fruit salad in individual glasses for a more elegant and portion-controlled presentation.

Tips & Variations

Expert Tips

For a creamier texture, fold in a small amount of whipped cream or Greek yogurt before adding the marshmallows.
To prevent the bananas from browning, toss them in a little lemon or lime juice before adding them to the salad.
Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor and to keep costs down.
For a festive touch, add edible flowers or sprinkles on top of the salad.

Variations

Chocolate Lover's Version: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the salad or add chocolate chips along with the marshmallows.
Tropical Twist: Add diced mango, papaya, or kiwi for a tropical flavor profile.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and protein.
Citrus Burst: Add segments of orange, tangerine, or grapefruit for a tangy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fruit salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the marshmallows may start to soften and lose their texture after a few hours. If you're making the salad ahead of time, it's best to add the marshmallows just before serving.

Absolutely! Mini marshmallows are a popular choice because they distribute easily throughout the salad, but you can use regular-sized marshmallows if that's what you have on hand. You can also get creative with flavored marshmallows, such as strawberry or chocolate, to add an extra layer of flavor.

Marshmallows pair well with a variety of fruits. Some great options include berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, kiwi), melons (watermelon, cantaloupe), and citrus fruits (oranges, grapes). You can also add bananas, apples, or peaches, but make sure to treat them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Yes! This fruit salad with marshmallows is a hit with kids of all ages. The colorful fruits and sweet marshmallows make it an appealing and fun dish for children. You can even involve them in the preparation process, such as washing the fruits or arranging them in a bowl. It's a great way to encourage them to eat more fruits!

Yes, you can make this salad vegan by using vegan marshmallows, which are typically made without gelatin. You can find many brands of vegan marshmallows at health food stores or online. Additionally, make sure any honey or other ingredients you use are also vegan-friendly.