The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Fresh
Marshmallow fruit salad is a classic dish that brings together the creamy sweetness of marshmallows with the vibrant flavors of fresh seasonal fruits. This colorful and refreshing salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and summer picnics.
What makes this salad so special? The secret lies in the combination of textures and flavors. The soft, pillowy marshmallows contrast perfectly with the crisp, juicy fruits, while the creamy dressing ties everything together into a harmonious whole.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Chill Time
2-4 hours
Servings
6-8 people
Ingredients You'll Need
Fruits
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
Marshmallows & Dressing
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until well combined. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the dressing is light and fluffy.
Add Marshmallows
Gently fold the mini marshmallows into the cream cheese mixture. The marshmallows will soften slightly as they sit, creating a creamy, sweet element to the salad.
Mix in the Fruits
Add the fresh strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, mandarin oranges, and sliced banana to the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold everything together until the fruits are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix and bruise the fruits.
Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to absorb some of the dressing. Before serving, you can garnish with shredded coconut or chopped nuts if desired.
Tips & Variations
Expert Tips
- For best results, use fresh, ripe fruits. Avoid using overly ripe fruits as they may become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Add the banana just before serving to prevent it from turning brown. If you need to prepare the salad ahead, you can toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice to help preserve their color.
- Use mini marshmallows for easier mixing and a more uniform texture. If you only have large marshmallows, you can cut them into smaller pieces.
- For a healthier version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, or even substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
Variations
- Tropical Twist: Add diced mango, kiwi, or papaya for a tropical flavor. You can also add a splash of coconut milk to the dressing.
- Chocolate Lover's Edition: Stir in some mini chocolate chips or crushed chocolate cookies for a decadent twist. You can also add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the dressing.
- Citrus Sensation: Use oranges, grapefruit, and lime zest for a bright, citrusy flavor. You can also add a little lime or orange juice to the dressing.
- Holiday Theme: For a festive touch, add pomegranate seeds, cranberries, or candied fruit during holiday seasons.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information is approximate and based on the ingredients used in the recipe. The values may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities you use.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/6 of recipe) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 310 | 15% |
| Total Fat | 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 110mg | 5% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugars | 28g | * |
| Protein | 4g | 7% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it's best to add the bananas and any fresh berries (like strawberries or raspberries) just before serving, as they can become mushy when stored for too long. If you need to prepare everything ahead, you can keep the bananas and berries separate and add them right before serving.
Mini marshmallows work best for this recipe because they distribute more evenly throughout the salad and soften nicely in the dressing. However, if you only have regular-sized marshmallows, you can cut them into smaller pieces. You can also experiment with flavored marshmallows, such as vanilla or strawberry, for a fun twist!
If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute it with Neufchâtel cheese (which is slightly lower in fat), or even mascarpone for a richer texture. For a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly depending on the substitute you choose.
Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture of the fruits and marshmallows will be affected by freezing and thawing. The fruits may become mushy, and the marshmallows may lose their fluffiness. It's best to enjoy this salad fresh or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
What People Are Saying
"This marshmallow fruit salad is absolutely delicious! I made it for a family gathering and it was gone in no time. The combination of fresh fruits and creamy marshmallow dressing is perfect. I love that I can customize it with whatever fruits are in season. Highly recommend!"
Sarah J.
June 12, 2025
"I've been making this recipe for years and it's always a hit. The marshmallows add such a fun texture and the cream cheese dressing is creamy without being too heavy. I've tried different variations with tropical fruits and chocolate chips, and they've all been amazing. A definite crowd-pleaser!"
Michael T.
May 28, 2025
"My kids absolutely love this salad! It's a great way to get them to eat more fruits. I made a few modifications based on what I had on hand - I used Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and added some mini chocolate chips. It was a big hit! The only thing I'd change next time is to add the bananas right before serving, as they started to turn brown after a few hours in the fridge."
Jennifer L.
April 15, 2025
"I made this for a potluck and it was well-received. The dressing is very creamy and rich, which some people loved. I found it a bit too sweet for my taste, so next time I'll reduce the sugar by about half. Otherwise, it's a very easy recipe to follow and the presentation is beautiful with all the colorful fruits."
David R.
March 3, 2025
Share Your Marshmallow Fruit Salad Creation!
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The History of Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Marshmallow fruit salad has been a beloved dish in American cuisine since the mid-20th century. It emerged during a time when convenience foods were becoming popular, and home cooks were looking for ways to create colorful, crowd-pleasing dishes with readily available ingredients.
The combination of fresh fruits and marshmallows likely originated as a way to add sweetness and texture to fruit salads. Over time, recipes evolved to include cream cheese or whipped cream dressings, creating the creamy, indulgent version we know today.
This salad is often associated with potlucks, holiday gatherings, and summer picnics. Its versatility makes it a favorite – you can customize it with seasonal fruits, add different flavors, or even make it more decadent with the addition of chocolate or nuts. Despite its humble origins, marshmallow fruit salad continues to be a cherished recipe that brings people together.
Try This Recipe Today!
Marshmallow fruit salad is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, bringing a dish to share, or simply looking for a delicious and refreshing dessert, this recipe is sure to please.
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