Five Cup Salad

This Five Cup Salad is a simple, classic favorite made with pineapple, coconut, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and sour cream. It brings back memories from when Grandma Inga made the salad. I still have the recipe card she used! The only difference is that hers was a six-cup salad because of chopped pecans. I love it either way! If you are a fan of these nostalgic flavors, you’ll want to try my Ambrosia Salad too—another timeless potluck favorite.

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Ingredients & Substitutions

• Pineapple: For the bright, tropical flavor, I used pineapple tidbits that were drained. You can use canned pineapple chunks instead or even fresh pineapple if you have it. Just make sure it’s drained well!
• Coconut: Shredded sweetened coconut adds a chewy texture and sweet taste. For a more natural flavor, you could use unsweetened coconut. If you are not a fan of coconut, you can leave it out. Maybe you want to replace it with a cup of nuts to still have a five cup salad!
• Mandarin Oranges: These little orange slices are soft and juicy. You can swap them for fresh orange slices or even canned peaches (drained) if you prefer something different.
• Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows make the salad fun and fluffy! I like to add colorful mini marshmallows for a little pizazz! Or, chop up full-sized marshmallows to use.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream gives the salad its creamy, tangy base. You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or mix in whipped topping if you want it a bit sweeter.

Can I Make The Salad Ahead Of Time?

Yes! In fact, this salad is best after it has chilled for at least an hour in the refrigerator before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend. But, for the freshest texture, do not make the salad more than a day in advance.

Can I Add Other Ingredients To Five Cup Salad?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to Five Cup Salad! Some great options are chopped nuts (like my Grandma added), maraschino cherries, or fresh fruit like bananas. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if you add something new.

How To Store Five Cup Salad

To store five cup salad, transfer it to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. I love how the flavors blend and really come together over time. The marshmallows may get a little softer, but that is fine with me!

Can I Freeze Five Cup Salad?

I do not recommend freezing this salad. The texture of the fruit and marshmallows can change when thawed.

4.50 from 2 votes

Five Cup Salad

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

This Five Cup Salad is a simple, classic favorite made with pineapple, coconut, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and sour cream. It brings back memories from when Grandma Inga made the salad. I still have the recipe card she used!

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Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup (195 g) pineapple tidbits, drained (about 1, 8-ounce can)
• ▢ 1 cup (93 g) shredded sweetened coconut
• ▢ 1 cup (200 g) canned mandarin oranges, drained (about 1, 11-ounce can)
• ▢ 1 cup (50 g) miniature marshmallows
• ▢ 1 cup (230 g) sour cream

Instructions

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pineapple, shredded coconut, oranges, and marshmallows.
• Fold in the sour cream until all ingredients are evenly coated.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
• Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion (1/2 cup) | Calories: 168kcal

Course: Salad

Keyword: Five Cup Salad

Servings: 10 people

Calories: 168

Author: Amanda Rettke–iambaker.net

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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:

Autumn

This salad is super easy to make, and I love the mix of sweet pineapple and marshmallows. It tastes like dessert.

Elizabeth

I am not sure this is my favorite salad, but I love the history of it! If I do make it, I would leave out the coconut and use whipped cream instead of sour cream.

Bella

This is creamy and sweet with all the good stuff in it! I liked how it was a little different from regular fruit salad.

Annabelle

I didn't think I would like it, but it wasn't bad. Super easy to make, too.

Selena

This is a classic potluck salad. I liked how it all came together so well.