My old fashioned 5 cup salad is an old-fashioned, nostalgic recipe. This is a grandma approved recipe that makes a delicious side dish or sweet dessert. Simple, creamy, and delicious, it’s a dish that never goes out of style.

I grew up eating 5 cup salad at family gatherings and holidays. Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, this was always on the table. It’s one of those dishes I could always count on being on the table, no matter what occasion.

We usually serve it as a side dish but it would be great for dessert or even breakfast. Sweet fruit, soft marshmallows, and a creamy texture, it’s always a favorite.

This nostalgic recipe comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients. It’s a classic recipe that never goes out of style.

If you are looking for more fluff recipes be sure to try this easy cherry fluff recipe and sea foam salad.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Simple to make. Only 5 ingredients needed to make this recipe.
• Versatile. This works as a side dish or dessert. It’s great for potlucks, holidays, and more.
• Great for all ages. A colorful, fun, tasty recipe that everyone is sure to enjoy.
• Nostalgic flavor. Fluffy, fruity flavor that is sure to bring back memories.

5 cup salad ingredients

This five cup fruit salad recipe is called five cup fruit salad because it’s made with just 5 ingredients. You will need:

• Sweetened coconut flakes
• Mandarin oranges
• Pineapple tidbits
• Mini marshmallows
• Sour cream

Optional – Depending on your preference you can also add in diced maraschino cherries for extra sweetness and color.

How to make 5 cup salad

This is such a simple fluff recipe to make and takes just a few minutes to combine.

Step one: Place pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, coconut, marshmallows, and sour cream in a large bowl. Gently stir to combine.

Step two: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This is a great fruit salad recipe to make the night before to give it time to chill and let the flavors combine.

Variations

Fruit – The classic recipe using mandarin oranges and pineapple. You can change of the fruit by using canned fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, or add in some fresh fruit like strawberries, grapes, and blueberries.

Nuts – Try mixing in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Marshmallows – I like using the colorful, flavored marshmallows but you can use plain mini marshmallows or cut up large marshmallows.

Cream – Substitute the tangy sour cream with sweet thawed frozen whipped topping like Cool-Whip or Greek vanilla yogurt.

Heather’s recipe tips

• Make sure to drain off the liquid from the oranges and pineapple.
• Be sure to give this dessert salad time to chill.
• This five cup salad will last about 2 days in the refrigerator.

Storage instructions

Make ahead: You can make this recipe the day before. Just make sure to store in the refrigerator.

Store: Keep any leftover 5 cup salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This does not freeze well.

Common questions

More old fashioned salads

• Ambrosia
• Watergate salad
• Jello salad
• Waldorf salad
• Grape salad

Did you make this five cup salad recipe? Let me know in the comments.