Oh my goodness, you have to try this Millionaire Peach Salad! It’s the kind of dessert that disappears faster than you can say “seconds please” at every potluck I bring it to. The creamy vanilla pudding mixed with juicy peaches and pineapple creates this dreamy texture that’s somehow both light and indulgent. And those little marshmallows? They’re like sweet surprises in every bite!
This recipe takes me straight back to childhood summers at my grandma’s house. She’d make huge bowls of this peach salad for our family reunions, and we kids would hover around the dessert table like bees to honey. After years of tweaking fruit salad recipes (and eating way too many test batches), I can honestly say this version hits all the right notes – sweet but not cloying, creamy but still refreshing. It’s become my go-to for everything from backyard BBQs to holiday dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Peach Salad
Trust me, this isn’t your average fruit salad – it’s practically a party in a bowl! Here’s why it’ll become your new obsession:
- Effortless elegance: No cooking, no fancy techniques – just dump, stir, and chill. Perfect for when you need something impressive but don’t want to turn on the oven
- Texture heaven: That magical combo of juicy peaches, fluffy whipped topping, and chewy marshmallows will have everyone asking for seconds
- Crowd-pleaser magic: Kids go nuts for the sweetness, adults adore the nostalgic flavors – it’s the ultimate peacemaker at potlucks
- Make-ahead dream: Actually tastes better after chilling, so you can prep it hours (or even a day) before your event
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made this Millionaire Peach Salad for gatherings. Every single time, someone asks for the recipe – and now you’ve got it!
Ingredients for Millionaire Peach Salad
Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy dessert:
- Fruit base: 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches (drained and chopped), 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (drained super well – we don’t want a watery salad!)
- Creamy magic: 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (the secret weapon!), 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (I use Cool Whip), ½ cup sour cream
- Mix-ins: 1 cup mini marshmallows (the colorful ones are fun!), 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup chopped pecans (toast them if you’re feeling fancy)
- Flavor boost: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference!)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No stress if you need to swap things! Fresh peaches work if they’re perfectly ripe (about 2 cups diced). Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier kick. Not a coconut fan? Leave it out – the salad will still be fabulous. And if pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or even crushed graham crackers add nice crunch. Just promise me you’ll drain that pineapple really well – soggy salad is no one’s friend!
How to Make Millionaire Peach Salad
Alright, let’s make some magic happen! This Millionaire Peach Salad comes together faster than you can say “dessert first.” Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Prep your fruits: Drain those peaches and pineapple like your salad depends on it (because it does!). I usually let them sit in a colander for a few minutes while I gather other ingredients. Chop the peaches into bite-sized pieces – not too big, not too small.
- Start the creamy base: In your biggest mixing bowl (trust me, you’ll need the space), toss the chopped peaches and pineapple with the vanilla pudding mix. The dry pudding coats the fruit beautifully and helps prevent sogginess.
- Fold in the fluff: Now gently add the whipped topping. I mean gently – we want to keep all that airy goodness intact. Use a rubber spatula and fold in wide, sweeping motions until just combined.
- Bring in the party: Time for marshmallows, coconut, pecans, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together with love (but not too vigorously – we’re making salad, not kneading bread!).
- The hardest part: Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. I know, the waiting kills me too! But this chill time lets all those flavors become best friends.
Tips for Perfect Millionaire Peach Salad
- Fold don’t stir: Keep that whipped topping light and fluffy by folding gently rather than stirring aggressively
- Chill your mix-ins: Cold marshmallows are easier to work with and won’t stick together as much
- Toast your nuts: A quick toast on the stove brings out the pecans’ flavor beautifully
- Drain thoroughly: Pat your pineapple dry with paper towels if needed – excess liquid is the enemy!
- Taste as you go: Want it sweeter? Add more marshmallows. Prefer tang? Extra sour cream does the trick
Serving & Storing Millionaire Peach Salad
This beauty is best served chilled in pretty glass bowls or as the star of your dessert table. I love scooping it into individual cups with spoons ready for grabbing – it disappears fast! For storage, just pop any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the marshmallows start losing their perkiness after day two. Pro tip: give it one last gentle stir before serving leftovers to redistribute all that creamy goodness!
Millionaire Peach Salad Variations
Oh, the fun we can have with this Millionaire Peach Salad! Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these tasty twists:
- Berry bliss: Fold in a cup of fresh raspberries or blueberries with the peaches for pops of color and tartness
- Tropical vacation: Swap pecans for macadamia nuts and add some diced mango – instant island vibes!
- Cookie crunch: Replace half the coconut with crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies
- Cream cheese dream: Use half whipped topping, half softened cream cheese for extra richness
The beauty of this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for your sweetest ideas. Just keep the creamy base and let your imagination run wild!
Millionaire Peach Salad Nutrition Information
Just so you know, the nutrition values here are estimates – your exact counts will depend on brands and any substitutions you make. This sweet treat is definitely an “everything in moderation” kind of dessert, but oh-so-worth-it for special occasions! The peaches and pineapple do give you some fruit benefits amidst all that creamy deliciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about this Millionaire Peach Salad all the time – here are answers to the most common questions from my friends and family!
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Absolutely! Just chop it small and make sure to drain off any excess juice. Fresh pineapple gives a brighter flavor that’s lovely in summer.
- How long does the salad keep in the fridge? It’s best within 2-3 days – after that, the marshmallows start to deflate a bit. Though in my house, it never lasts that long anyway!
- Can I make this ahead for a party? Yes! That’s actually my favorite way – the flavors blend even better overnight. Just add extra marshmallows right before serving so they stay fluffy.
- What if I don’t have vanilla pudding mix? You can use cheesecake or banana cream pudding for fun flavor twists. In a pinch, just add extra vanilla extract and a bit more whipped topping.
- Is there a way to make it less sweet? Try using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reducing the coconut by half, or using unsweetened whipped cream.
Got more questions? Just ask – I’ve probably tested every variation of this peach salad imaginable!
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Millionaire Peach Salad Recipe That’s Irresistibly Creamy
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and creamy fruit salad with peaches, pineapple, and marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches, drained and chopped
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Drain peaches and pineapple thoroughly.
- Chop peaches into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix peaches, pineapple, and vanilla pudding mix.
- Fold in whipped topping until fully combined.
- Add marshmallows, coconut, pecans, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Stir gently until evenly mixed.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Chill before serving for best texture.
- Use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip if preferred.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing marshmallows or coconut.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: peach salad, fruit dessert, easy salad recipe
