5-Cup Fruit Salad Recipe - Six Sisters' Stuff

Name: 5-Cup Fruit Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 11 ounces mandarin oranges (1 can, drain well); 8 ounces crushed pineapple (1 can, drain well); 2 cups miniature marshmallows; 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut; 1 cup sour cream

You only need five ingredients - mandarin oranges, coconut, marshmallows, crushed pineapple, and sour cream - to make our Grandma’s delicious 5-cup fruit salad.

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While not a typical creamy salad recipe as it has a few different ingredients, it’s a timeless classic recipe that we grew up with and all love, plus it comes together in a matter of minutes! It’s a perfect side dessert salad to serve, especially in the summer months, and a total comfort food recipe and family favorite.This is a great recipe to have on hand for your summer picnics, serving big crowds, or bringing to family gatherings to serve as a delicious side dish, or place it at the dessert table.

Recipe Ingredients Notes

To make our 5-cup fruit salad, you need the following ingredients:

Oranges: you will need to use a can of mandarin oranges and drain them well
Pineapple: be sure to grab a can of crushed pineapple and drain it well too
Marshmallows: for this salad recipe you will want to use mini marshmallows
Coconut: use sweetened flaked coconut that you can find in the baking aisle
Cream: you might not have guessed but you will need sour cream or even plain Greek yogurt

Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:

Glass bowls filled with a creamy dessert mixed with mandarin orange slices and topped with shredded coconut, with fresh orange segments and spoons nearby.

A close-up of a bowl containing a creamy mixture of marshmallows, orange segments, and shredded coconut on a light pink background.

How to Make Creamy 5 Cup Fruit Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cup mandarin oranges, pineapple, miniature marshmallows, coconut, and sour cream.
Stir everything in the large bowl until completely mixed together.
You can eat it immediately after mixing, but we recommend that you refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving so that the sour cream can be sweetened by the fruit.

A glass dessert dish filled with a creamy fruit salad topped with orange segments, with a spoon resting on the table in front.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use pineapple tidbits?

For this recipe, you will not want chunks of pineapple. You can use the pineapple tidbits or pineapple chunks but you will want to put it in a food processor and blend it to more of a puree.
You could also do this with fresh fruit, again blending it into a pulp.

Why do you need sour cream?

Tangy sour cream is great for an easy fruit salad recipe like this because not only does it add to the creamy texture, but it cuts down on the sweetness of this 5-cup salad that is filled with sweet ingredients.
You could also add in a little lime juice if you want to add even more fresh flavors.

Can you use frozen fruit?

Frozen fruit is not the best option unless you let it thaw in advance. Otherwise, we’d definitely suggest using canned fruit for this jello salad recipe.

Is this recipe the same as ambrosia salad?

While this recipe is similar to ambrosia salad, however, this recipe does not include maraschino cherries.

A glass dessert dish filled with a creamy fruit salad containing orange segments and shredded coconut, with two metal spoons beside it.

Three glass dessert cups filled with a creamy, white mixture, likely a dessert with coconut and orange pieces, set against a light pink background.

Recipe Notes

I do not recommend making this salad more than a few hours before serving, otherwise the marshmallows tend to get soggy and it’s not quite as good.

Place this yummy fruit salad in an airtight container or keep it in a large bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days for the best results.

Enjoy More Delicious Fruit Salads

Want to add more fruits to your meals? Browse our comprehensive list of salad recipes.

5-Cup Fruit Salad

5 from 32 votes

You only need five ingredients – mandarin oranges, coconut, marshmallows, crushed pineapple, and sour cream – to make our Grandma’s delicious 5-cup fruit salad.

6 servings

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Total Time 10

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Ingredients

▢ 11 ounces mandarin oranges, 1 can, drain well
▢ 8 ounces crushed pineapple, 1 can, drain well
▢ 2 cups miniature marshmallows
▢ 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
▢ 1 cup sour cream

Equipment

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, coconut, and sour cream.
Stir until completely mixed together.
You can eat it immediately after mixing, but we recommend that you refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving so that the sour cream can be sweetened by the fruit.

Notes

I do not recommend making this salad more than a few hours before serving, otherwise the marshmallows tend to get soggy and it’s not quite as good.

Place this yummy fruit salad in an airtight container or keep it in a large bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 244 kcal · Carbohydrates: 35 g · Protein: 2 g · Fat: 12 g · Saturated Fat: 8 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g · Cholesterol: 23 mg · Sodium: 67 mg · Potassium: 233 mg · Fiber: 3 g · Sugar: 27 g · Vitamin A: 612 IU · Vitamin C: 18 mg · Calcium: 66 mg · Iron: 0.5 mg

Video

Cuisine: American

Cost: $5

Author: Steph Loaiza

Course: Salad

Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.

Questions & Reviews

Courtney @ Brilliant Like Fireflies says:

We have a similar recipe in our family, we call it Sunshine Salad, and we use cool whip, orange and pineapple jello as well as cottage cheese. Yours sounds delicious too!

Patricia Purcell says:

Thanks! I’m sitting here trying to finalize the menu for a family party this weekend. This sounds perfect!

Grace S. says:

A friend of mine brought five cups salad to a pot luck once – it was delicious! She also said the recipe was a family classic. I may just have to try making this. I wonder if plain greek yogurt would work in place of sour cream? I think probably!

Nancy says:

That looks so good!

Emma says:

Yum! This it was one of my favourite foods as a kid, though our family recipe adds in green grapes 🙂

paula says:

Mom used to make this. I MUST make it and see what the husband thinks.

Cristy @ menemini says:

My mom used to make it the exact same way and I now make it for our BBQ’s. It spells Summer for me(:

Yours Truly says:

This was a family favorite growing up! We added chopped green apples and chopped Snickers bars to our’s.

David Franklin says:

Woww 🙂 This fruit salad looks so refreshing 🙂

Debra Kapellakis says:

Looks yummy. I remember something similar at every family re-union.

hpru says:

My mom always made this but without the coconut. The sour cream shouldn’t worry anyone. If you let this refrigerate (even over night!) it picks up the sugars from the fruits and the marshmallows! It’s delicious!

PixieStick says:

My grandmother always made this for us grandkids. She would add Acini de Pepe Pasta and called it Frog Eye Salad. It’s still my favorite comfort food to this day.

Krista says:

I use Cool Whip instead of sour cream and we call it Ambrosia. One of our favorites! Thanks for sharing at Church Supper! Have a blessed week & come back soon ~EMM

Carolina HeartStrings says:

That looks terrific. I cannot wait to try this out. Come and visit us. We have some terrific recipes to share this week.

Jae says:

I have made this salad for about 20 years! I cannot eat any kind of fruit salad made with cool whip anymore. Sour cream makes it so much creamier. My husband (boyfriend at the time) didn’t like coconut, so I substituted the coconut for apples. It’s yummy and adds a great crunch. =)

Megan says:

We have a variation in our family, too! We use mandarins, pineapple chunks, marshmallows, and marischino cherries with sour cream.

Cynthia Isom says:

We use cool whip AND sour cream. Oh, and marischino cherries are a must. Sometimes my mom would add bananas, but I think they get too mushy.

Amanda Mertz says:

Just saw this on Pinterest and had to check it out…it’s the exact same recipe that my family calls “Aunt Frieda’s Marshmallow Salad”! Aunt Frieda was my great aunt and my dad says she was old when he was a kid! She could down a beer like no one’s business and you’d better keep your hands away from the car door when she was slamming it closed! Aunt Frieda would make it every Sunday to bring to the family lake house and it was the best thing ever. People hear the ingredients and think yuck but it is really good. Thanks for sharing it!

Sandy says:

That is how we do it too, and we call it “happy salad”! 🙂

manish gupta says:

Thanks! I’m sitting here trying to finalize the menu for a family party this weekend. This sounds perfect!

Tenderly says:

I love it when people make this but I can never have it. I’m allergic to coconut. Consider making it without coconut if you are going to a party. You’d be surprised how many people are actually allergic. I like to volunteer to make it and I bring a little container of coconut because someone will usually say, “Oh, I love this. Wait! Who forgot to put in the coconut?” This way they can add their own.

McGraw says:

Sour Cream?! I’m gonna have to try this! My mom made a similar one that I loooove. Mandarin oranges, mini mallows, cool whip, and a packet of orange Jello (still in powdered form!). We never have leftovers when she made it. 🙂

bonnie hayes says:

I make this with mandarin oranges, peach chunks, mini marshmallows, pecans, cool whip & cottage cheese. It’s my Hubby’s all time favorite.

bonnie hayes says:

I make this with mandarin oranges, peach chunks, mini marshmallows, pecans, cool whip & cottage cheese. It’s my Hubby’s all time favorite.

Melody says:

I actually made Watergate salad for the first time the other day (coconut flakes, cottage cheese, pistachio pudding packet, cool whip, crushed pineapple, walnuts, cherries, etc). It was AMAZING! This recipe reminds me of it.

A slightly healthier version (wouldn’t be as creamy as yours) is to just add tons of fruit and throw in 2 Tbsp of dry vanilla pudding mix. It makes a delicious glaze with the juices of the fruits, and it’s not too sweet. Perfect for breakfast OR Dessert OR a side!

Enjoy!

Dorothy button says:

My mother also made this salad for family gatherings. We also have six sisters no brothers.i am seventy and the youngest is fifty five.love your grandmas food recipes. Need more.please.thanks.

Robert says:

My grandmother and mom often made this at Christmas when growing up. It was a universal tradition. I believe I will prepare it for our Christmas celebration this year. Oh yeah, do not ruin the recipe with Cool Whip, which is anything but “cool”! That concoction is nothing but a lot of chemicals I can’t even pronounce. Use the sour cream. The fruit is the sweetener. Happy Holidays!

Michel says:

We had a similar recipe but it had a can of mixed fruit and a little powdered sugar to cut down the sour cream taste!! Out of this world yummy!!

tk gray says:

great and sounds delish’ i love easy and simple…thanks going to try at my next summer potluck

vanita medford says:

my receipt calls for mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, mar. cherries, , cut in half, well drained ( all fruit ) pecan pieces, green grapes, cut in half, cool whip and sour cream, can also add apples. let set over night.

Cherry Davis says:

I was looking in my cabinet. Just standing there looking t what was there and saw a can of Mandarin Oranges and thought Oh I know what I’ll do, make a 5 cup salad. It’s been years since I made one, Had to look it up to see what I needed, Happily I have every thing . It will be a surprise for my daughter, It was her favorite when she was a child She will be happy if her taste has not changed.

Cyd says:

Hi Cherry! Don’t you just love when you look in the cabinet and you have all the ingredients for a recipe!! No running to the store for one or two items!! Have a great week and enjoy your 5 cup salad!!!

Kathleen says:

I made this exactly as directed 2 days before Thanksgiving, I took it out of the fridge Thanksgiving day and the marshmallows didn’t disolve and the salad was very bitter what did I do wrong ? I followed the directions exactly to the T what went wrong ? I drained all the fruit cans before adding to the bowl. I didn’t serve the fruit salad it was too bitter to consume, maybe I could have added granulated sugar?

Judy Walzer says:

I was looking up this recipe on line cause I couldn’t find it in any of my cookbooks and I have quite a few. It just so happens that I found it here on sixsisters site, here on the internet, so I scrolled through the different comments and variations of this recipe, and I came across your comment that your grandmother and mom used to make what we called 5 cup salad for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Just so happens My Grandmother and Mom made the exact same 5 cup salad for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I have a brother named Robert who lives in Michigan, and I live in the Seattle area, you wouldn’t happen to have a sister named Judy? If so then this is probably my brother Robert across the miles. This was always a favorite of my family ,and I come from a very large family. My Grandmother probably made this x 5.

Judy Walzer says:

The best old time recipe still sought after to this day. I will be making this for the first time for my man of 15 years and I know it will become one of his favorites too! I will be sticking to the traditional way using Mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, marshmallows, coconut, and sour cream. That’s the way I remember it, and I couldn’t get enough. Love it!!! Judy

Jody BEAVER says:

Husband doesn’t like marshmallow or your cream. How can I make this for his likes

Cyd says:

Sounds like you will be better off finding a new salad recipe. Here are a few ideas that are popular on our blog –

https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/grape-salad-recipe/
https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/5-minute-jello-salad/
https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/easy-ambrosia-fruit-salad/
https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/progressive-dinner-project-mixed-berry/

Stacy West says:

I use a 8 Oz container of cool whip and I don’t have my recipe but I use some sour cream too. Mine has cherries, mandarin oranges, pineapples, coconut, miniature marshmallows. You can add pecans if you want to.

Lee ann says:

Aaahhhh. A video screen popped up while reading recipe and now I want THAT recipe!! But how do I find it!?!? It was avocado, cucumber tomato feta cheese salad and I think something else too. But I can’t figure out if your recipe or random since in pop up window!!’ Lol. My daughter would love that salad! Can you help me find it?

Amy Paulsen says:

We grew up on this salad, calling it California Salad. I’ve never heard of anyone else eating to, so it was fun to see a real recipe of it. It’s a must on our Thanksgiving table! Thanks!

Momma Cyd says:

Yes, it’s a staple for our family during the holidays.

Join The Discussion

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Courtney @ Brilliant Like Fireflies says:

We have a similar recipe in our family, we call it Sunshine Salad, and we use cool whip, orange and pineapple jello as well as cottage cheese. Yours sounds delicious too!
Patricia Purcell says:

Thanks! I’m sitting here trying to finalize the menu for a family party this weekend. This sounds perfect!
Grace S. says:

A friend of mine brought five cups salad to a pot luck once – it was delicious! She also said the recipe was a family classic. I may just have to try making this. I wonder if plain greek yogurt would work in place of sour cream? I think probably!
Nancy says:

That looks so good!
Emma says:

Yum! This it was one of my favourite foods as a kid, though our family recipe adds in green grapes 🙂
paula says:

Mom used to make this. I MUST make it and see what the husband thinks.
Cristy @ menemini says:

My mom used to make it the exact same way and I now make it for our BBQ’s. It spells Summer for me(:
Yours Truly says:

This was a family favorite growing up! We added chopped green apples and chopped Snickers bars to our’s.
David Franklin says:

Woww 🙂 This fruit salad looks so refreshing 🙂
Debra Kapellakis says:

Looks yummy. I remember something similar at every family re-union.
hpru says:

My mom always made this but without the coconut. The sour cream shouldn’t worry anyone. If you let this refrigerate (even over night!) it picks up the sugars from the fruits and the marshmallows! It’s delicious!
PixieStick says:

My grandmother always made this for us grandkids. She would add Acini de Pepe Pasta and called it Frog Eye Salad. It’s still my favorite comfort food to this day.
Krista says:

I use Cool Whip instead of sour cream and we call it Ambrosia. One of our favorites! Thanks for sharing at Church Supper! Have a blessed week & come back soon ~EMM
Carolina HeartStrings says:

That looks terrific. I cannot wait to try this out. Come and visit us. We have some terrific recipes to share this week.
Jae says:

I have made this salad for about 20 years! I cannot eat any kind of fruit salad made with cool whip anymore. Sour cream makes it so much creamier. My husband (boyfriend at the time) didn’t like coconut, so I substituted the coconut for apples. It’s yummy and adds a great crunch. =)
Megan says:

We have a variation in our family, too! We use mandarins, pineapple chunks, marshmallows, and marischino cherries with sour cream.
Cynthia Isom says:

We use cool whip AND sour cream. Oh, and marischino cherries are a must. Sometimes my mom would add bananas, but I think they get too mushy.
Amanda Mertz says:

Just saw this on Pinterest and had to check it out…it’s the exact same recipe that my family calls “Aunt Frieda’s Marshmallow Salad”! Aunt Frieda was my great aunt and my dad says she was old when he was a kid! She could down a beer like no one’s business and you’d better keep your hands away from the car door when she was slamming it closed! Aunt Frieda would make it every Sunday to bring to the family lake house and it was the best thing ever. People hear the ingredients and think yuck but it is really good. Thanks for sharing it!
Sandy says:

That is how we do it too, and we call it “happy salad”! 🙂
manish gupta says:

Thanks! I’m sitting here trying to finalize the menu for a family party this weekend. This sounds perfect!
Tenderly says:

I love it when people make this but I can never have it. I’m allergic to coconut. Consider making it without coconut if you are going to a party. You’d be surprised how many people are actually allergic. I like to volunteer to make it and I bring a little container of coconut because someone will usually say, “Oh, I love this. Wait! Who forgot to put in the coconut?” This way they can add their own.
McGraw says:

Sour Cream?! I’m gonna have to try this! My mom made a similar one that I loooove. Mandarin oranges, mini mallows, cool whip, and a packet of orange Jello (still in powdered form!). We never have leftovers when she made it. 🙂
bonnie hayes says:

I make this with mandarin oranges, peach chunks, mini marshmallows, pecans, cool whip & cottage cheese. It’s my Hubby’s all time favorite.
bonnie hayes says:

I make this with mandarin oranges, peach chunks, mini marshmallows, pecans, cool whip & cottage cheese. It’s my Hubby’s all time favorite.
Melody says:

I actually made Watergate salad for the first time the other day (coconut flakes, cottage cheese, pistachio pudding packet, cool whip, crushed pineapple, walnuts, cherries, etc). It was AMAZING! This recipe reminds me of it.

A slightly healthier version (wouldn’t be as creamy as yours) is to just add tons of fruit and throw in 2 Tbsp of dry vanilla pudding mix. It makes a delicious glaze with the juices of the fruits, and it’s not too sweet. Perfect for breakfast OR Dessert OR a side!

Enjoy!
Dorothy button says:

My mother also made this salad for family gatherings. We also have six sisters no brothers.i am seventy and the youngest is fifty five.love your grandmas food recipes. Need more.please.thanks.
Robert says:

My grandmother and mom often made this at Christmas when growing up. It was a universal tradition. I believe I will prepare it for our Christmas celebration this year. Oh yeah, do not ruin the recipe with Cool Whip, which is anything but “cool”! That concoction is nothing but a lot of chemicals I can’t even pronounce. Use the sour cream. The fruit is the sweetener. Happy Holidays!
Michel says:

We had a similar recipe but it had a can of mixed fruit and a little powdered sugar to cut down the sour cream taste!! Out of this world yummy!!
tk gray says:

great and sounds delish’ i love easy and simple…thanks going to try at my next summer potluck
vanita medford says:

my receipt calls for mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, mar. cherries, , cut in half, well drained ( all fruit ) pecan pieces, green grapes, cut in half, cool whip and sour cream, can also add apples. let set over night.
Cherry Davis says:

I was looking in my cabinet. Just standing there looking t what was there and saw a can of Mandarin Oranges and thought Oh I know what I’ll do, make a 5 cup salad. It’s been years since I made one, Had to look it up to see what I needed, Happily I have every thing . It will be a surprise for my daughter, It was her favorite when she was a child She will be happy if her taste has not changed.
Cyd says:

Hi Cherry! Don’t you just love when you look in the cabinet and you have all the ingredients for a recipe!! No running to the store for one or two items!! Have a great week and enjoy your 5 cup salad!!!
Kathleen says:

I made this exactly as directed 2 days before Thanksgiving, I took it out of the fridge Thanksgiving day and the marshmallows didn’t disolve and the salad was very bitter what did I do wrong ? I followed the directions exactly to the T what went wrong ? I drained all the fruit cans before adding to the bowl. I didn’t serve the fruit salad it was too bitter to consume, maybe I could have added granulated sugar?
Judy Walzer says:

I was looking up this recipe on line cause I couldn’t find it in any of my cookbooks and I have quite a few. It just so happens that I found it here on sixsisters site, here on the internet, so I scrolled through the different comments and variations of this recipe, and I came across your comment that your grandmother and mom used to make what we called 5 cup salad for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Just so happens My Grandmother and Mom made the exact same 5 cup salad for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I have a brother named Robert who lives in Michigan, and I live in the Seattle area, you wouldn’t happen to have a sister named Judy? If so then this is probably my brother Robert across the miles. This was always a favorite of my family ,and I come from a very large family. My Grandmother probably made this x 5.
Judy Walzer says:

The best old time recipe still sought after to this day. I will be making this for the first time for my man of 15 years and I know it will become one of his favorites too! I will be sticking to the traditional way using Mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, marshmallows, coconut, and sour cream. That’s the way I remember it, and I couldn’t get enough. Love it!!! Judy
Jody BEAVER says:

Husband doesn’t like marshmallow or your cream. How can I make this for his likes
Cyd says:

Sounds like you will be better off finding a new salad recipe. Here are a few ideas that are popular on our blog –

https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/grape-salad-recipe/
https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/5-minute-jello-salad/
https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/easy-ambrosia-fruit-salad/
https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/progressive-dinner-project-mixed-berry/
Stacy West says:

I use a 8 Oz container of cool whip and I don’t have my recipe but I use some sour cream too. Mine has cherries, mandarin oranges, pineapples, coconut, miniature marshmallows. You can add pecans if you want to.
Lee ann says:

Aaahhhh. A video screen popped up while reading recipe and now I want THAT recipe!! But how do I find it!?!? It was avocado, cucumber tomato feta cheese salad and I think something else too. But I can’t figure out if your recipe or random since in pop up window!!’ Lol. My daughter would love that salad! Can you help me find it?
Amy Paulsen says:

We grew up on this salad, calling it California Salad. I’ve never heard of anyone else eating to, so it was fun to see a real recipe of it. It’s a must on our Thanksgiving table! Thanks!
Momma Cyd says:

Yes, it’s a staple for our family during the holidays.