Easy 5 Cup Salad Recipe for Holidays, Potlucks, and Family Gatherings

Name: Easy 5 Cup Salad Recipe for Holidays, Potlucks, and Family Gatherings
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup drained canned mandarin oranges; 1 cup drained canned pineapple chunks or tidbits

March 23, 2025

Recipes

Some recipes stick around for generations, and for good reason. 5 Cup Salad is one of those nostalgic, no-fuss desserts that I grew up seeing at nearly every holiday, potluck, and family gathering. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like comfort in a bowl — sweet, creamy, and fruity with a hint of tropical flavor. The best part? It’s as easy as it sounds. Just five simple ingredients measured by the cup, mixed together in minutes, and ready to enjoy.

I make this whenever I need something fast but still delicious and satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t try too hard but always gets compliments.

Why I Love This 5 Cup Salad
There’s so much to love about this classic dessert:

Just five ingredients — no cooking or baking required.
Sweet, creamy, and fruity with a lovely balance of flavors and textures.
Quick to throw together, even at the last minute.
Perfect for holidays, backyard barbecues, and potlucks.
Easily customizable with add-ins or swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 8 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour)

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup sour cream
1 cup drained canned mandarin oranges
1 cup drained canned pineapple chunks or tidbits

Optional add-ins: maraschino cherries, chopped pecans, or fresh berries for extra flavor and color.

How I Make 5 Cup Salad (Step-by-Step)

Drain the Fruit
I start by draining the mandarin oranges and pineapple well. Excess liquid can make the salad watery, so I take my time with this step.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, I gently fold together the coconut, mini marshmallows, sour cream, drained mandarin oranges, and pineapple. It’s important to stir gently so the fruit stays intact and the salad stays fluffy.
Chill
I cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows all the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften slightly into the creamy mixture.
Serve
Before serving, I give it one more gentle stir. Sometimes I sprinkle a few extra marshmallows or coconut on top for presentation.

My Tips for the Best 5 Cup Salad

Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture.
Be patient with draining the fruit — nobody likes a runny salad.
Add maraschino cherries for a pop of color and extra sweetness.
For a twist, fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Fun Variations I’ve Tried

Swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
Adding halved red grapes or fresh strawberries for more fruit variety.
Mixing in a handful of crushed pecans or pistachios for crunch and richness.
Using a few drops of almond extract for a little extra depth of flavor.

What I Serve with 5 Cup Salad

It’s perfect alongside savory holiday dishes like glazed ham or roasted turkey.
At potlucks, I pair it with grilled chicken, burgers, or pulled pork sandwiches.
For dessert spreads, it sits beautifully next to pies and cakes as a lighter, fruity option.
It also makes a fun addition to brunch tables with fresh pastries and coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make 5 Cup Salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! I actually prefer making it the night before so the flavors have time to develop.

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: It keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just give it a stir before serving.

Q: Can I use whipped cream instead of sour cream?
A: You can, but the salad will be sweeter and less tangy. I sometimes mix half sour cream and half whipped cream for balance.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! I’ve used coconut yogurt in place of sour cream, and it turns out wonderfully creamy and dairy-free.

Why This 5 Cup Salad Deserves a Spot at Your Table
There’s a reason this salad has stood the test of time. It’s simple, quick, and full of sweet, tropical flavors that everyone seems to love. Whether you’re bringing it to a family reunion, adding it to your holiday spread, or just making it on a whim for yourself, this recipe always hits the right note. Plus, with just five easy ingredients, it’s one of those dishes you can make with what’s already in your pantry.

I hope you try this classic recipe and make it part of your own family tradition. If you give it your own twist, I’d love to hear about it — whether it’s adding fresh fruit, nuts, or a special flavor addition. However you make it, this 5 Cup Salad is sure to bring smiles to your table.