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This Millionaire Peach Salad is my summer staple for parties, BBQs, or anytime I want something fun and easy with a bit of vintage charm. The creamy base, juicy peaches, and pockets of pillowy marshmallows make it a favorite—there's never any left once the crowd digs in.
I tried this at my grandma’s church outing—after that, I was hooked. Now it’s a regular at every party in our family.
Simple Ingredients
- Mini marshmallows: Bring that soft, fluffy texture. Grab fresh ones for the best melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Crushed pineapple: Tossed in for tangy tropical flavor. Go for the kind in its juice for a natural sweet kick.
- Shredded coconut: Adds chewy sweet bites. Use a fresh pack so it stays moist, not dry.
- Canned peach slices: Chop and drain well for juicy bursts of flavor. Ripe canned peaches give you the best taste.
- Chopped pecans (optional): For a crunchy, nutty bite. Pecan halves are simple to chop up fresh.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: This thickens things up and brings classic vanilla creaminess. A good brand really improves flavor.
- Whipped topping: Keeps everything airy and smooth. I use non-dairy since it sticks together even after sitting out.
Effortless Step-by-Step Directions
- Get It Cold:
- Once it's all mixed, pop it in the fridge for at least an hour so everything can come together and get super creamy.
- Mix Extras In:
- Stir in coconut and the pecans if you want them. Fold in until they're spread out in the mix for crunch and flavor all the way through.
- Fold In Cream:
- Spoon in the whipped topping and gently combine. No patchy spots or clumps—everything should look even and fluffy.
- Finish With Pudding:
- Sprinkle the pudding mix over your fruit, then stir so it coats everything and starts thickening right away.
- Toss Fruit And Marshmallows:
- In a big bowl, toss together peaches, pineapple, and marshmallows. Fold softly so fruit doesn't get mushy and marshmallows don't fall apart.
- Dig In:
- Stir it one last time before serving. Top with cherries or extra marshmallows to make it look extra cute if you want.
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Honestly, the marshmallows steal the show for me. They get even squishier thanks to the juicy fruit and creamy mix. My sister and I used to fight over the scoop with the most marshmallows at family parties.
How to Store It
Cover up any extra and stash it in the fridge. It'll stay nice and fluffy for about three days. Just stir it before serving to perk up the texture. The whipped topping helps keep it moist and fluffy—better than the real whipped cream would.
Ingredient Swaps
If you’re out of canned peaches, go for fresh ripe pieces in the summer. Don’t like pecans or have allergies? Try walnuts or skip nuts completely. Swap in cool whip or even Greek yogurt to twist up the taste if you like.
How to Serve
Spoon it into parfait cups for backyard gatherings, or lay it on lettuce leaves for a classic, old-school vibe. Sprinkle some maraschino cherries or a pinch of coconut for a fun buffet look.
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Fun History & Context
Back in the day, millionaire salads popped up at nearly every church picnic and potluck. Folks loved the simple creamy-and-fruity combo since it felt a little fancy but didn’t break the bank. My family’s been tweaking it for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap in fresh peaches for canned ones?
Totally. Just peel and chop up around 2 cups of fresh, ripe peaches so you get that juicy, sweet flavor.
- → Is it better if I make this ahead of time?
If you let it sit chilled for at least an hour (or even leave it overnight), all the flavors blend nicely and the salad gets even creamier.
- → Don’t like pecans? Any good swaps?
Try tossing in chopped almonds or walnuts instead. Or skip nuts altogether if you’re not a fan. It’ll still taste great and you can keep the texture how you like it.
- → What’s the best way to keep leftovers?
Pop any extras in a sealed container in your fridge for up to two days. Give everything a gentle stir before serving again.
- → Would this work as dessert?
Oh yeah. It’s sweet, creamy, loaded with fruit, and it fits right in as a refreshing treat after a meal—besides being a fun side.