Some desserts are so simple yet so irresistible that they feel like pure indulgence. Enter Millionaire Peach Salad—a creamy, dreamy fruit salad that’s bursting with juicy peaches, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy pecans. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty, making every bite a delightful experience.
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Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it at a summer BBQ, or just treating yourself to a little something special, this recipe is pure gold. And the best part? It takes just minutes to make!
Why You’ll Love Millionaire Peach Salad
Perfect for Any Occasion:
A crowd-pleaser for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.
No-Bake & Easy:
No need to turn on the oven—just mix and chill!
Creamy & Fruity:
A luscious combination of peaches, marshmallows, and a creamy dressing.
Customizable:
Swap out ingredients or add extras like coconut, cherries, or pineapple.
Make-Ahead Friendly:
Tastes even better after chilling, making it a great prep-ahead dessert.
Ingredients in Millionaire Peach Salad
Canned Peaches: Sweet, juicy, and the star of this dish. Drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
Crushed Pineapple: Adds a tropical twist and extra sweetness.
Mini Marshmallows: For that classic fluff factor and a bit of chewy texture.
Cool Whip (or Whipped Cream): The creamy base that ties everything together.
Vanilla Pudding Mix: Instant pudding mix thickens the salad and adds a smooth, rich flavor.
Pecans: Give it a little crunch and nuttiness. Walnuts work too!
Maraschino Cherries (Optional): For a pop of color and extra sweetness.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Drain the Fruits:
Drain the peaches and pineapple thoroughly to prevent the salad from getting watery. Chop the peaches into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the dry vanilla pudding mix with the Cool Whip. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Fold in the Ingredients:
Gently fold in the peaches, pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans. Be careful not to overmix—keep it light and fluffy!
Chill Before Serving:
Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with extra pecans and maraschino cherries if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!
How to Serve Millionaire Peach Salad
- As a Dessert: Serve in a pretty bowl or individual dessert cups.
- At a BBQ: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats and other picnic favorites.
- With Breakfast: A fun addition to a brunch spread.
- As a Snack: Enjoy a spoonful straight from the fridge when you need a sweet treat!
Additional Tips
- Make It Lighter: Use sugar-free pudding mix and light whipped topping.
- Add More Texture: Toss in shredded coconut or crushed cookies for extra crunch.
- Storage Tips: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- No Pecans? Swap with walnuts or skip them entirely.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes! Just peel and chop ripe peaches, and use about the same quantity as canned.
Q2: How far in advance can I make this?
You can make it up to 24 hours ahead—just stir before serving.
Q3: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar until fluffy.
Q4: Can I freeze this salad?
Not recommended, as the texture changes when thawed.
Q5: What other fruits can I add?
Try mandarin oranges, strawberries, or mango for variety.
Q6: Can I skip the marshmallows?
Yes, but they add a fun texture—consider substituting with shredded coconut.
Q7: Is this the same as ambrosia salad?
Similar, but millionaire peach salad has a richer, creamier texture with a focus on peaches.
Q8: Can I add cream cheese?
Yes! Blend in softened cream cheese for an extra decadent version.
Q9: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
In an airtight container in the fridge—it tastes best within a couple of days.
Q10: Can I serve this warm?
Nope, this one is best chilled!
Final Thoughts
Millionaire Peach Salad is the kind of dessert that’s effortlessly delicious and always a hit. It’s creamy, fruity, and nostalgic in the best way. Whether you’re making it for a party or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Print
Millionaire Peach Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Peach Salad is a sweet and refreshing dessert salad, combining juicy peaches, fluffy whipped topping, and mini marshmallows with a hint of citrus from peach or orange gelatin. Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or an easy make-ahead treat!
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (3 oz) package peach or orange gelatin mix
- 2 (14 oz) cans sliced peaches in syrup, chopped (drained, with 2 tablespoons syrup reserved)
- 1 (8 oz) container small curd cottage cheese
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
-
Prepare the Base:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
-
Mix the Salad:
- Fold in the whipped topping, dry gelatin mix, and cottage cheese until combined.
- Gently stir in the chopped peaches and reserved peach syrup.
-
Chill:
- Stir in the mini marshmallows, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
-
Serve:
- Before serving, mix in the chopped pecans and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy chilled!
Notes
- Swap pecans for walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free version.
- Try fresh peaches for a seasonal twist.
- Use sugar-free gelatin and whipped topping for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg