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Marshmallow Fruit Salad is a chilled, cloud-light mix where citrusy brightness meets creamy fluff and juicy crunch—tender mini marshmallow pillows tossed with ripe fruit in a cool yogurt-vanilla dressing. Love Ambriosa Salad, Fruit Fluff Salad, or Easy Fruit Salad Recipes? This fresher version scales for Fruit Salad For A Crowd, plays as a Marshmallow Salad Recipe, or goes retro with Frozen Fruit Salad Recipes or Pudding Fruit Salad Recipe. For context, see fruit salad, and remember many fruits add natural vitamin C.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy meets crisp: the dressing hugs every piece of fruit without feeling heavy, so each spoonful pops and refreshes.
- Make-it-your-own energy: swap in berries, grapes, or a tangy Apple Fruit Salad twist and it still tastes like summer.
- Zero-cook convenience: just stir, fold, and chill—perfect when the oven is busy or the day is hot.
- Smart sweetness: juicy pineapple and mandarins keep things bright so you’re satisfied with smaller portions.
- Party-proof: doubles effortlessly for Fruit Salad For A Crowd and pairs well with everything from cookouts to brunch spreads.
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category: | Dessert |
Cuisine: | American |
Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
Cook Time: | 0 minutes |
Total Time: | 15–20 minutes (includes chill) |
Dietary: | Gluten-Free (check marshmallows) |
Serves: | 8 |
Best Served: | Chilled |
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh fruit, chopped – Use a colorful mix (strawberries, grapes, apples) for crunch and variety
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained – Sunny sweetness; learn about pineapple
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained – Juicy, tender citrus; read about the mandarin
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows – Soft, fluffy texture that ties the salad together
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – Protein and pleasant tang (more on yogurt)
- 1 cup whipped topping (or lightly sweetened whipped cream) – Pillowy body without heaviness
- 2 tbsp instant vanilla pudding mix (optional) – For a retro Pudding Fruit Salad Recipe vibe and extra stability
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract + pinch of salt – Round the sweetness and brighten flavors
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional) – A little citrus perfume keeps the salad lively

Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chopped fruit dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the salad runny.
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, whipped topping, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest. Whisk in pudding mix if using.
- Fold in mini marshmallows until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits.
- Add remaining chopped fruit and fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Cover and chill for 30–60 minutes until thickened and fluffy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with extra fruit if desired and serve chilled.
Notes
How to Make the Recipe
We’ll whisk a tangy-smooth base, fold in the fruit and marshmallows, then chill until the Marshmallow Fruit Salad sets into spoonable clouds.
Step 1: Prep Fruit for Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Pat fruit dry so the dressing clings—excess juice can thin the fluff. Chop into bite-size pieces for easy scooping.
Step 2: Whisk Dressing for Marshmallow Fruit Salad
In a large bowl, whisk yogurt, whipped topping, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest. For a thicker, classic “fluff,” whisk in pudding mix.
Step 3: Fold Base for Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Fold in mini marshmallows until evenly coated—gentle strokes keep the mixture airy and cloud-like.
Step 4: Add Citrus & Pineapple to Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Fold in drained mandarins and pineapple. Their juice should be well-blotted so the salad stays creamy.
Step 5: Tumble in Fresh Fruit for Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Add the remaining fruit and fold just until combined; overmixing can bruise berries and collapse the fluff.
Step 6: Chill & Set the Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Cover and chill 30–60 minutes. The marshmallows soften slightly and the dressing thickens to a scoopable cloud.
Step 7: Finish & Garnish Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or a touch more lemon zest. Top with a few extra fruit pieces for color.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Dry fruit = creamy fluff: moisture is the enemy of a voluptuous Marshmallow Fruit Salad; blot thoroughly.
- Balance the sweet: a tiny pinch of salt makes fruit flavors pop without extra sugar.
- Go Greek: higher-protein yogurt adds body and staying power (see the gut-friendly perks of yogurt).
- Retro spin: for Fruit Salad With Ice Cream, serve scoops alongside; or fold in pudding mix for that nostalgic fluff.
- Seasonal swaps: stone fruit in summer, pears and apples in fall; keep citrus for sparkle and natural vitamin C.
How to Serve Marshmallow Fruit Salad
From brunch tables to backyard grills, Marshmallow Fruit Salad slides effortlessly between casual and celebratory.
- Generous bowls for Fruit Salad For A Crowd at potlucks
- Tucked into waffle cones for a playful dessert
- Beside shortbread cookies for creamy–crunchy contrast
- Layered parfait-style with granola for brunch
- As a cool side with grilled chicken or salmon
- Frozen into pops for kid-friendly treats
- With a warm brownie for hot–cold fun
- Swirled with cherries for a wink to Ambriosa Salad
- Paired with scoops for Fruit Salad With Ice Cream
- As mini cups on a dessert board of Easy Fruit Salad Recipes

Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Chill covered up to 3 days; stir before serving to refresh the texture
• Keep juicy add-ins (like extra pineapple) separate and fold in just before serving
• If liquid collects, gently spoon it off and fold the salad to re-fluff
• For best color, add delicate berries on top at the last minute
Freezing
• Scoop into silicone molds and freeze for bite-size treats inspired by Frozen Fruit Salad Recipes
• Freeze up to 1 month; thaw briefly until just soft and creamy
• Expect a slightly icier texture after thawing—still tasty and refreshing
• Avoid freezing with apple chunks if you prefer crisp textures
Reheating
• No reheating needed—serve Marshmallow Fruit Salad chilled
• To refresh, let sit 10–15 minutes at room temp and fold gently
• If too thick, loosen with a spoonful of yogurt
• If too sweet, brighten with extra lemon zest or a few tart berries
FAQs
What are the health benefits of the main ingredients?
Fruits provide hydration, fiber, and antioxidants like vitamin C; yogurt adds protein and probiotics (learn more about yogurt and vitamin C). Balance sweetness by emphasizing fresh fruit.
Can I substitute a major ingredient?
Absolutely—swap yogurt for dairy-free coconut yogurt, use different fruit (grapes, kiwi, berries), or add nuts for crunch. Prefer retro? Stir in pudding mix for a true Pudding Fruit Salad Recipe look.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Lean on citrus zest, a dash of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon sharpen flavors without more sugar.
Can I meal prep Marshmallow Fruit Salad?
Yes. Mix the dressing and marshmallows a day ahead, then fold in fruit just before serving. This keeps Marshmallow Fruit Salad fluffy for brunches and parties.
Final Thoughts
Lighthearted and crowd-pleasing, Marshmallow Fruit Salad is the bowl everyone reaches for—cool, creamy, and bright. With no-cook ease and endless fruit swaps, it’s as weeknight-friendly as it is party-ready. Make it classic, go retro, or keep it fresh and zesty; either way, you’ll spoon up smiles. Save this one for your next gathering and watch the bowl return empty.