a brown ceramic bowl filled with sour cream fruit salad, on a wooden table with oranges and mini marshmallows for decor
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Classic Sour Cream Fruit Salad (aka 5 Cup Fruit Salad)

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There are some recipes that stand the test of time, and the sour cream fruit salad is definitely one of them. If you’re looking for something simple, nostalgic, and delicious, this is the dish that checks all the boxes.

It’s so easy to make that even someone who’s never cooked a meal in their life can whip this up and be hailed as a dinnertime hero. Seriously, if you’re the kind of cook who burns toast or thinks boiling water is a complex task, this is the recipe for you!

Sour Cream Fruit Salad – A 5-Ingredient Wonder!

What makes this recipe truly magical is its simplicity. Just five ingredients—yes, you read that right—come together to create a sweet, creamy, and refreshing fruit salad that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen (one cup of each ingredient has led to this recipe also being called 5 Cup Fruit Salad).

sour cream fruit salad in a trifle dish, silver serving spoon beside it
sour cream fruit salad, or 5-cup fruit salad, in an individual glass dessert dish on a marble countertop
sour cream fruit salad, or 5-cup fruit salad, in a brown ceramic bowl on a wooden table

In reality, though, it takes only minutes to prepare. The hardest part? Waiting for it to refrigerate for 24 hours before digging in!

Here’s the lowdown: mix your fruit of choice (this version calls for canned fruit, making it super convenient if you can’t get to the grocery store), sour cream, and mini marshmallows. Some versions add in a dash of vanilla for extra flavor, and I can’t say no to that.

Once everything is well combined, pop it in the fridge and let the magic happen. The flavors blend together beautifully, and the marshmallows get all soft and melting, tempering the tang of the sour cream.

Is This Also Known As Ambrosia Salad?

While similar, this recipe isn’t exactly ambrosia salad. Ambrosia typically includes whipped cream or Cool Whip, and maraschino cherries. In contrast, this sour cream fruit salad sticks to just five ingredients, with sour cream as the base instead of whipped cream.

This recipe is simpler, tangier, and doesn’t have the extra ingredients like coconut, giving it a more refreshing, less sweet taste than the classic ambrosia salad.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so adaptable. You can switch up the fruits to suit the season or your personal preferences. Canned pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, strawberries—you name it, it all works.

flat shot of ingredients for  sour cream fruit salad, viewed from above

Here are a few suggestions to customize your sour cream fruit salad recipe to suit your taste:

  1. Add Fresh Fruit: Swap the canned pineapple or mandarin oranges for fresh strawberries, grapes, or berries for a fresher taste.
  2. Mix in Nuts: Add a crunchy element with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
  3. Extra Sweetness: Stir in some maraschino cherries for a pop of color and extra sweetness.
  4. Change the Base: Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangier twist.
  5. Boost with Spices: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.

And since you don’t have to worry about measurements being exact, it’s nearly impossible to mess up.

This is also one of those dishes that’s perfect for making ahead (well, to be honest, you HAVE to make it ahead!). Got a busy day tomorrow? No problem! Whip this up today, toss it in the fridge, and it’s ready to go when you are. It’s a great side dish for barbecues, potlucks, family gatherings, or even just as a sweet treat after dinner.

Classic Sour Cream Fruit Salad

Recipe by Jessie
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes

If you love fruit salad with marshmallows, you’ll adore this sour cream fruit salad. The creamy tang of sour cream blends beautifully with juicy fruit and soft marshmallows in every bite. Perfect for parties or just a sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 c sour cream

  • 1 c sweetened coconut (flaked or shredded)

  • 1 can (16 oz) mandarin oranges

  • 1 can (16 oz) pineapple chunks

  • 1 c miniature marshmallows

Directions

  • Add all ingredients except mandarin oranges together in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
  • Add mandarin oranges last, and fold in gently to minimize breakage of the orange segments as much as possible.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who’s just learning their way around the kitchen, this sour cream fruit salad is bound to be a hit. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it delivers every time. You’ll be amazed at how something so easy can taste so good. And trust me, once you’ve served this at dinner, you’ll be getting requests for it again and again.

Don’t forget: just five ingredients, mix, refrigerate for 24 hours, and boom—dessert (or side dish) is done!

Looking for more fruit salad ideas? Check out our recipe for Orange Fluff Salad, it’s delicious!

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