This Easy Millionaire Peach Salad is a fun mix of juicy peaches, creamy yogurt, and crunchy nuts. It’s sweet, refreshing, and makes a perfect side for any meal or a light snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Peaches: I prefer using canned peaches for their sweetness and convenience, but fresh peaches work great too! If you go fresh, choose ripe, juicy ones. You can also swap for other fruits like pears or even mandarin oranges for a twist.
Mini Marshmallows: These add a fun and fluffy texture to the salad. If you’re aiming for a lower-sugar option, consider cutting them out or using sugar-free marshmallows instead.
Shredded Coconut: Sweetened coconut gives a nice flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out completely. Toasted nuts could replace the coconut for extra crunch!
Pecans or Walnuts: These nuts add a delightful crunch. Feel free to substitute with almonds or sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies.
Whipped Topping: While Cool Whip is easy to use, you can make a homemade whipped cream using heavy whipping cream and a bit of sugar if you prefer. It adds a fresher taste!
How Do You Achieve the Best Consistency in This Salad?
The key to a light and creamy texture lies in how you mix the ingredients. First, make sure the cream cheese is well softened to avoid lumps. Beat it until smooth before adding any other ingredients. Then, when you fold in the whipped topping, do it gently! Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep that fluffy texture.
- Start with room temperature cream cheese for easier blending.
- Fold in the whipped topping carefully to maintain lightness.
- Allow the salad to chill; it helps flavors meld and the texture to firm up beautifully.
Easy Millionaire Peach Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups canned peaches, drained and chopped
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad can be whipped up in about 15 minutes! Just give it 1 hour in the fridge to chill and let the flavors mingle before serving. Total time: roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Beat the Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the base of your salad!
2. Mix in Sugar and Vanilla:
Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy. This will sweeten the base and give it a lovely flavor.
3. Fold in Whipped Topping:
Gently fold in the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to stir too hard; we want to keep that fluffy texture!
4. Add Fruits and Nuts:
Now it’s time to mix in the fun ingredients! Add the chopped peaches, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, chopped pecans (remember to keep some for garnish!), and the optional crushed pineapple. Gently fold everything together to combine.
5. Transfer and Smooth:
Carefully transfer the mixture into a serving bowl. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a pretty presentation.
6. Chill and Garnish:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors blend beautifully. Before serving, sprinkle some of the reserved nuts on top for a crunchy finish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your Easy Millionaire Peach Salad is ready to enjoy! Serve it as a sweet side dish or a delightful dessert. Your guests will love it!
This classic millionaire peach salad is a creamy, sweet, and nutty treat featuring juicy peaches, marshmallows, and crunchy nuts all mixed into a fluffy cream cheese and whipped topping base. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Millionaire Peach Salad
Can I Use Fresh Peaches Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches can be used for a fresher taste. Make sure to choose ripe, juicy peaches and chop them into similar-sized pieces. You can simply peel and slice them to match the texture of canned peaches.
How Can I Make This Salad Healthier?
If you want a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of whipped topping or cream cheese. You can also reduce the amount of powdered sugar or try a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is great for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it stored in the fridge. Just add the nuts right before serving to keep them crunchy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that the texture may change slightly as it sits, but it will still taste delicious!
