Old-Fashioned 7 Cup Salad Recipe: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Dessert!

Name: Old-Fashioned 7 Cup Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup mandarin oranges (drained); 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained); 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened); 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1 cup sour cream (full-fat for best texture); 1 cup maraschino cherries (halved, reserve 4 for garnish); 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)

Rachael Ray

2 weeks ago

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When my grandma first handed me her stained, handwritten recipe card for 7 Cup Salad, I thought it was magic. How could five minutes of mixing create such a creamy, dreamy dessert that vanished faster than fireflies at a summer BBQ? This retro fruit salad has been a staple at family gatherings for decades, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

Recipe Highlights

No cooking required: Just mix and chill!
Nostalgic flavor: Sweet, tangy, and loaded with texture.
Versatile: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a weeknight treat.

Fun fact: The “7 cups” refer to the total volume of ingredients, making it easy to remember and scale!

Table of Contents

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Recipe Overview

Old-Fashioned 7 Cup Salad

A vintage fruit salad with fluffy marshmallows, juicy pineapple, and a creamy sour cream base. Ready in 15 minutes!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword 7 cup fruit salad recipe, 7 cup salad recipe, recipe for 7 cup salad

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings 8

Calories 280kcal

Cost 12

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
measuring cups

Ingredients

1 cup mandarin oranges drained
1 cup pineapple tidbits drained
1 cup shredded coconut sweetened
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup sour cream full-fat for best texture
1 cup maraschino cherries halved, reserve 4 for garnish
1 cup chopped pecans toasted

Instructions

In a large bowl, gently fold all ingredients until fully combined.
Chill for 1 hour to let flavors meld.
Garnish with cherries and serve cold.

Notes

Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.

Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 2 minutes to enhance flavor.

Add ½ tsp vanilla extract for extra depth.

Use fresh pineapple for a brighter taste (drain well!).

Make it ahead: Tastes even better after 24 hours!

Ingredients Deep Dive

The Sweet & Creamy Cast:

Canned fruits: Drain thoroughly to prevent a soggy salad.
Sour cream: Adds richness; full-fat ensures the salad holds its shape.
Toasted pecans: A game-changer for nutty crunch!

Substitutions:

Coconut haters? Swap for 1 cup crushed pretzels for salty-sweet contrast.
Vegan? Use coconut yogurt and vegan marshmallows.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Drain Like a Pro: Pat fruits dry with paper towels after draining.
Fold, Don’t Stir: Gentle mixing keeps marshmallows fluffy.
Chill Time: Let it rest for at least 1 hour (if you can resist!).

Chef’s Tips & Variations

Pro Tip: For a sweeter salad, add ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk.
Fun Twist: Layer with whipped cream and graham crackers for a parfait!

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Below is the Per Serving Nutritional Information table for the Old-Fashioned 7 Cup Salad Recipe: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Dessert!. This table is based on an estimated yield of 12 servings:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	280 kcal
Total Fat	14 g
Saturated	8 g
Trans	0 g
Cholesterol	45 mg
Sodium	230 mg
Total Carbohydrates	35 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Sugars	28 g
Protein	3 g

Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and measurements used in your version of the recipe.

FAQs

Can I use Cool Whip instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! It’ll taste lighter and sweeter.

How long does it keep?

Up to 3 days in the fridge (if it lasts that long!).

Final Thoughts

This 7 Cup Salad isn’t just a recipe, it’s a time machine to simpler days. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, it’s guaranteed to spark joy (and empty bowls).

Your Turn!
Tag us with #7CupMagic when you make it. we’d love to see your creations!