Name: Millionaire Peach Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches, drained and chopped; 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained; 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar); 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup chopped pecans; ½ cup sour cream; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

This creamy, fruity dessert salad is a luxurious treat that combines juicy peaches with tropical flavors and crunchy nuts. It’s called “millionaire” for a reason—every spoonful feels like a rich indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Millionaire Peach Salad is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you need a quick sweet treat. It requires no baking, comes together in minutes, and can be made ahead of time. The combination of creamy pudding, fresh fruit, and crunchy textures creates a delightful contrast that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sliced peaches are the star of this dessert salad, providing juicy sweetness and a beautiful color. You can use canned peaches for convenience, but fresh peaches work wonderfully when in season.
Crushed pineapple adds a tropical flavor and natural sweetness that complements the peaches perfectly. Make sure to drain it well to prevent excess liquid in your salad.
Instant vanilla pudding mix creates the creamy base that holds everything together. It provides structure and a smooth vanilla flavor that enhances the fruit.
Whipped topping makes this salad light and fluffy. It’s folded into the pudding to create an airy, mousse-like texture that’s irresistible.
Mini marshmallows add a fun, sweet chewiness that kids and adults alike love. They also provide a nice textural contrast to the creamy base.
Sweetened shredded coconut contributes tropical flavor and a pleasant texture. It adds another dimension to the dessert that elevates it beyond a simple fruit salad.
Chopped pecans bring a necessary crunch and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness. They can be lightly toasted first for even more flavor.
Sour cream might seem unusual, but it adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness and creates a more complex flavor profile.
Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors and adds a warm aromatic quality to the dessert.
Directions

Drain syrup from peaches and chop into bite-sized pieces. Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly.
In a large bowl, combine instant vanilla pudding mix and whipped topping. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Gently fold sour cream into the pudding mixture until evenly combined.
Fold in chopped peaches, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Mix gently until evenly distributed.
Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, followed by a minimum of 2 hours of chilling time for the flavors to develop. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, though this can vary based on specific brands used and serving size.

Variations

Tropical Version: Add diced mango and use macadamia nuts instead of pecans for an island-inspired twist.

Berry Delight: Substitute half the peaches with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a mixed fruit approach.

Lower Sugar Option: Use sugar-free pudding mix and lite whipped topping to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.

Crunchy Addition: Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers just before serving for an added textural element.

Fall Flavor: Replace peaches with diced apples and add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a seasonal adaptation.

Storage/Reheating

The Millionaire Peach Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture is best within the first 24-48 hours, as the marshmallows gradually soften and the nuts may lose some of their crunch over time.

This dessert is meant to be served cold and does not require reheating. In fact, heating would cause the whipped topping to melt and ruin the consistency.

If you need to make this salad ahead of time for an event, consider adding the nuts just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely! When peaches are in season, fresh ones make this salad even more delicious. You’ll need about 2 cups of chopped fresh peaches. There’s no need to cook them; simply peel, pit, and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Is there a way to make this dessert lighter?

You can use light whipped topping, fat-free sour cream, and sugar-free instant pudding to reduce calories. You could also reduce the amount of marshmallows and coconut, which are higher in sugar.

Can I substitute the pecans if someone has a nut allergy?

Yes, you can either omit the nuts entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch without the nut allergens. Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) also work well.

Why is my salad too runny?

This usually happens if the pineapple and peaches weren’t drained thoroughly. Make sure to drain and even pat dry the fruit before adding it to the mixture. Also, ensure you’re using instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve variety.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free whipped topping and dairy-free sour cream alternatives (like coconut yogurt). Check that your pudding mix is dairy-free or use a dairy-free vanilla pudding alternative.

How far in advance can I make this for a party?

For best results, prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. If you need to make it earlier, consider adding the nuts, marshmallows, and coconut just before serving to maintain optimal texture.

Why is it called “Millionaire” Peach Salad?

The name likely comes from the rich, luxurious combination of ingredients. With creamy pudding, whipped topping, fruits, and nuts, it’s an indulgent dessert that feels special and “rich” – like something a millionaire might enjoy!

Can I freeze this dessert salad?

Freezing is not recommended as it will significantly alter the texture. The whipped topping and pudding base will separate when thawed, and the fruit may become mushy.

What can I serve with Millionaire Peach Salad?

This dessert salad pairs wonderfully with simple cookies like shortbread or vanilla wafers. It also makes a great complement to a summer barbecue or potluck with grilled meats and savory sides.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Certainly! Consider adding sliced bananas (add just before serving to prevent browning), mandarin orange segments, or even quartered grapes. Just make sure any additions are well-drained to maintain the proper consistency.

Conclusion

Millionaire Peach Salad is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements into one irresistible package. It’s perfect for those times when you need a quick but impressive dessert that can be made ahead. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability, feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or just treating yourself to something special, this luxurious dessert salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Millionaire Peach Salad