This bright and refreshing Millionaire Peach Salad is packed with juicy peaches, crunchy pecans, and creamy yogurt. It’s like sunshine in a bowl!
It’s super easy to whip up—just toss the ingredients together! I love making it for picnics or snacks, and it’s always a hit. Plus, who doesn’t love a tasty salad? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Peaches: Using canned peaches is quick and convenient, but fresh peaches are delicious too! If they’re in season, opt for ripe, juicy peaches for even more flavor.
Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarin oranges work well, but you can also use fresh orange segments. Just remember to remove any seeds. Fresh ones can add a lovely zest to the salad.
Mini Marshmallows: These add a fun texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using chopped apples or even dried fruits like raisins for a similar sweetness.
Pecans: They offer a delightful crunch. If you are allergic or don’t like nuts, you can replace them with toasted sunflower seeds or simply leave them out. It’s still tasty!
Whipped Topping: While Cool Whip is easy to use, you can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla. This gives you a fresher taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Cream Cheese Mixture is Smooth?
A smooth cream cheese mixture is crucial for this salad’s creamy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with room temperature cream cheese; this makes it much easier to mix!
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat it until smooth before adding any other ingredients.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined well.
Mixing it well with sugar and vanilla also helps integrate everything into a light, fluffy filling. Don’t rush this step for the best results!
Easy Millionaire Peach Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups canned peaches (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (drained)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed pecans (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a perfect dish to make ahead of time, so it’s ready when you need it!
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 smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your salad and makes it nice and rich!
2. Sweeten It Up:
Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until everything is nicely combined, creating a perfect sweet foundation for your salad.
3. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
Now, gently fold in the whipped topping. This step is important—it helps make the mixture light and fluffy, which is what you want for this salad!
4. Mix in the Fruits and Nuts:
Next, add in the chopped canned peaches, mandarin orange segments, mini marshmallows, and crushed pecans. Fold everything together gently so that all the ingredients are mixed evenly without losing the fluffiness.
5. Final Touch:
Transfer your delicious salad to a serving bowl, and sprinkle some extra crushed pecans on top for garnish. It adds a nice look and extra crunch!
6. Chill Before Serving:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors blend perfectly together!
Enjoy this sweet, creamy, and crunchy Millionaire Peach Salad as a tasty dessert or refreshing side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Peaches Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches can enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. Just make sure they are ripe, and peel and chop them before adding them to the mix. You’ll want about 2 cups of chopped fresh peaches.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve for the best freshness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the texture!
Can I Substitute the Whipped Topping?
Yes! If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla to replace the whipped topping. This will give you a fresher taste and a delightful texture!
