Millionaire Peach Salad Recipe

If you’re hunting for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s just as dreamy at a potluck as it is for Sunday supper, Millionaire Peach Salad is your answer! This incredibly creamy, fruity, and blissfully nostalgic dessert salad brings juicy peaches, fluffy marshmallows, and a peachy cream base together for the ultimate comfort-in-a-bowl. Trust me: it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat all summer long (and then some).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient in Millionaire Peach Salad plays a part in creating its sweet, creamy, utterly peachy allure. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make every bite memorable.

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the indulgent base, giving gorgeous body and mild tang. Make sure it’s room temp for ultra-smooth mixing!
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the creamy layer without any grittiness, blending seamlessly into the mixture.
• Cool Whip (12 oz): Adds airy volume and a lush, melt-on-the-tongue creaminess to the salad.
• Peach Jello (1 small box, 3 oz): The signature ingredient—the dry mix (not prepared) infuses that pop of summery peach flavor and a gorgeous pastel hue.
• Canned Sliced Peaches (2 cans, 14 oz each, in heavy syrup): Tender, syrupy peaches bring real fruit texture and sweetness—cut them bite-size for perfect forkfuls.
• Mini Marshmallows (2 cups): Soft, pillowy bits scattered throughout for chewy sweetness and a dose of retro fun.
• Chopped Pecans (1/2 cup): Tossed in right before serving, these give toasty crunch for a little textural surprise in every spoonful.

Variations

Want to make this peach salad recipe your own? It’s wonderfully forgiving and easy to tweak, so you can swap in your favorites or accommodate any sweet tooth, texture preference, or dietary need.

• Use Fresh Peaches: When stone fruit is in season, fresh peeled peaches tossed with a little extra sugar and lemon juice are absolutely divine.
• Try a Different Jello Flavor: Strawberry or orange Jello both work beautifully if you want to change up the fruit vibe—think summer berry or citrus twist!
• Add Shredded Coconut: For a tropical spin, mix in about 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut with the marshmallows.
• Go Nut-Free: Skip the pecans for allergy-friendly gatherings, or sub with toasted sunflower seeds for a subtle crunch.
• Make It Lighter: Use light cream cheese, sugar-free Jello, or light whipped topping for a lower-calorie (but still luscious) version of Millionaire Peach Salad.

How to Make Millionaire Peach Salad

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese and Sugar

Start by beating the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer for best results—the goal is a seriously creamy, lump-free base. Scrape down the sides as you go, so every bit is smooth and dreamy!

Step 2: Add in Cool Whip and Dry Jello

Gently fold in the Cool Whip and sprinkle the peach Jello powder right over the top. There’s something magical about the way the Jello powder instantly tints the mixture that perfect peach color—just fold until combined for cloud-like results.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Peaches

Drain those glorious canned peaches (but don’t toss away all that syrup—you’ll need two tablespoons to help flavor the salad). Chop the peaches into bite-size pieces, then gently stir both the fruit and reserved syrup into your creamy mixture.

Step 4: Fold in Mini Marshmallows and Chill

Scatter in the mini marshmallows, folding gently to keep everything as fluffy as possible. Cover and chill for at least two hours (or up to a day ahead)—this gives the flavors time to mingle and the salad to get beautifully set.

Step 5: Add Pecans and Serve

Right before serving, stir in the chopped pecans. This keeps them perfectly crisp, adding that final nutty crunch that’s such a signature of Millionaire Peach Salad. Serve cold and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Millionaire Peach Salad

Garnishes

For extra flair, top your Millionaire Peach Salad with a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a handful of mini marshmallows right before serving. A few fresh peach slices arranged on top make it look dazzlingly fresh, or add a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as part of a classic Southern spread—think barbecue chicken, baked ham, or even alongside turkey at the holidays. It’s also a welcome “dessert salad” after brats, burgers, or fried chicken at any summer potluck!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, scoop Millionaire Peach Salad into individual parfait cups or vintage sundae glasses. You can even layer it with extra whipped cream or crushed vanilla wafers for dessert vibes, or serve family-style in a big glass trifle bowl for maximum wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover salad tightly and keep it refrigerated. It stays beautifully creamy for up to three days (though the marshmallows may melt a bit into the mixture over time—still delicious!).

Freezing

Freezing Millionaire Peach Salad isn’t recommended—the creamy base and marshmallows lose their texture and it can become watery once thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh and make just what you need!

Reheating

No reheating needed for this chilly classic! Serve straight from the fridge. If it’s gotten a little too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to restore its fluffy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that wows on every table—and delivers that sweet, sunny nostalgia—Millionaire Peach Salad will always deliver. It’s comforting, playful, and blissfully easy, perfect for bringing family and friends together. Give it a try and see why this lovely classic earns its “millionaire” name!

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