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Sunshine Salad

A refreshing and creamy vintage dessert salad featuring pineapple, mandarin oranges, and marshmallows in a fluffy vanilla dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 20 oz canned pineapple chunks drained well
  • 30 oz canned mandarin oranges 2 cans, drained well
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
Dressing
  • 8 oz whipped topping thawed (e.g., Cool Whip)
  • 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix dry powder only
  • 0.5 cup vanilla greek yogurt optional, for tanginess

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Place the pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges in a colander in the sink. Let them drain for at least 10 minutes to remove excess liquid.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping and the dry instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir gently until the powder is fully dissolved and the mixture is yellow and fluffy.
  3. Add the drained pineapple and mandarin oranges to the bowl. Fold gently with a spatula to coat the fruit without breaking the mandarin segments.
  4. Fold in the mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften.
  6. Stir gently before serving chilled.

Notes

Ensure fruit is very dry to prevent a watery salad.