Short Description:
This Millionaire Peach Salad is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special—without all the fuss! With juicy, ripe peaches, creamy whipped topping, crunchy pecans, and a touch of sweetness, this salad has all the perfect textures and flavors. It’s an easy, no-cook recipe that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or just when you want a sweet, refreshing treat. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Millionaire Peach Salad is a mix of refreshing, sweet, and creamy flavors that hit every note just right. It’s not your typical salad—it’s more of a dessert-like side dish, with the sweetness of peaches and the richness of whipped topping. The crunchy pecans add just the right texture, making each bite a little bit of heaven. It’s a simple recipe that feels like a treat, and it’s perfect for everything from BBQs to holiday meals. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!
Ingredients
(Find the full list of ingredients below!)
- Fresh peaches (peeled and sliced)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- Vanilla extract
- Marshmallows (optional, but recommended for extra sweetness and texture)
Directions
1. Prepare the Peaches
Start by peeling and slicing your fresh peaches. You want them ripe, but not too soft—just enough that they’re sweet and juicy. Once sliced, set them aside. If you’re using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the salad.
2. Make the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or just a whisk if you don’t mind a little extra elbow grease! Then, add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
3. Fold in the Whipped Topping
Next, gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip or your favorite whipped cream alternative) into the creamy mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping—just fold it in until it’s all blended together, creating a fluffy, light texture.
4. Add the Peaches and Pecans
Once your cream mixture is ready, carefully fold in the sliced peaches and chopped pecans. The peaches will be the star here, but the pecans add a great crunch and nutty flavor that balance out the sweetness. If you like marshmallows in your salad, go ahead and stir them in at this stage. They add a fun texture and extra sweetness!
5. Chill and Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it tastes, but if you’re in a pinch, it’s still delicious after just a quick chill. Before serving, garnish with a few more chopped pecans or even a few peach slices on top for a pretty presentation.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Fresh vs. Canned Peaches: Fresh peaches give this salad a great texture and flavor, but if they’re out of season, canned peaches work just fine. Just be sure to drain them well so the salad doesn’t get too watery.
- Make It Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time! The flavors deepen as it sits in the fridge, so you can prepare it the night before your gathering and let it chill overnight.
- Nuts: Pecans add a lovely richness and crunch to the salad, but if you prefer walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of different nuts, feel free to swap them out. You could also toast the nuts for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sweetness Adjustments: If you want to adjust the sweetness, you can add more or less sweetened condensed milk depending on your preference. You can also skip the marshmallows if you want a less sweet version.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add More Fruit: While peaches are the star of this salad, you can add other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even pineapple to give it more variety and color. Just be sure to keep the proportions balanced so the salad doesn’t get too watery.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan version of this salad, use a plant-based cream cheese and a dairy-free whipped topping. Sweetened condensed milk can be substituted with coconut milk or a non-dairy sweetened condensed milk alternative.
- Make It Lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use light cream cheese and reduced-fat whipped topping. You could also replace the sweetened condensed milk with a lighter sweetener, but keep in mind it might affect the texture a bit.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Millionaire Peach Salad is perfect as a side dish or dessert for summer barbecues, holiday dinners, or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like chicken or pork, and is refreshing enough to balance out heavier dishes. You could also serve it alongside other light summer salads or serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of cake.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad keeps well and will continue to thicken as it chills. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days for the freshest taste. You can’t really “reheat” this salad, but it stays cool and creamy, which is perfect for those warm days when you want a refreshing dish!
4 FAQs
- Can I use frozen peaches?
You can use frozen peaches, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the salad. Fresh peaches will give you the best texture, but frozen can still work if necessary. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is great for making ahead of time! In fact, it gets even better as it chills and the flavors meld together. Make it a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight. - What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 cup of sugar, simmering until thickened. Alternatively, you can use a thick dairy-free sweetener or coconut milk for a similar effect. - Can I skip the marshmallows?
Yes, you can skip the marshmallows if you prefer a less sweet or more straightforward fruit salad. The salad will still be delicious without them!
Conclusion
This Millionaire Peach Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, attending a potluck, or just craving a light, sweet treat. With fresh peaches, creamy texture, and crunchy nuts, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious. It’s quick to prepare, beautifully refreshing, and can be made ahead to save you time. Make it once, and I guarantee it’ll become a staple in your recipe box!
Millionaire Peach Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 1-2 hours (for chilling)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Dessert
- Method: No-cook, Refrigerated
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Millionaire Peach Salad is a delightful, refreshing, and creamy fruit salad that combines the sweetness of fresh peaches with a rich and velvety dressing. A perfect summer dish, this salad features a blend of peaches, marshmallows, whipped cream, and a touch of cream cheese for a luxurious flavor. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing salad that works as a side dish, dessert, or snack.
Ingredients
- 4–5 ripe peaches, peeled and diced (or 1 can of peach slices, drained)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup whipped cream (or 1 cup if you prefer extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Combine the fruit and marshmallows: Add the diced peaches, mini marshmallows, and optional crushed pineapple (if using) into the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and for the salad to chill.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired for a crunchy texture and added flavor. Serve cold.
Notes
- For an extra luxurious version, you can substitute the whipped cream with homemade whipped cream for a richer taste.
- Feel free to swap out the peaches for other fruits like nectarines or apricots for a slightly different flavor profile.
- This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet side dish for grilled meats.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can substitute the whipped cream with Greek yogurt or use a sugar-free option for the dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
OlXc8INYqIn