Peach Salad Recipe

Get ready to fall head-over-heels for an irresistible Peach Salad that’s part creamy dessert, part fruit salad, and 100% pure summertime happiness. This throwback classic is sweet, dreamy, and loaded with peaches, marshmallows, and a tangy twist that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, familiar ingredients come together to create something truly magical in this Peach Salad. Each item on this list brings its own special charm—think tangy jello, creamy cheese, and bursts of fresh peachy flavor for a dish that’s both playful and irresistible.

• Cream Cheese: Softened to ensure a silky, decadent base that blends perfectly with the sugar for maximum creaminess.
• Powdered Sugar: For a sugar-dusted sweetness that dissolves seamlessly and adds that signature dessert salad charm.
• Frozen Whipped Topping: Light, fluffy, and easy—this gives your Peach Salad that dreamy, mousse-like texture everyone loves.
• Peach or Orange Jello: Adds a pleasant tang and a gorgeous peachy hue; the dry mix blends right in for flavor and color.
• Canned Sliced Peaches: The star of the show! Juicy, tender, and full of lively summer sweetness—plus a splash of the syrup brings extra peachy goodness.
• Small Curd Cottage Cheese: Adds creamy lightness and a hint of tang, balancing out the sweetness beautifully.
• Mini Marshmallows: For pockets of pillowy softness and cheerful flair—kids (and grown-ups) adore the extra fun.
• Pecans: Tossed in at the end for just the right amount of crunch and a slightly toasty, nutty finish.

Variations

If you love putting your own spin on classic recipes, this Peach Salad is a perfect blank canvas. It’s endlessly adaptable—swap in what you have, make it extra rich, or keep it light and fruity depending on your mood and crowd.

• Fresh Peaches Swirl: When in season, use fresh, peeled peaches for an ultra-vibrant flavor and a touch of homemade sunshine.
• Nut-Free Version: Simply skip the pecans for allergy-friendly sharing or replace them with sunflower seeds or roasted pepitas.
• Tropical Twist: Swap half the peaches for pineapple chunks and use pineapple jello for a sunny, tropical Peach Salad vibe.
• Lighter Option: Use light cream cheese, light cottage cheese, and sugar-free whipped topping for a more everyday treat—still creamy, still luscious!

How to Make Peach Salad

Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese & Sugar

Start by whipping your room-temperature cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a large bowl. Mix for 3-5 minutes until the mixture turns fluffy, smooth, and completely lump-free. This step ensures your Peach Salad will have a dreamy, cloud-like base!

Step 2: Blend in the Creamy Elements

Gently fold in the frozen whipped topping, cottage cheese, and dry jello mix. Be gentle here—fold instead of stirring hard, so everything stays airy and light. The jello imparts flavor and a subtle blush, making the salad pop both visually and in taste.

Step 3: Add Peaches & Syrup

Now, add the chopped canned peaches along with 2 tablespoons of the reserved syrup. This not only infuses the salad with peach flavor but keeps the whole dish lush and succulent—perfect for a Peach Salad that actually tastes like peaches!

Step 4: Fold in Marshmallows & Chill

Time for the mini marshmallows! Fold them in gently so they stay plump. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—this lets all the flavors mingle, and gives the salad its signature cool, set texture.

Step 5: Add Crunch & Serve

Just before serving, stir in the chopped pecans for a lovely, toasty crunch. Spoon into serving bowls (or a big, vintage-inspired trifle dish!) and enjoy every creamy, peachy, marshmallow-packed bite.

How to Serve Peach Salad

Garnishes

Add even more pizzazz to your Peach Salad with a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans, a few thin peach slices, or a cloud of whipped cream right on top. A mint sprig makes for a colorful, fresh finishing touch if you want to impress at the table!

Side Dishes

This salad shines next to grilled chicken, pulled pork, classic barbecue fare, or a simple ham. It’s a guaranteed hit at picnics and holiday potlucks, but honestly—Peach Salad is fabulous next to just about anything summery and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering your Peach Salad in clear glass jars for picnics, or spoon it into elegant parfait glasses for dinner parties. Feeling playful? Serve in mini waffle cones for a whimsical touch that both kids and adults adore!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The marshmallows will soften a bit, but the flavor just gets dreamier—give it a gentle stir before serving again to freshen things up.

Freezing

Peach Salad is best enjoyed fresh and chilled, but if you’d like to prep ahead, you can freeze it before adding the pecans and marshmallows. Thaw in the refrigerator, then stir in those last add-ins before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

No reheating required! This salad is at its very best served icy cold. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping to revive the creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peach Salad is more than just a recipe—it’s pure, peachy joy in a bowl! Whether you’re sharing with friends, surprising the family, or treating yourself, I hope it becomes your go-to summer side. Grab those peaches and let the magic begin!

Print