Creamy Peach Salad Recipe: A No-Bake Dessert You’ll Make Again and Again

Few desserts are as effortless and satisfying as a chilled peach salad. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet and refreshing, this no-bake treat checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, fruity, and light—with just the right amount of richness to feel indulgent without being heavy.

If you’re looking for a foolproof recipe that delivers every time, you’re in the right place. This peach salad recipe takes just minutes to assemble and features pantry staples like canned fruit, whipped topping, and pudding mix. No oven, no stove—just mix, chill, and enjoy.

Let’s dive into exactly how to make this creamy peach dessert salad and why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

What Is Peach Salad?

When you hear “peach salad,” you might think of leafy greens and grilled peach slices. That’s a great savory option, but this version is something entirely different. This peach salad recipe is a sweet, creamy dish more closely related to a dessert or fruit fluff.

It’s made with juicy canned peaches, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, whipped topping, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Think of it as a fruit salad that went to a party and came back wearing pearls.

This kind of creamy peach salad is a popular choice for gatherings, especially during warmer months. It’s cool, comforting, and easy to make ahead—everything you want in a crowd-pleasing dish.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Peach Salad Recipe

This isn’t just another fruit salad. It’s one of those dishes that quietly disappears from the buffet table before anything else. And it’s not hard to see why.

Here’s what makes this peach salad so irresistible:

• Quick prep: You’ll need just 15 minutes to mix everything together.
• No cooking involved: Perfect for summer days when you don’t want to heat the kitchen.
• Make-ahead friendly: Chill it for an hour—or even overnight—for maximum flavor.
• Customizable: Toss in chopped pecans, cherries, or coconut, or swap the fruit based on what you have.
• Kid-approved: The marshmallows and pudding make this one especially popular with little ones.

Reader-Favorite Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are a few tried-and-true twists on the original peach salad recipe:

• Add maraschino cherries for extra color and sweetness.
• Use fresh peaches in place of canned if they’re in season.
• Swap in other fruits like mandarin oranges or diced strawberries.
• Make it nut-free by leaving out the pecans.
• Try chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a more decadent version.

No matter how you adjust it, the core combination of peaches, whipped topping, and pudding keeps it deliciously creamy and sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Peach Salad Recipe

Before you start mixing, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Make sure your canned fruits are fully drained before adding them. Any extra juice will thin out the mixture and prevent it from setting properly in the fridge.

How to Make Peach Salad Step-by-Step

This peach salad recipe couldn’t be easier to prepare. It’s a simple mix-and-chill method that takes the pressure off when you’re short on time or prepping multiple dishes.

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by opening the cans of peaches and crushed pineapple. Drain both thoroughly to remove any excess liquid. Chop the peach slices into bite-sized pieces if they aren’t already pre-cut.

Tip: Pat the fruit with a paper towel to absorb any lingering moisture for a thicker, creamier finish.

Step 2: Combine the Base

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the drained peaches, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.

Step 3: Add the Pudding Mix

Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix directly over the fruit and marshmallows. No need to prepare it with milk—the pudding powder will thicken as it absorbs moisture from the fruit and whipped topping.

Mix gently until the powder is fully incorporated and no clumps remain.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Next, add the thawed whipped topping to the bowl. Use a spatula to fold it in carefully. You want a smooth, creamy texture without deflating the topping too much.

This is when the magic happens—the ingredients start to come together into a fluffy, luxurious salad.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

If you’re using shredded coconut or chopped pecans, fold them in now. These add great texture and flavor, but they’re entirely optional.

Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins too, like diced fresh strawberries or a handful of maraschino cherries.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least one hour. This allows the pudding to thicken and the flavors to meld together.

When you’re ready to serve, give it a light stir to fluff everything up again. Spoon it into individual bowls or serve straight from a large glass dish for a beautiful presentation.

Bonus Tip: If you’re serving it for a party, garnish the top with extra marshmallows, a few cherry halves, or a light sprinkle of coconut right before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Your Peach Salad

Once your peach salad has chilled and thickened to perfection, it’s time to serve it up in style. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it simple at home, there are plenty of ways to present this creamy dessert in an appealing way.

How to Serve Peach Salad

You can serve peach salad straight from the bowl, but with just a bit of creativity, you can elevate it for any occasion:

• Glass Trifle Bowl: For potlucks or parties, a clear trifle dish shows off the fluffy texture and colorful bits of fruit and coconut.
• Individual Dessert Cups: Spoon the salad into small bowls or cups for individual servings—perfect for picnics or kids’ events.
• Over Cake or Waffles: Use it as a topping for pound cake, waffles, or even pancakes for a unique dessert twist.
• Chilled in Mason Jars: Pack individual portions into mason jars for an easy, portable dessert for lunchboxes or picnics.

Best Occasions to Serve This Peach Salad

This recipe is flexible enough to work for many different settings. You might want to serve it:

• At summer cookouts
• During holiday dinners as a light dessert option
• For birthday parties or celebrations
• At church potlucks or neighborhood gatherings
• Just because—it makes a great weeknight dessert when you’re short on time

If you’re looking for a way to end a meal on a cool, creamy note, this is a reliable go-to.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Guidelines

One of the best things about this peach salad recipe is how well it stores. You can easily prepare it in advance and keep it chilled until it’s time to serve. That makes it perfect for hosting or busy days when you don’t want to be in the kitchen.

How Far in Advance Can You Make It?

You can make this salad up to 24 hours ahead of time, and it actually tastes better when given time to rest. The pudding mix continues to absorb moisture from the fruit, helping it firm up and deepen in flavor.

If you’re adding mix-ins like nuts or coconut, consider folding them in just before serving so they maintain their texture.

How to Store Leftovers

To store your peach salad, follow these simple steps:

• Use an airtight container or cover your mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Any longer and the texture may start to break down.
• Stir gently before serving if the salad has separated slightly in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Peach Salad?

Freezing is not recommended. The whipped topping and pudding may separate when thawed, and the texture of the fruit will likely become mushy. This is definitely a fridge-only dish.

Tips for the Best Peach Salad Every Time

If you’re making peach salad for the first time—or just want to perfect your process—keep these tips in mind to ensure the best possible results:

1. Drain Your Fruit Well

This cannot be overstated. Extra liquid from canned peaches or pineapple will prevent the salad from setting properly. Take an extra minute to drain thoroughly, and even blot the fruit with a paper towel if needed.

2. Use Cold Ingredients

Everything should be chilled before mixing. Cold fruit and whipped topping help the salad hold its shape and stay fresh longer.

3. Don’t Prepare the Pudding

The pudding mix goes in dry. Do not mix it with milk or follow the package directions. It’s meant to act as a thickening agent for the whipped topping and fruit juices.

4. Gently Fold, Don’t Stir

When adding the whipped topping, fold gently to preserve its airy texture. Overmixing can make the salad dense.

5. Customize with Confidence

This recipe is highly flexible. Once you’ve mastered the base, try different variations:

• Swap the peaches for pears, mangoes, or fresh strawberries.
• Try banana pudding or cheesecake-flavored pudding for a twist.
• Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm note.
• Use crushed graham crackers on top for added texture.

Experiment until you find the version you love most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Salad

What is peach salad made of?

This peach salad recipe is made with canned peach slices, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, instant vanilla pudding mix, whipped topping, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. It’s a creamy, fruit-filled dish served chilled.

Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh peaches if they’re in season. Simply peel and dice 2 to 3 ripe peaches and proceed with the recipe as usual. Make sure they’re sweet and juicy for the best results.

How do I keep peach salad from getting runny?

The key is draining your canned fruit well and using dry pudding mix. Any excess liquid will cause the salad to thin out. Also, always refrigerate it before serving.

Is this peach salad recipe gluten-free?

Generally, yes—but always check the labels on your pudding mix and whipped topping. Most instant pudding mixes are gluten-free, but it’s best to confirm.

Can I make this peach salad recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Just cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.

What’s a good substitute for pecans?

You can use chopped walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds. If you’re avoiding nuts, simply leave them out—the salad is still delicious.

Can I make it less sweet?

If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, cut back slightly on the marshmallows or use unsweetened coconut. Some people even swap the whipped topping for a lightly sweetened Greek yogurt, though this changes the texture.

Conclusion: A Peach Salad Recipe You’ll Come Back to Again and Again

You now have everything you need to create a creamy, fruity, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This peach salad recipe is easy to prepare, flexible enough to suit your taste, and guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.

It’s one of those rare dishes that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction—creamy, refreshing, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making it for your family, a party, or just as a treat for yourself, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

Give it a try the next time you’re craving something simple and sweet—and once you do, share your results in the comments below. Did you try a twist on the recipe? Serve it in a creative way? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.

And if you know someone who would love this no-bake dessert, share this recipe with a friend. It’s too good not to pass along.

Want more no-bake dessert ideas? Stick around for more fruit salad recipes, summer treats, and easy dishes that deliver big flavor without the hassle.

Creamy Peach Salad Recipe: A No-Bake Dessert You’ll Make Again and Again

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• Author: Chef Rina
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

This creamy peach dessert salad blends juicy peaches, pineapple, coconut, and marshmallows for a rich, fruity treat. A quick and easy no-bake recipe perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (15 oz) peach slices, drained and chopped

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

• 1 cup shredded coconut

• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped peaches, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows.

• Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the fruit and stir until everything is well coated.

• Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

• Stir in the shredded coconut and add chopped pecans if desired.

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• chill time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180 per serving