This Marshmallow Fruit Salad (sometimes called Sunshine Fruit Salad) is filled with tropical fruit flavors and fluffy marshmallows, making it perfect for summertime or anytime you want to serve a fruit salad that reminds you of summer!

overhead view of marshmallow fruit salad ready to serve

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Why You Will Love Marshmallow Fruit Salad

It’s packed with bright tropical colors and flavors: The bright, colorful mix of tropical fruit instantly livens up any party table, making this fruit salad perfect for holidays or celebrations that need a cheery, summery vibe.
It’s super easy to make: As with most fruit salads, this one comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients!
It has a “secret ingredient” that adds extra sweetness and flavor: I’ll share it with you in just a second!

Ingredients Needed for Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Ingredient quantities for this easy marshmallow fruit salad recipe are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Bananas
Canned pineapple chunks (in juice)
Canned mandarin oranges (in light syrup or juice)
Box of vanilla or cheesecake instant pudding – this is that secret ingredient I just mentioned! it adds a fun sweet flavor to this fruit salad
Mini marshmallows

There are a few potential customizations to this recipe that I mention below and in the recipe card (located at the end of the post).

How To Make Marshmallow Fruit Salad (Quick Overview)

The steps below are just a quick overview of how to make the recipe. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Gather your ingredients!

sideview of the ingredients needed to make this marshmallow fruit salad

Prepare the fruit by:

Peeling and slicing the bananas
Draining the pineapple
Keeping the mandarin oranges as-is (i.e., don’t drain them)

overhead view of fruits added to a glass mixing bowl

Sprinkle the dry pudding mix on top of the fruit.

overhead view of jello mixture added on top of the fruit in the glass mixing bowl

Mix to combine. Then cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes or until chilled.

overhead view of fruit tossed to combine the jello mixture in the mixing bowl

Add the marshmallows, serve, and enjoy!

overhead view of marshmallows added to the mixture and tossed to thoroughly mix them together

Customization Options

For a slightly different flavor, drain the mandarin oranges but not the pineapple. You can use pineapple in light syrup or juice.
You can also use zero sugar instant pudding to cut down on the sugar content. Just make sure it’s the 4-serving size box.
For a creamier fruit salad, drain both of the cans of fruit and fold in some yogurt or Cool Whip instead. I love to make this with plain Greek Yogurt to cut some of the sweetness. With yogurt, it can be a good breakfast option!
For more tropical flavor, mix in coconut flakes. Because this fruit salad is already pretty sweet, I typically use unsweetened coconut flakes.

More Fruit Salad Recipes

Marshmallow Fruit Salad is a delicious option year-round, especially for picnics and cookouts, and it’s also frequently served as a holiday side dish. Here are a few more fruit salads to try as summer side dishes:

Searching for the ultimate fruit salad recipe to wow your guests? This vibrant, mouthwatering salad is great for any occasion, whether it’s a casual picnic, your Easter sides menu, Memorial Day celebrations, or 4th of July cookouts.
Craving something creamy and packed with tropical goodness? Ambrosia fruit salad is a nostalgic classic that’s bursting with refreshing flavors and guaranteed to be a hit!
Mandarin orange jello fruit salad is a refreshing dish packed with citrusy sweetness. Perfect for picnics, holidays, or a quick family dessert, this recipe is simple and delicious!
Spice up your winter holidays with this fall fruit salad! Bursting with fresh fruit and warm, cozy spices, it’s the perfect festive treat.

overhead view of fruit salad ready to serve with a white ladle removing one serving size — **Fruit Salad**

overhead view of ambrosia salad in a bowl ready to serve — **Fruit Salad**

I hope you love this tropical fruit salad!

overhead view of marshmallow fruit salad in a bowl ready to serve

How to Store Your Marshmallow Fruit Salad (and How Long It Lasts)

Technically, this fruit salad will last up to two days covered in the fridge. However, because the bananas will start to brown, I highly recommend serving all of this at once and not storing it for later. The flavors will still be good, but the presentation won’t be as pretty.

More Summer Salads to Enjoy

Searching for the perfect summer salads to elevate your picnic foods menu, cookout sides menu, and holiday feasts? Look no further—these crowd-pleasers are guaranteed to impress!

Treat your taste buds to the vibrant Caprese Salad. A mouthwatering mix of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. For more of a kick, try this zesty Mediterranean Italian Antipasto Salad. It always goes fast at any gathering!
Impress your guests and make this Broccoli Salad. Packed with bold crunch and unbeatable flavor, it’s always a hit.
You can’t go wrong with a classic! Our Potato Salad is creamy, tangy, and endlessly satisfying. A timeless favorite that never lets you down.
Need a quick, mega-popular side? Macaroni Salad is here to steal the spotlight. Easy to prep, bursting with flavor, and a guaranteed hit!
No grilling session is complete without Homemade Coleslaw. Light, crunchy, and oh-so-refreshing, it’s the ultimate side dish that always delivers.

overhead view of caprese salad ready to serve with a serving spoon hovering over the serving bowl with one full serving in it — **Carpese Salad**

overhead view of antipasto salad in a white serving bowl — **Carpese Salad**

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