Well, here it is, my childhood in a bowl. You know, I don’t think it ever even crossed my mind that there was something that could be considered weird about 5 Cup Salad until my sister-in-law Debbie came on the scene in the early 2000s. She took one look at it at a family gathering and quietly whispered to me “What is that” with a puzzled look on her face, that only became more confused as I explained it was pineapple, oranges, coconut, marshmallows and sour cream, like it was the most logical thing in the world. Needless to say she didn’t try it, and I don’t think she has even almost 20 years later.

My Mom made this throughout my childhood, and still does, and I freaking LOVE IT. What’s not to like? Fruit, marshmallows, coconut? Delicious!  Sometimes I make it for myself, but these days I usually add Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, just because I always have that in my fridge. I remember eating it at my desk (*sigh* pour one out for my cubicle, I miss it so much!) earlier this year and Nat C. walked by and had the same question as Debbie. Instead of explaining, I just said it was a fruit salad my Mom used to make us as kids, and it was like comfort food to me.

Well, in quarantine, all I want is comfort, so you better believe I’ve been mixing this up. But here’s maybe the most controversial part of 5 Cup Salad: it’s not dessert. It’s a side salad that you eat with your main meal. So think of a line-up of side dishes at a Summer BBQ – it would be right there along with the potato salad and pasta salad. I know it sounds crazy, but that’s the fun of it. My favourite way to eat it is with Sweet & Sour Meatballs and rice, and it’s such a good combination. I was actually looking at another meatball recipe on Mel’s Kitchen Café, and found she has a recipe for what she calls Creamy 5 Cup Fruit Salad. Hers is the same, except without the marshmallows (uhhh, they are non-negotiable for me, you must add them in) and with chopped apples and grapes as well. I’ve also seen it in referred to as Ambrosia Salad, and sometimes maraschino cherries are in the mix.

Adding this to my menu for next week so I can experience the joy again!

Other childhood faves:

• Skor Bar Dessert (Toffee Bar Crunch Pie)
• Strawberry Pie
• Bits & Bites

5 Cup Salad

Source: Mom!

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained well (just use the whole can)
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained well (same)
• 1 cup coconut (doesn’t matter if it’s sweetened or unsweetened, flaked or shredded)
• 1 cup fruity mini marshmallows (I add closer to two cups just for fun)
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain greek yogurt if you have feelings about sour cream)

Directions

1.  Mix everything together in a medium sized bowl. Chill until ready to eat.