There’s just something delightfully retro and irresistibly satisfying about a Country Club Salad. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, holiday gathering, or just craving a creamy, fruit-filled treat on a warm afternoon, this salad always brings a dash of elegance and a pop of fun to the table. It’s no wonder the Country Club Salad has remained a cherished classic for generations—each bite is a playful balance of luscious fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy pecans, all wrapped in a dreamy, sweet-tart cream. If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a sweet hug from the past while fitting perfectly into any menu today, look no further!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Fruit Mixture:
- 1 cup seedless green grapes (halved)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
How to Make Country Club Salad
Step 1: Combine the Fruit and Marshmallows
Grab your largest mixing bowl and toss in the halved green grapes, crushed pineapple (make sure it’s well drained so your salad stays fluffy, not watery!), mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, and the optional sweetened coconut. This is where the salad gets its colorful, playful look, so take a moment to admire all those vibrant specks mingling together.
Step 2: Fold in the Creamy Goodness
Add the sour cream and whipped topping right into your mixing bowl, and gently fold everything together. Take your time—folding instead of stirring helps keep the fruit and marshmallows intact and airy. The creamy blend should coat every piece without crushing your ingredients or deflating the whipped topping.
Step 3: Chill to Perfection
Once everything is beautifully mixed, cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the fridge. Give it at least an hour to chill; this lets the flavors come together and ensures you get that cool, classic Country Club Salad experience. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step 4: Enjoy Cold
When your Country Club Salad is perfectly chilled, give it a gentle stir, then serve it up nice and cold. Whether you’re spooning it into crystal dishes for a fancy gathering or scooping it onto a paper plate at a picnic, this salad truly shines at any occasion.
How to Serve Country Club Salad
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans and a small handful of coconut on top, or add a handful of whole grapes for a fresh twist. A sprig of mint can make the colors pop and add a subtle fragrance everyone will love.
Side Dishes
Country Club Salad pairs perfectly with just about everything on your table. It’s a refreshing contrast to grilled meats, a wonderful palate cleanser with roast chicken, or a sweet companion to savory casseroles. Serve it as a side at brunches or potlucks for a little burst of creamy nostalgia.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, try scooping your Country Club Salad into hollowed-out pineapple halves, glass parfait cups, or even mini mason jars for grab-and-go treats. It also works beautifully spooned onto lettuce leaves for a touch of old-school charm at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Country Club Salad, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, though it’s at its very best within the first 24–48 hours. The creaminess holds up nicely, and the flavors just continue to mingle and mellow.
Freezing
While it can be tempting to freeze leftovers for later, freezing isn’t ideal for this salad—the texture of the fruit, marshmallows, and creamy base changes too much after thawing. For best results, enjoy your Country Club Salad freshly made from the fridge.
Reheating
There’s no reheating needed for this recipe! In fact, Country Club Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so simply give it a gentle stir after storing and serve straight from the refrigerator.
FAQs
Can I make Country Club Salad the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, preparing it a night ahead allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve for the ultimate creamy, dreamy salad experience.
Are there any nut-free options for Country Club Salad?
Definitely! If you or your guests have nut allergies, feel free to leave the pecans out altogether or swap them for crunchy sunflower seeds. The salad will still be totally delicious and packed with texture.
Can I use other fruits besides grapes and pineapple?
Of course! Country Club Salad is wonderfully flexible—try adding halved strawberries, mandarin oranges, or even diced apples. Just make sure any extra fruit is drained well to keep the salad from getting watery.
What’s the best way to toast pecans for the salad?
Simply spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and fragrant. Let them cool completely before mixing into your salad for maximum crunch and flavor.
Is there a way to lighten up Country Club Salad for a healthier version?
You sure can! Swap full-fat sour cream for light sour cream or Greek yogurt, and go for a light whipped topping. The salad will still be creamy and satisfying—just with a little less richness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s effortlessly fun, timelessly tasty, and always greeted with smiles, you can’t go wrong with Country Club Salad. Give this recipe a whirl at your next gathering or simply treat yourself to something special—you might just find it becomes your new go-to classic!
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Country Club Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in a delightful and creamy Country Club Salad that combines sweet grapes, pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans in a luscious sour cream and whipped topping dressing. This vintage salad is perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture:
- 1 cup seedless green grapes (halved)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix grapes, pineapple, marshmallows, pecans, and coconut (if using).
- Add Dressing: Gently fold in sour cream and whipped topping until well coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
- Serve: Serve cold.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance for convenience.
- For extra texture, toast the pecans before adding.
- You can swap pecans for walnuts or omit for a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
