Ambrosia Salad is one of those delightfully nostalgic desserts that brings a burst of color, fruity flavor, and creamy texture to any table. Sweet, tangy, and almost impossibly fluffy, this classic treat is a blend of juicy mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, cherries, and marshmallows, all folded into a dreamy, luscious base. Whether you remember it from family gatherings or you’re discovering its almost magical charm for the first time, Ambrosia Salad is a must-make for holiday feasts, potlucks, or anytime you crave a creamy, festive fruit salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Ambrosia Salad is how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients create something truly special. Each element brings its own personality to the mix: a little tang, a lot of sweetness, a pop of color, or a touch of crunch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a rich, tangy base that balances the sweetness and gives the salad that signature creaminess.
- Whipped topping: Lightens up the mixture, making every bite cloud-like and utterly irresistible—Cool Whip works perfectly.
- Mandarin oranges: Juicy, vibrant, and just tart enough, they add brightness and a beautiful color pop.
- Crushed pineapple: Brings a subtle tropical flavor and extra juiciness. Be sure to drain well to avoid a watery salad.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: For a gently chewy texture and a hint of sweetness that ties all the fruits together.
- Mini marshmallows: These soften in the dressing and become plush, melting into each bite with irresistible fluffiness.
- Maraschino cherries: Colorful and sweet, they’re a nostalgic touch—just be sure to pat them dry so their syrup doesn’t turn the salad pink!
- Pecans or walnuts (optional): For a delicate crunch and toasty flavor—totally optional, but a game-changer if you love a little nuttiness.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—this salad is generous and loves space! Combine your sour cream (or Greek yogurt, depending on your preference) with the whipped topping. Whisk or stir gently until the two are totally smooth and united, creating a creamy, fluffy foundation that’s just begging for fruit.
Step 2: Fold in the Fruits and Coconut
Carefully add the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, sweetened shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows to the bowl. Gently fold in the maraschino cherries and nuts, if using. Be delicate here—the goal is to keep the fruit intact so you get those gorgeous, juicy bites throughout.
Step 3: Gently Combine Everything
Using a broad spatula, softly stir the ingredients just until everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture. Over-mixing can crush the fruit and break down the marshmallows, so aim for just enough motion to make it all cohesive.
Step 4: Chill to Perfection
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours—this resting time allows the flavors to mingle, the marshmallows to soften, and the Ambrosia Salad to become irresistibly scoopable. You can even prepare it the night before for best results!
How to Serve Ambrosia Salad
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, garnish your Ambrosia Salad just before serving with a sprinkle of extra coconut, a few whole maraschino cherries on top, or a scattering of toasted nuts for crunch. A sprig of mint or a few orange segments can make it look even fresher and more inviting.
Side Dishes
Ambrosia Salad shines as part of a dessert buffet, but it also works wonderfully alongside savory dishes at a holiday meal—think glazed ham, roast turkey, or a smoky barbecue spread. Its cool, creamy sweetness is a refreshing contrast to main courses and rich casseroles.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not portion your Ambrosia Salad into individual parfait glasses or petite dessert cups for a playful spin? You can also spoon it into a hollowed-out pineapple or watermelon for a spectacular centerpiece. Little jars make it picnic-perfect, while a gorgeous crystal bowl brings retro charm to any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ambrosia Salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to transfer any extras to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the salad from absorbing fridge odors. It may become a bit softer as time goes by, but that only makes it melt in your mouth even more.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze Ambrosia Salad, the texture isn’t quite the same after thawing—the marshmallows and fruit can get watery or mushy. If you must freeze, do it in a well-sealed container and enjoy within one month; thaw in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat—it’s designed to be cool, creamy, and refreshing. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the creamy base and fluff things back up before spooning out servings.
FAQs
Can I make Ambrosia Salad in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, Ambrosia Salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors develop and the marshmallows soften into the creamy base.
What other fruits can I add to Ambrosia Salad?
Feel free to toss in halved green grapes or banana slices for extra variety—just add bananas right before serving so they stay fresh. Seasonal berries or diced apples can add new dimensions as well.
Is Ambrosia Salad gluten-free?
Yes! As written, Ambrosia Salad is naturally gluten-free. Just check your specific brands of whipped topping and marshmallows to confirm, as ingredients can vary.
Can I make Ambrosia Salad lighter?
Definitely—you can use light whipped topping and low-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream. The results are just as dreamy and satisfying with fewer calories.
How do I keep Ambrosia Salad from getting watery?
The key is to drain all canned fruits very well and pat the maraschino cherries dry before adding. This helps maintain that luxuriously thick, creamy texture that makes Ambrosia Salad so delightful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring some sunshine and vintage charm to your next gathering, Ambrosia Salad is guaranteed to win smiles and second helpings. It’s simple, colorful, and always a crowd-pleaser—why not try it and see just how quickly it disappears?
Print
Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful and creamy Ambrosia Salad recipe that combines tangy flavors of fruit with sweet coconut and fluffy marshmallows. This no-cook dessert is perfect for gatherings and can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Fruit Salad:
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt;
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip);
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained;
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained;
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut;
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows;
- ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry;
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream (or yogurt) and whipped topping until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the marshmallows to soften.
Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, marshmallows, cherries, and nuts if using. Stir just until everything is evenly coated.
Notes
- Best made a few hours ahead or the night before serving.
- You can lighten it up by using light whipped topping and low-fat yogurt.
- Add green grapes or banana slices for extra fruit variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
