If you’re looking for a dessert that’s lively, refreshing, and irresistibly nostalgic, Fresh Ambrosia Salad is about to win you over! This classic treat is a vibrant mix of juicy fruits, fluffy marshmallows, creamy goodness, and a touch of coconut—all perfectly chilled and eagerly devoured at potlucks and family gatherings. Whether you remember it from grandma’s kitchen or you’re discovering it for the first time, this salad brings a burst of sunshine to any table. It’s a celebration in a bowl that never goes out of style!

Fresh Ambrosia Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fruit Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup orange segments (or mandarin oranges)
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
Additions:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

How to Make Fresh Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Start by cutting your fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks and segmenting your oranges (or draining mandarin orange segments if you prefer). Slice the grapes in half for easier eating and to distribute their juiciness throughout the salad.

Step 2: Combine the Key Ingredients

Place all the prepared fruits—pineapple, oranges, and grapes—into a large mixing bowl. Add the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans if you’re adding them. These layers give Fresh Ambrosia Salad its enticing mix of flavors and textures.

Step 3: Fold in the Creamy Base

Add your choice of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to the bowl. If you love a touch of extra sweetness, this is the moment to drizzle in the honey. Gently fold everything together, making sure all the fruits are evenly coated and the marshmallows and coconut are sprinkled throughout.

Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let your Fresh Ambrosia Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step lets all those fruity and creamy flavors meld and the salad firm up to the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Right before you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir. Spoon it into your favorite serving dish or individual cups and, if desired, top with additional coconut or a few extra pecans for a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Fresh Ambrosia Salad

Garnishes

For a little flourish, sprinkle a handful of extra sweetened coconut or roughly chopped pecans across the top of your Fresh Ambrosia Salad. If you feel nostalgic, add a few maraschino cherries for color and an irresistibly retro look. A sprig of fresh mint makes it look even more vibrant and inviting.

Side Dishes

Fresh Ambrosia Salad is fantastic on its own as a light dessert or a sweet brunch side. For potlucks and gatherings, pair it with classic Southern favorites like baked ham, quiche, or roasted chicken. It also loves company with other fruit salads, muffins, or a platter of breakfast pastries.

Creative Ways to Present

This cheerful salad is begging for a creative presentation! Serve it in small mason jars for a picnic, scoop it into hollowed-out orange halves for a playful twist, or layer in clear glasses for a parfait-style treat that highlights every colorful ingredient. However you present it, Fresh Ambrosia Salad always stands out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftover Fresh Ambrosia Salad, just pop it into an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. You may notice it gets slightly juicier as it sits, but a quick stir before serving brings it right back to life. Try to avoid storing it with garnishes to keep everything crisp until you’re ready to serve again.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for Fresh Ambrosia Salad. The fresh fruit and creamy base can separate and become watery once thawed. If you like a frosty treat, you can portion out small servings and freeze briefly—a sorbet-like twist—just keep in mind the texture won’t match the classic version.

Reheating

Good news: there’s no reheating required for Fresh Ambrosia Salad! It’s designed to be enjoyed straight from the fridge, super cold and creamy. If you do want to take the chill off, just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Fresh Ambrosia Salad a day in advance?

Absolutely! Making it the night before is actually recommended, as it allows all the flavors to meld and the texture to set. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir and add garnishes right before serving.

What fruits can I substitute into Fresh Ambrosia Salad?

It’s easy to customize. Try adding strawberries, blueberries, or even sliced bananas. Canned fruit can stand in during the off-season, but fresh fruit always gives the salad a bright, juicy flavor.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Of course! Swap the sour cream or Greek yogurt with your favorite dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream. The result will still be luscious and satisfying for anyone avoiding dairy.

Can Fresh Ambrosia Salad be made without marshmallows?

Yes, although marshmallows are a classic ingredient, you can simply leave them out or replace them with chopped dried pineapple, extra grapes, or even a handful of golden raisins for a chewy twist.

Is Fresh Ambrosia Salad gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free marshmallows and check the labels on your other ingredients. It’s a fantastic option for potlucks where food allergies might be a concern.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a burst of fruit, a bit of nostalgic comfort, and a whole lot of deliciousness, you owe it to yourself to try Fresh Ambrosia Salad. It’s so easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to spark smiles around your table. Whether for holidays, brunches, or just a sweet weekday treat, this salad is joy in a bowl—so gather your ingredients, make it your own, and dig in!

Fresh Ambrosia Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Fresh Ambrosia Salad is a delightful mix of fresh fruits, mini marshmallows, coconut, and a creamy dressing. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Mixture:

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 cup orange segments (or mandarin oranges)
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved

Additions:

1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pineapple, oranges, grapes, marshmallows, coconut, and pecans (if using).
Add Dressing: Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt, and honey if desired.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Serve: Garnish with coconut or pecans before serving.