Ambrosia Salad

There are some dishes that just taste like childhood, you know? For me, Ambrosia Salad is one of those sweet, creamy classics that instantly takes me back to family gatherings—usually served in a big glass bowl, tucked somewhere between the mashed potatoes and the jello molds at the potluck table. It’s bright, fluffy, fruity, and surprisingly refreshing.

This version of Ambrosia is super simple to make (just stir and chill!), and it uses ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly. We’re talking about a dreamy mix of soft mini marshmallows, juicy mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, sweet coconut, and cherries—all wrapped up in a creamy whipped topping with a touch of sour cream to balance the sweetness.

If you’ve never had Ambrosia Salad before, think of it as a dessert-meets-side-dish sort of situation. It’s light but rich, fruity but creamy, and it disappears fast once it hits the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required: This is a quick mix-and-chill recipe. You don’t need the oven or stove at all.
• Perfect for gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for potlucks, holidays, and summer picnics.
• Customizable: You can add or skip ingredients based on your preference—this recipe is super forgiving.
• Kid-friendly: With marshmallows and fruit, it’s basically dessert disguised as a salad. Kids love it!
• Make-ahead friendly: Ambrosia tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it a great prep-ahead option.

That sweet, fruity bite paired with the fluffy marshmallows and creamy dressing—it’s like a retro comfort hug in every spoonful.

---

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 6 to 8

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 280 | Sugar: 24g | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 14g | Protein: 2g

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
• 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
• ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Ingredient Notes:

• Sour cream: This balances the sweetness and gives the salad a subtle tang.
• Whipped topping: It keeps things light and fluffy. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer.
• Canned fruit: Be sure to drain well to avoid a watery salad.
• Maraschino cherries: Pat them dry with paper towels so their juices don’t turn the whole salad pink.
• Nuts: Totally optional, but they add a nice crunch and contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Drain your fruit well
This is key to keeping the salad from getting watery. Open your cans of pineapple and mandarin oranges, and let them sit in a strainer for a few minutes. Pat the cherries dry with a paper towel.

2. Mix the base
In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream and whipped topping until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is what gives the salad that light, fluffy texture with just the right amount of tang.

3. Add the fruit and extras
Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, halved cherries, coconut, and marshmallows. If you’re using nuts, add them in now too.

4. Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better. This gives everything time to meld together and lets the marshmallows soften a bit, which makes the texture even better.

5. Serve and enjoy
Right before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. If you’d like, garnish with a few extra cherries, a sprinkle of coconut, or a handful of chopped nuts on top for some flair.

How to Serve

• Scoop into small dessert bowls and top with extra cherries for a fun presentation.
• Serve in a big trifle dish or glass bowl so you can see all the colors and textures.
• Great alongside savory dishes like grilled chicken, turkey sandwiches, or picnic fare.

Additional Tips

1. Drain everything well: Excess liquid is the #1 reason Ambrosia turns soupy.
2. Make it ahead: Ambrosia actually improves after a few hours in the fridge—it gives all the flavors time to mingle.
3. Keep it cold: This salad is best served chilled, especially on warm days. Store it in the fridge until just before serving.
4. Fold gently: To keep the fruit from breaking apart, stir carefully and don’t overmix.
5. Customize to your taste: Don’t love coconut? Leave it out. Want more cherries? Go for it. You can adjust based on your preferences.

Recipe Variations

• Yogurt Swap: Use vanilla Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, slightly lighter version.
• Tropical Twist: Add chopped mango or drained fruit cocktail for more variety.
• No Marshmallows: Some people prefer Ambrosia without the marshmallows—it’ll still be creamy and delicious.
• Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free whipped topping and plant-based yogurt or sour cream.
• Crunchy Add-In: Crushed pretzels or granola make a fun crunchy topping right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Tables: Ambrosia is a perfect addition to Thanksgiving, Eid, or Christmas meals—it pairs beautifully with heavier main courses.
• Picnic Spread: Add to your summer barbecue lineup alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches.
• Potluck Favorite: Make a double batch and watch it disappear—it’s one of those nostalgic favorites that people don’t realize they’ve missed until they see it.
• Sweet Snack: Sneak a scoop after dinner for a fruity, fluffy dessert that isn’t too heavy.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Stir before serving again, as some of the liquid may separate slightly.

Freezing:

• Not recommended. The texture of the whipped topping and marshmallows doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

Special Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl: Big enough to hold all the ingredients and make stirring easy.
• Rubber Spatula: Ideal for gently folding everything together.
• Strainer or Colander: Crucial for draining canned fruit.

FAQ

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely. Use fresh mandarin segments or diced pineapple—just make sure they’re sweet and ripe.

Is sour cream necessary?
Not strictly, but it helps balance the sweetness. If you don’t like sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, but it won’t hold up quite as long as store-bought whipped topping. Make sure it’s stabilized if you’re making ahead.

Can I skip the cherries?
Sure! Some folks prefer it without. You can replace them with another fruit, like grapes or strawberries.

How do I keep it from getting runny?
Drain all the canned fruits well, and pat the cherries dry. If needed, stir in a tablespoon of powdered sugar or instant pudding mix to thicken slightly.

Is Ambrosia Salad a dessert or a side dish?
Honestly, it’s both. It’s sweet enough to be dessert, but light and fruity enough to sit next to your dinner plate.

What if I don’t like coconut?
You can leave it out, or swap in chopped dried fruit like apricots or raisins.

How long can it sit out at a picnic?
Keep it chilled in a cooler. If it’s a warm day, don’t leave it out for more than an hour.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use a very large bowl and chill in two smaller containers if needed.

Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely. Just leave out the nuts for an allergy-friendly version.

Conclusion

Ambrosia Salad is one of those timeless recipes that never really goes out of style. It’s creamy, fruity, light, and just a little indulgent—the kind of dish that makes people smile and go back for seconds (or thirds). Whether you’re serving it at a family holiday, a sunny picnic, or just because you want something sweet and easy, it delivers every time.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Snap a pic, share it with your people, and bring this retro favorite back to the table—it totally deserves a spot.

Print