Name: Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip); 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained; 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows; 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and halved; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Ambrosia Salad is one of those dazzling, nostalgia-filled treats that instantly transports you to family gatherings, holidays, or sunny backyard picnics with just one bite. Its irresistible combination of creamy dressing, juicy fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and coconut flakes is what makes it a legendary American classic. This salad is about more than just taste — it’s a joyful mix of colors, textures, and tropical flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones or brightening up any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ambrosia Salad keeps things wonderfully simple yet delicious — every ingredient plays a starring role, bringing its own unique flavor, texture, or pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for making each addition count!

Sour Cream: Silky and tangy, this helps balance the salad’s sweetness and ties everything together.
Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): Adds lightness and that pillowy, dessert-like finish everyone craves.
Powdered Sugar: Just a little dusting sweetens the deal and smooths out the dressing.
Pineapple Chunks (canned, drained): Brings bursts of juicy, tropical flavor with each spoonful.
Mandarin Oranges (canned, drained): These citrus jewels add bright color and a zesty touch.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Bonus texture and that classic ambrosia flair — plus it looks gorgeous!
Mini Marshmallows: The secret to that signature fluffiness (and a favorite among kids and adults alike).
Maraschino Cherries (drained, halved): Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-pretty as the salad’s ruby-red jewels.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): A gentle crunch and nutty richness if you love extra texture; feel free to omit for nut-free needs.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the sour cream, whipped topping, and powdered sugar. Folding rather than stirring ensures your dressing stays light and fluffy, perfectly setting the stage for your fruit medley.

Step 2: Add the Fruit and Fun

Next, add the drained pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, sweetened shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, maraschino cherries, and the chopped pecans or walnuts if you’re including them. This is where the Ambrosia Salad starts to look like a party in a bowl! Gently stir until everything is evenly coated with the luxurious dressing.

Step 3: Chill for Flavors to Mingle

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or even overnight if you’ve got time). Chilling allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully and the marshmallows soften slightly, creating a dreamy, creamy texture.

Step 4: Stir and Serve

Just before serving, give your Ambrosia Salad a gentle stir to freshen everything up. For a finishing touch, scatter a few extra maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of shredded coconut across the top. Now it’s ready for the spotlight on your table!

How to Serve Ambrosia Salad

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way! Top your Ambrosia Salad with extra maraschino cherries, a handful of coconut flakes, or even a handful of chopped pecans for a striking look and an extra boost of flavor. Fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing hint and a lovely green contrast.

Side Dishes

Ambrosia Salad pairs beautifully with summer fare like barbecued meats, grilled vegetables, or light sandwiches. If you’re enjoying it as a dessert, serve alongside classic cakes, cookies, or pies for a real feast of flavors. Its versatility means it shines at both brunches and potluck dinners alike!

Creative Ways to Present

Dishing up Ambrosia Salad can be as fun as eating it! Serve it in vintage glass bowls for a retro vibe, pile it into a hollowed-out pineapple or a large, colorful trifle dish, or spoon it into individual cups or parfait glasses for crowd-friendly portions. A big spoonful in a fluffy waffle cone is an unexpected (and delightful) treat for kids and adults.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, but do give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing and fruit.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Ambrosia Salad, it’s not recommended — the creamy base and marshmallows tend to change in texture after thawing. If you do freeze it, expect a slightly watery consistency once it’s defrosted.

Reheating

No reheating necessary (or recommended)! Ambrosia Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, where its bright flavors and creamy texture are at their best.

FAQs

Can I make Ambrosia Salad the day before?

Absolutely! In fact, letting the Ambrosia Salad chill overnight enhances the flavors and makes the marshmallows extra soft and delicious. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for busy holidays and parties.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

If you prefer something tangier or a bit lighter, try using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This twist adds a bit more protein and keeps that creamy texture you want.

How can I make Ambrosia Salad without nuts?

Simply leave out the pecans or walnuts for a nut-free version! The salad will still be luscious and flavorful without them, making it friendly for anyone with nut allergies.

What other fruits can I add?

Ambrosia Salad welcomes a little creativity. Try adding sliced bananas, grapes, or even diced apples for extra crunch and interest — just be sure to pick fruits that won’t turn brown or break down in the creamy dressing.

How can I make it less sweet?

To mellow out the sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar, use unsweetened coconut, or pick up fruit canned in natural juices instead of syrup. You can also add extra Greek yogurt to balance the flavors if desired.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made Ambrosia Salad before, now’s the perfect time to bring this celebratory classic to your own table. It’s easy, unfussy, and absolutely irresistible — a guaranteed hit with both new friends and old family alike. Give it a try and watch this creamy, dreamy salad become your new go-to for every special occasion!

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Ambrosia Salad is a classic fruit salad that combines a mix of tropical fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and nuts in a creamy dressing. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Salad Base:

1 cup sour cream
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Fruit and Mix-ins:

1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and halved
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, whipped topping, and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, marshmallows, cherries, and nuts (if using).
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving and garnish with extra cherries or coconut if desired.