Skip to content 
Welcome to your new favorite dessert! This Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a timeless classic, loved for its vibrant colors, creamy texture, and delightful sweetness. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a simple family treat, it combines canned fruits with a rich, fluffy dressing. Get ready to create an unforgettable, easy-to-make fruit salad that everyone will adore.
Historically, Ambrosia salad has been a beloved dish in the Southern United States for over a century, evolving from a simple mix of oranges and coconut to the creamy, fruit-filled delight we know today. Learn more about the history of Ambrosia salad.
Why You’ll Love This Ambrosia Salad Recipe
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy parents and beginners alike.
- Effortless Preparation: You only need a few minutes of active prep time to whip up this amazing dish.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap fruits, nuts, or even the creamy base to suit your taste.
- No-Bake Convenience: No oven is required, keeping your kitchen cool and clean.
- Crowd-Pleasing Quality: Its sweet and fruity appeal makes it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps ensure a perfect outcome every single time.
Ingredients
Creating this delicious Ambrosia Salad Recipe requires a handful of accessible ingredients. You’ll combine canned fruits with a creamy base and delightful mix-ins for a truly special treat.
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip brand)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, thoroughly drained
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, thoroughly drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup Maraschino cherries, halved (plus more for garnish, if desired)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
For a fresh taste, swap canned pineapple and oranges with fresh fruit like grapes or berries. You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a tangier or richer base. Add a delightful crunch by mixing in toasted pecans or walnuts. Toasted coconut also offers a deeper, nuttier flavor. Feel free to use regular marshmallows if you prefer larger, softer bites in your Ambrosia Salad.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you start makes preparation for this Ambrosia Salad Recipe even smoother. You won’t need anything fancy for this simple dish.
- A large mixing bowl
- A sturdy spatula or spoon for mixing
- A serving dish or a decorative bowl for chilling and presentation
Instructions
Making this Ambrosia Salad Recipe is straightforward and fun! Follow these simple steps for a perfect, creamy fruit salad. The key to a fantastic result is ensuring your fruits are well-drained.
Step 1: Prepare Your Fruits
Begin by thoroughly draining your canned pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges. Press out as much liquid as possible to prevent a watery salad. This crucial step ensures your Ambrosia Salad has the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base
In your large mixing bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping and sour cream. Stir them together gently until they are well mixed and smooth. This forms the delicious, tangy-sweet dressing for your fruit salad.
Step 3: Gently Fold in Prepared Fruits
Add the drained pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges to the creamy mixture. Use your spatula to gently fold the fruits into the dressing. Be careful not to mash the delicate fruits as you mix.
Step 4: Incorporate Marshmallows, Coconut, and Cherries
Next, add the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and halved Maraschino cherries to the bowl. These ingredients add texture, sweetness, and that signature Ambrosia Salad charm.
Step 5: Mix Until Evenly Distributed
Continue to gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed throughout the creamy dressing. Ensure every piece of fruit and marshmallow is coated.
Step 6: Chill Thoroughly
Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to your serving dish and cover. Refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad Recipe for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the marshmallows to soften slightly.
Step 7: Garnish Before Serving
Once your Ambrosia Salad is perfectly chilled and ready to enjoy, give it a final garnish. Sprinkle with a few extra Maraschino cherry halves, or a pinch of shredded coconut if desired, for an appealing presentation.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect Ambrosia Salad Recipe every time with these helpful tips. These simple tricks ensure your salad is always a delicious hit.
Always ensure your canned fruits are drained thoroughly to prevent a watery salad; excess liquid is the primary culprit for a thin consistency. Chilling your Ambrosia Salad for at least two hours allows the flavors to deepen and the marshmallows to soften for optimal texture. When combining ingredients, use a gentle folding motion to keep the fruits intact and the whipped topping light and fluffy. Taste your salad before chilling and adjust sweetness with a spoonful of powdered sugar if desired. If your salad seems too watery after chilling, you can gently drain any accumulated liquid before serving.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve your classic Ambrosia Salad chilled, as its creamy texture and fruity flavors are best enjoyed cold. Garnish with a few extra Maraschino cherries or a sprig of fresh mint for an inviting presentation. This delightful dish makes an excellent dessert for holiday meals, potlucks, backyard BBQs, or simply a refreshing treat on a warm afternoon. It’s a fantastic, easy option when you need a crowd-pleasing side or dessert.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its delicious flavor and texture for up to 3-4 days. We do not recommend freezing Ambrosia Salad, as the texture of the fruit and creamy base will change significantly upon thawing. Always keep it refrigerated to ensure freshness.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your Ambrosia Salad Recipe! For extra color and flavor, try adding fresh grapes, sliced bananas, or mixed berries. Incorporate chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunchy contrast. For an even richer dressing, use fresh homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought, or blend in a block of softened cream cheese with the whipped topping. A spoonful of vanilla pudding mix can also add extra creaminess and flavor to the base of your Ambrosia Salad.
Regular consumption of fruits, such as those found in Ambrosia salad, can contribute to overall wellness by providing essential vitamins and fiber. Research from Harvard’s Nutrition Source indicates that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can offer numerous health benefits.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients used in this specific Ambrosia Salad Recipe and may vary depending on exact brands and portion sizes. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-350 |
| Total Fat | 15-20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-12g |
| Cholesterol | 10-20mg |
| Sodium | 90-120mg |
| Total Carbs | 35-45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-3g |
| Sugars | 30-40g |
| Protein | 2-4g |
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia Salad is a classic American fruit salad featuring a creamy dressing, often made with whipped topping and sour cream, mixed with canned fruits, marshmallows, and coconut. It’s known for its sweet, tangy, and fluffy texture, making it a popular dessert or side dish.
Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making this Ambrosia Salad Recipe ahead of time is highly recommended. Chilling it for at least 2 hours or even overnight allows the flavors to fully meld and the marshmallows to soften perfectly.
How long does Ambrosia Salad last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, Ambrosia Salad typically lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy it chilled for the best taste and texture within this timeframe.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you certainly can use fresh whipped cream for your Ambrosia Salad Recipe. Just be aware it might not hold its structure as long as a stabilized whipped topping like Cool Whip, potentially making the salad a bit softer.
Conclusion
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe truly embodies simplicity and deliciousness, perfect for busy schedules and beginner cooks. Its creamy texture and vibrant fruit flavors make it a delightful addition to any meal or celebration. With minimal effort, you can create a memorable dish that brings smiles to every face. So go ahead, whip up this easy Ambrosia Salad and enjoy a taste of sweet nostalgia today!
