Ambrosia Salad brings together a dreamy mix of creamy, fruity, and fluffy textures that’s bright, fun, and delightfully nostalgic. This beloved dish shines at potlucks and holiday tables, and it’s one of those recipes that manages to charm both kids and grownups without fail. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special occasion or craving a sweet, no-fuss treat, Ambrosia Salad delivers irresistible flavor and a playful pop of color—in every cloud-like spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sour Cream Mixture:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Fruit and Add-Ins:
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries (halved and drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—it’ll give you plenty of room to gently fold everything together. Add the sour cream and whipped topping first. Use a spatula or large spoon to carefully fold them together just until combined. This creates the luscious, smooth base for your Ambrosia Salad and ensures a light, even texture in every scoop.

Step 2: Add the Fruit

Next, fold in the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. Don’t rush—gently incorporate the fruit so each piece stays whole and juicy. This fresh, fruity duo brings vibrant flavor and beautiful pops of color, which are essential to a classic Ambrosia Salad.

Step 3: Mix in the Sweet Add-Ins

Add the mini marshmallows, sweetened shredded coconut, halved maraschino cherries, and nuts (if using). These ingredients are what make Ambrosia Salad charmingly retro—each element adds either a bit of chew, a bite of crunch, or a delightful sweetness that plays perfectly with the creamy base. Fold everything together until well combined and evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better if you have the patience! This step is magical; everything melds together, and the marshmallows soften a bit, creating that classic, dreamy Ambrosia Salad texture.

Step 5: Serve Cold

When you’re ready, give your Ambrosia Salad a gentle stir and serve cold. The result is a bowlful of festive, fluffy salad that looks as inviting as it tastes.

How to Serve Ambrosia Salad

Garnishes

Jazz up your Ambrosia Salad by topping it with a few extra maraschino cherries, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or a handful of toasted nuts right before serving. These little touches add fresh color and an inviting finish that make your dessert almost too pretty to eat.

Side Dishes

Ambrosia Salad pairs wonderfully with a simple ham, roast turkey, or even a backyard barbecue spread. Its creamy sweetness is a fun foil for savory salads or grilled main dishes. You can also serve it as a light dessert after a heavy meal for a refreshing, nostalgic finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Ambrosia Salad in parfait glasses for an elegant vibe, or pop it into individual mason jars for picnics and potlucks. For parties, try a big glass trifle bowl so those colorful layers can shine. However you present it, Ambrosia Salad always brings the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Ambrosia Salad tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days. After that, the fruit can start to break down, and the marshmallows lose their bounce—but honestly, leftovers never last that long in my house!

Freezing

Freezing Ambrosia Salad isn’t recommended since the creamy base and fruit don’t thaw to their original texture. The whipped topping and sour cream can become watery, and the marshmallows lose their fluff, so it’s always best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

Luckily, Ambrosia Salad is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating. If the mixture separates a bit after chilling, just give it a gentle stir before serving to bring everything back together.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream works beautifully in Ambrosia Salad. Just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks and use it right away, as it’s a bit more delicate than the stabilized store-bought kind.

Are there other fruits I can add to Ambrosia Salad?

Yes! Try green or red grapes (halved), diced apples, or even fresh strawberries for an extra burst of freshness and texture. Just be sure to pat any extra fruits dry to prevent a watery salad.

Is there a way to make Ambrosia Salad lighter?

For a lighter version, use light sour cream and light whipped topping. You can also reduce the amount of marshmallows or substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a tangier twist.

Can I make Ambrosia Salad a day ahead?

Making Ambrosia Salad a day in advance is actually ideal. Chilling overnight helps all the flavors mingle and lets the marshmallows soften just the right amount.

Does Ambrosia Salad have to include nuts?

Not at all! The nuts are totally optional. Skip them if you prefer a nut-free dish or substitute with sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch without any allergens.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Ambrosia Salad yet, I can almost guarantee it’ll instantly become a new favorite in your rotation. It’s that perfect blend of easy, festive, and absolutely delicious—and there’s simply no other salad quite like it. Whip up a bowl and watch the smiles appear!

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A classic and creamy fruit salad, Ambrosia Salad is a delightful mix of tropical flavors and textures. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Sour Cream Mixture:

1 cup sour cream
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Fruit and Add-Ins:

1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges (drained)
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup maraschino cherries (halved and drained)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Sour Cream Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together sour cream and whipped topping until well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Add mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and nuts if using. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to meld and salad to chill.
Serve: Serve cold.