If you’re searching for a joyful, nostalgic dish that brings bright color and irresistible sweetness to the table, look no further than Ambrosia Salad. This old-fashioned favorite is as delightful to eat as it is to serve, brimming with juicy citrus, fluffy mini marshmallows, and crunchy pecans all bound together by a creamy, tangy dressing. Ambrosia Salad is a must-have at gatherings, holidays, and even weekday treats—it’s incredibly simple to put together, making it the perfect dessert salad for busy cooks who want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fruit Salad:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and drained
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base

Begin by grabbing your biggest mixing bowl—trust me, you want plenty of room for gentle folding later. Combine the sour cream, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut first. This moves the marshmallows and coconut right into the sour cream, ensuring they become pillowy soft and soak up all that luscious flavor as the salad chills.

Step 2: Add the Fruit

Next, carefully add the well-drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and maraschino cherries to your creamy mixture. Folding gently is the secret here; you want to keep each piece of fruit intact and avoid turning everything mushy! This step brings all those wonderful colors and juicy freshness into the Ambrosia Salad.

Step 3: Bring in the Crunch

If you’re a fan of texture, now’s the time to fold in your chopped pecans. For even more flavor, try lightly toasting them ahead of time—this step is optional but totally worth the extra few minutes, giving the salad a subtle, nutty richness.

Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover your bowl and let the Ambrosia Salad rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can. Chilling allows all those juicy fruits, marshmallows, and creamy base to meld together for the dreamiest bite. A longer chill time also helps set the salad so it holds its shape perfectly when served.

Step 5: Gently Stir & Serve

Right before bringing your Ambrosia Salad to the table, give it a gentle stir to redistribute all the ingredients. This quick mix refreshes the salad and ensures every scoop is loaded with fruit, marshmallow, and coconut goodness. Serve cold for the ultimate creamy, refreshing classic!

How to Serve Ambrosia Salad

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra coconut or a handful of whole maraschino cherries right on top adds irresistible visual flair. Some folks love a grating of orange zest or even a few fresh mint leaves for freshness—let your creativity shine!

Side Dishes

Ambrosia Salad is right at home with a spread of classic potluck favorites. It pairs well with savory ham, roast turkey, or a crunchy broccoli slaw. Try serving alongside buttery rolls or as part of a brunch buffet with quiche and fruit platters for a truly crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful touch, fill individual dessert cups or parfait glasses with Ambrosia Salad and top with a cherry. Or, create a gorgeous centerpiece by serving it in a vintage glass trifle bowl. You can even use hollowed-out oranges or pineapple halves as a fun, edible bowl for a showstopper look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ambrosia Salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container. The flavors keep melding and the marshmallows become even fluffier! If using nuts, add them just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Ambrosia Salad. The creamy base and fresh fruits change texture and can become watery or grainy after being thawed, so you’ll get the very best results by simply chilling it in the fridge.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Ambrosia Salad, as it’s always served cold. Just stir gently before serving to reincorporate the creamy dressing and distribute the fruit if any settling has occurred.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt or whipped topping instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt will give your Ambrosia Salad a tangy, lighter flavor, while whipped topping (like Cool Whip) makes it extra sweet and fluffy. Either option works beautifully, so feel free to adjust based on your taste or dietary preferences.

How far ahead can I make Ambrosia Salad?

You can make Ambrosia Salad up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, making it ahead gives the flavors more time to mingle, making for an even tastier, more cohesive salad when it’s time to serve.

Can I add or substitute fruits?

Definitely! Ambrosia Salad is super forgiving—feel free to toss in grapes, diced apples, or berries. Just be sure to drain any canned fruits well, and avoid fresh fruits that brown quickly, like bananas, unless serving immediately.

How can I keep the cherries from staining the whole salad pink?

To keep the colors vibrant rather than pink all over, drain the maraschino cherries very well and even pat them dry with paper towels before folding them in. Add them as the final ingredient and fold gently for the cleanest look.

Is Ambrosia Salad vegetarian or gluten-free?

Ambrosia Salad is naturally vegetarian, and if you use gluten-free marshmallows and double-check your canned fruit labels, it can easily be made gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

Ambrosia Salad is one of those cheerful, crowd-pleasing dishes that always seems to disappear first at any gathering. If you haven’t already, I promise this creamy, fruity classic will be a new favorite at your table. Gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and get ready to watch everyone go back for seconds!

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and classic Ambrosia Salad recipe that combines creamy sour cream with sweet fruits, marshmallows, and coconut, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This easy no-cook dessert is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Salad:

1 cup sour cream
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 can (8 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut.
Add Fruits: Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and maraschino cherries until evenly distributed.
Optional Pecans: If using, fold in the chopped pecans.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

You can substitute Greek yogurt or whipped topping for sour cream for a lighter version.
Chill longer for a firmer texture.
Toasting the pecans adds extra flavor and crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American