Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ambrosia Salad is a classic, creamy dessert salad that brings together tropical fruits, sweet marshmallows, and a luscious blend of whipped cream and sour cream. It’s a light, refreshing, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, holiday meal, or casual BBQ. The combination of juicy fruit, marshmallows, and a tangy creamy base makes it an irresistible dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup whipped cream (or 1 cup whipped topping)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for sweetening whipped cream)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Drain the Fruit: Start by draining the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries thoroughly. You can pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess liquid, which will help prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Make the Whipped Cream: If you’re using heavy cream, beat it with powdered sugar (optional) until soft peaks form. Alternatively, you can use pre-made whipped topping as a shortcut.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut. Gently stir to mix.
Add the Cream: Fold in the sour cream and whipped cream (or whipped topping) to the fruit mixture. Mix gently until everything is well coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to chill.
Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with extra maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of coconut if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

Add Fresh Fruit: For a twist, try adding fresh fruit like grapes, strawberries, or diced apples for added texture and sweetness.
Use Yogurt: Swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier version of this salad or to make it a bit healthier.
Make it Lighter: Use light or fat-free whipped cream and sour cream to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Swap the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of coconut, replace it with chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The salad is best served chilled.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze Ambrosia Salad, as the texture of the whipped cream and fruit will change once thawed.
Reheating: This salad is served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, Ambrosia Salad is perfect for making ahead. It actually tastes even better after it sits in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together.

2. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh fruit. Just make sure to cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces and drain any excess moisture to prevent the salad from becoming too runny.

3. Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

Yes, you can use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream for a shortcut. It will give the salad a slightly different texture but will still taste great.

4. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free whipped topping and coconut yogurt to make a dairy-free version of Ambrosia Salad.

5. How do I prevent the fruit from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain and pat dry all the canned fruit before mixing it into the salad to avoid excess moisture. This helps prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

6. Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or grapes for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces and remove any excess moisture.

7. How long can I store Ambrosia Salad?

You can store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. After that, the texture may begin to deteriorate as the fruit releases more liquid.

8. Can I make this salad with a different kind of marshmallow?

Yes, you can use different kinds of marshmallows, like the larger size, or even flavored marshmallows, depending on your preference.

9. Can I add nuts to this salad?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds can give the salad an extra crunch and flavor. Just sprinkle them on top before serving for texture.

10. Can I use a different type of whipped topping?

Yes, you can use a variety of whipped toppings, such as a sugar-free version or a flavored one like vanilla. It may change the taste a bit but will still be delicious.

Conclusion

Ambrosia Salad is a classic and timeless dessert salad that combines juicy fruits, sweet marshmallows, and a creamy base for a refreshing treat. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to make, customizable, and always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re sticking to the traditional recipe or adding your own twist with extra fruits or nuts, this salad will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone wanting more! Enjoy this refreshing, creamy dish as a perfect end to any meal.

Chef MARTHA