During a recent family reunion, I overheard my cousin reminiscing about his childhood, specifically the Ambrosia Salad that always took center stage on the dessert table. This creamy, fluffy delight isn’t just a memory; it’s a recipe that invites nostalgia while being adaptable for today’s tastes. In my latest post, I’ll share my classic Ambrosia Salad recipe that’s not only a breeze to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its vibrant colors from fresh fruits, airy mini marshmallows, and a hint of coconut, this fruit salad comes together quickly and can easily be customized with your favorite fruits or yogurt. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even just a light dessert to share with loved ones, you’ll find that it’s a refreshing addition to any meal. Are you ready to whip up this delightful treat that brings smiles all around? Let’s dive in!

Why Is Ambrosia Salad So Loved?

Nostalgic Comfort: This classic Ambrosia Salad evokes warm memories and is perfect for any gathering, appealing to taste buds of all ages.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, it transforms into a delightful dish that even beginner cooks can master.
Customizable Delight: Easily swap fruits, like grapes or strawberries, or replace sour cream with yogurt for a personal touch.
Visually Appealing: The vivid colors from fruits and marshmallows make it a stunning centerpiece for potlucks or family reunions.
Quick Chilling: Refrigerate it for just an hour, and it’s ready to serve, freeing up your time for other dishes.
Crowd Favorite: With its fluffy, creamy texture and balanced sweetness, it’s no wonder this salad consistently garners compliments! For more crowd-pleasers, check out our Jalapeno Popper Salad or the refreshing Thanksgiving Salad Crisp.

Ambrosia Salad Ingredients

• Create this delectable Ambrosia salad with simple ingredients that blend perfectly for a crowd-pleasing dish!

For the Salad

Mini Marshmallows – Provide delightful sweetness and a light texture; using pastel colors can enhance visual appeal.
Mandarin Oranges (15 oz can, drained) – Infuse juicy sweetness; feel free to substitute with fresh mandarins if preferred.
Maraschino Cherries (10 oz jar, drained and halved) – Offer a tart contrast and a pop of color; save some whole for a lovely garnish.
Pineapple Tidbits (20 oz can, drained) – Add a tropical punch and moisture; fresh pineapple works well too, just ensure it’s drained.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut (1 cup) – Enhances texture and sweetness; for a less sweet option, swap with unsweetened coconut.
Sour Cream (1 cup) – Adds creaminess and a hint of tang; for a lighter twist, try Greek yogurt instead.
Whipped Topping (Cool Whip, 8 oz) – Creates fluffiness; homemade whipped cream is a wonderful alternative if you’d like to go all-out.

For the Garnish

Extra Shredded Coconut – Sprinkle on top for an added layer of texture and sweetness before presenting your dish.
Whole Maraschino Cherries – Use them as a beautiful garnish, elevating your Ambrosia salad’s visual appeal!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
Begin by draining and patting dry the mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and pineapple tidbits using paper towels. This step is crucial to remove any excess moisture that could make your Ambrosia Salad watery. Aim for vibrant, well-drained fruit pieces as you prepare, ensuring they’re ready to blend beautifully into the mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream and 8 ounces of whipped topping using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and fully blended, creating a creamy base for your Ambrosia Salad. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when it has a consistent, fluffy texture.

Step 3: Fold in the Ingredients
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, drained mandarin oranges, halved maraschino cherries, and pineapple tidbits into the creamy mixture. Take care to mix lightly, allowing the fruit and marshmallows to stay intact and fluffy. This folding process should take another 2-3 minutes, merging the colors and textures beautifully without overmixing.

Step 4: Chill the Salad
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential for your Ambrosia Salad to meld all the flavors together, transforming it into a refreshing treat. You’ll know it’s ready to serve when it feels cool to the touch and the aromas blend harmoniously.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, uncover and gently stir your Ambrosia Salad to refresh the ingredients. Then, sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top and arrange whole maraschino cherries as a vibrant garnish. This final touch adds an appealing aesthetic and invites your family and friends to dig into this delightful, fluffy fruit salad!

Make Ahead Options

This Classic Ambrosia Salad is a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare and refrigerate the salad up to 24 hours in advance for a delightful, ready-to-serve dish. To do this, simply complete the mixing steps (without garnishing), cover it tightly, and store it in an airtight container. This keeps the ingredients fresh and helps meld the flavors beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, just unfold gently, add your extra shredded coconut and whole maraschino cherries for that eye-catching presentation, and enjoy a treat that’s just as delicious as if you made it fresh that day!

How to Store and Freeze Ambrosia Salad

Fridge: Store any leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Always refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness.

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze Ambrosia Salad as the fruits and whipped topping may change texture upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience!

Reheating: No reheating is necessary; simply take it straight from the fridge and serve it cold for that refreshing taste that everyone loves!

Make-Ahead Tip: Feel free to prepare Ambrosia Salad a day in advance! Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

What to Serve with Classic Ambrosia Salad?

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this refreshing fruit delight with complementary sides and drinks that harmonize beautifully.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: The smoky flavor complements the sweetness of the Ambrosia Salad, making for a perfect balance of tastes.
Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy side adds texture while balancing the creaminess of the salad with refreshing crunch.
Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh fruit echoes the vibrant flavors of the Ambrosia, enhancing the overall fruity experience.
Cheese and Crackers: Creamy cheeses paired with crispy crackers provide a savory contrast that balances the sweet flavors of the salad.
Pineapple Coconut Mocktail: For a fun drink, this tropical beverage combines similar flavors, creating a delightful harmony with each sip.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve this as a light dessert to accompany the salad, offering a rich and creamy contrast to the fruit’s brightness.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: The savory filling is a hearty complement, and their vibrant colors mirror the joyful hues of your Ambrosia creation.
Herb-Infused Quinoa: As a nutritious side, quinoa will ground the meal with its earthy flavors while adding a healthy touch.

Expert Tips for Ambrosia Salad

Perfectly Dry Fruits: Drain and pat the fruits thoroughly; excess moisture can lead to a watery Ambrosia Salad that loses its delightful fluffiness.
Fluffier Texture: For an even creamier experience, don’t hesitate to add an extra 1/2 cup of whipped topping, enhancing the airy nature of the salad.
Chill Time Matters: Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour; this waiting period allows the flavors to meld and results in a more cohesive taste.
Gentle Mixing: Avoid vigorous stirring to keep the fruit intact and maintain that light, fluffy texture that makes Ambrosia Salad so appealing.
Make It Yours: Experiment with different fruits, nuts, or yogurt; customizing can create a unique twist on the classic Ambrosia Salad recipe that suits your family’s preferences.

Ambrosia Salad Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to play around with these variations to create your perfect Ambrosia Salad tailored to your taste and dietary needs!

Fresh Fruits: Swap out canned fruits for fresh options like strawberries, grapes, or chopped apples for a refreshing twist. This change can brighten the flavor and add a seasonal touch.
Nutty Addition: Add a crunchy element by incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts. The nutty flavor will beautifully contrast with the sweetness of the fruits.
Vegan Delight: Replace sour cream and whipped topping with creamy cashew yogurt or coconut whipped cream to make a delicious vegan version without sacrificing taste.
Spicy Kick: For a unique approach, consider adding a hint of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for subtle heat. This unexpected flavor twist can create an exciting mouthful!
Chocolate Twist: Fold in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a fun dessert-like vibe, inviting chocolate lovers to enjoy a new flavor dimension.
Zesty Citrus: Add a splash of orange or lemon juice to the cream mix to enhance the salad’s brightness and add a refreshing zesty note that complements the sweetness.
Flavor Infusion: Incorporate a few drops of almond extract for a nutty flavor profile. A little goes a long way, but it adds depth that can elevate your Ambrosia Salad.
Coconut Cream: If you’re a coconut lover, consider replacing whipped topping with whipped coconut cream for a more intense coconut flavor in each bite.

This classic Ambrosia Salad can be as flexible as your imagination! And if you’re looking for more delightful fruit-based recipes, check out our refreshing Strawberry Lemon Blondies or the festive Christmas Tree Cupcake.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe FAQs

What type of fruit is best for Ambrosia Salad?
Absolutely! For the classic recipe, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and maraschino cherries are traditional choices. However, you can personalize it based on your preferences. Consider adding fresh strawberries, grapes, or even diced apples for an exciting twist! Just remember to drain any canned fruits well to prevent excess moisture.

How long can I store Ambrosia Salad in the refrigerator?
Very good question! You can store your Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to refrigerate promptly after serving to maintain freshness, as the fruits can start to break down over time.

Can I freeze Ambrosia Salad?
I often get asked this! While technically you can freeze Ambrosia Salad, it’s not recommended. Freezing can negatively alter the texture of the fruits and whipped topping upon thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh—trust me, it’s at its best that way!

How can I prevent the salad from becoming watery?
Great question! To keep your Ambrosia Salad from getting watery, make sure to properly drain and pat dry all canned fruits using paper towels. Additionally, you can control moisture by mixing the fruits less vigorously and letting it chill for a minimum of 1 hour—this helps the flavors meld without releasing excess liquid.

Is Ambrosia Salad safe for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This Ambrosia Salad is naturally gluten-free, but double-check the labels on any packaged ingredients you use. For those with dairy allergies, you can substitute sour cream and whipped topping with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or whipped coconut cream for a vegan version.

Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
Most definitely! You can prepare Ambrosia Salad a day in advance, which allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This is especially handy for potlucks and busy holiday gatherings!