Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Classic Ambrosia Salad is the ultimate throwback dessert that still holds its charm today! Light, creamy, fruity, and a little indulgent, this no-bake salad is ridiculously easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or holiday tables. It’s a creamy fruit salad loaded with tropical flavors and fluffy textures that just melt in your mouth — a real crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Insanely Easy to Make: Just mix everything in one bowl — no stove, no baking, no fuss.
• Incredibly Tasty: The combination of sweet fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy base is downright dreamy.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Great as a side dish, dessert, or even a cheeky snack when you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours — all the flavors meld into something magical!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to bring this retro favorite to life:

• Mandarin Oranges: Adds juicy sweetness and a burst of citrus flavor that balances the creaminess.
• Pineapple Tidbits: Brings tropical notes and a lovely soft bite — make sure it’s well-drained to keep the salad light.
• Maraschino Cherries: For color, a touch of tartness, and a bit of fun — slice them in half for easier mixing.
• Mini Marshmallows: These soak up the flavors and create that signature pillowy texture.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds a lovely chew and a tropical flair — use sweetened or unsweetened based on your preference.
• Sour Cream: Trust it — this gives the salad a slight tang that keeps it from being overly sweet and balances the fruit.
• Whipped Topping: Folded in at the end for fluffiness and that irresistibly creamy finish. Homemade or store-bought both work great.

Variations

Want to play around with it? Here are some fun twists:

• Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream: For a slightly healthier and protein-packed version.
• Add Grapes or Bananas: For a little variety in texture and sweetness. Just add bananas just before serving to avoid browning.
• Use Fresh Fruit: If you have fresh mandarin oranges, pineapple, or even mango, they can take this to another level.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Cherry-Free: Not a fan of maraschino cherries? Just leave them out — the salad will still shine.

How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Drain the Fruits

Make sure your canned mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits are well-drained. Press gently to remove excess juice so the salad doesn’t get watery.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream and whipped topping until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Fold in the Ingredients

Add the drained fruits, mini marshmallows, coconut, and cherries (if using). Gently fold everything together so the marshmallows stay fluffy and the fruit doesn’t break apart.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This lets the flavors come together and gives the marshmallows time to soak up all that deliciousness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Drain Everything Well: Extra liquid is the enemy of a good Ambrosia Salad. Let those fruits sit in a colander for a few minutes.
• Fold, Don’t Stir: Be gentle when combining — you want a fluffy, creamy texture, not fruit mush.
• Chill Long Enough: Letting it sit in the fridge allows everything to meld beautifully — at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
• Make It Yours: This is a recipe that invites your personality — tweak the fruits, swap the base, add crunch… it’s all fair game.

How to Serve

Ambrosia Salad fits in just about anywhere! Serve it cold and fluffy straight from the fridge, spooned into a pretty bowl or served in individual dessert cups. It’s fantastic alongside a barbecue spread, as part of a festive holiday meal, or even as a sweet ending to a simple weeknight dinner.

Pair It With:

• Grilled meats (like BBQ chicken or ribs)
• Easter ham or roast turkey
• Brunch spreads with waffles, muffins, or quiches
• A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for dessert

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The texture might soften slightly over time, but it’ll still taste amazing.

Freezing

Not recommended — freezing can mess up the texture of the whipped topping and marshmallows, leaving you with a watery mess.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This dish is best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make Ambrosia Salad the night before?
Absolutely — and it’s actually better that way. Chilling overnight gives the flavors a chance to blend beautifully and improves the texture.

What can I use instead of whipped topping?
Homemade whipped cream is a great alternative. Just whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until soft peaks form and use it in place of store-bought whipped topping.

Can I make it without coconut?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of coconut, just leave it out. The salad will still be wonderfully creamy and delicious.

Is Ambrosia Salad a dessert or a side dish?
Honestly, it can be either! Traditionally it’s served as a dessert, but many families enjoy it as a sweet side dish during holiday meals or cookouts.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Ambrosia Salad is sweet, fluffy, fruity perfection — and ridiculously simple to make. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or just treating yourself after a long day, it’s the kind of dish that never fails to bring smiles. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent part of your recipe rotation!

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