Ambrosia Salad is that classic, sweet fruit salad everyone seems to love at family gatherings and picnics. It’s packed with fresh oranges, pineapple, cherries, and coconut, all mixed into a fluffy, creamy dressing that’s light and refreshing. The little pops of marshmallow and nuts add just the right bit of fun texture too.
I’ve always thought of Ambrosia Salad as a feel-good dish that brings people together. Whenever I make it, I like to use fresh fruit when I can, but the canned versions work just fine too—it’s all about that creamy, sweet mix. A quick tip: letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours really helps the flavors blend beautifully.
For me, Ambrosia Salad is one of those recipes that’s simple but feels special, perfect for potlucks or holiday dinners. It’s not just a side dish; it’s the one everyone sneaks a little extra of when they think no one’s looking. I love grabbing a spoonful right out of the bowl and enjoying that perfect balance of juicy fruit and smooth creaminess.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Marshmallows: These add a fun, soft texture and sweetness. If you prefer less sugar, you can reduce the amount or skip them altogether.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Sour cream gives a rich creaminess, while Greek yogurt adds a tangy touch and a bit of protein. Greek yogurt is a great swap if you want the salad lighter and healthier.
Whipped Cream or Whipped Topping: Whipped cream makes the salad fluffy and light. You can use canned whipped topping for convenience or whip your own cream fresh.
Canned Fruit: Mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks bring juiciness and tang. Using fresh fruit is great when you want a fresher taste, but draining canned fruit well is important to avoid a watery salad.
Grapes and Maraschino Cherries: These provide extra bursts of color and texture. Seedless grapes are easier to eat, and halving large grapes helps with bites. If you want less sweetness, skip the cherries or use fresh ones.
Shredded Coconut: Adds a sweet, chewy texture. Unsweetened coconut works if you want to cut down sugar. Toasting the coconut slightly adds a nice nutty flavor.
Chopped Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts): These add crunch and a bit of earthiness. You can leave them out if nut allergies are a concern or swap for chopped almonds or macadamia nuts.
How Do I Make Sure the Texture of Ambrosia Salad Stays Perfect?
Getting the right creamy and chunky mix is key. Here’s what helps:
- Drain canned fruits well to avoid watery salad.
- Gently fold fruits and marshmallows into the creamy base to keep pieces intact.
- Chill the salad for at least 2 hours so flavors combine and the salad firms up.
- If using nuts, add them just before serving to keep crunchiness.
Taking these steps means every bite will have a mix of creamy, juicy, soft, and crunchy textures that make Ambrosia Salad so enjoyable.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – roomy enough to gently fold all the fruits and cream without spills.
- Rubber spatula or large spoon – perfect for folding ingredients without crushing the fruit.
- Measuring cups – to keep ingredient amounts just right for balanced flavor.
- Fine mesh strainer – helpful for draining canned fruits well and avoiding a watery salad.
- Plastic wrap or airtight container – keeps the salad fresh and lets flavors meld in the fridge.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add diced kiwi or fresh strawberries for extra freshness and a fun pop of color.
- Swap whipped cream for coconut whipped cream to make it dairy-free with a tropical twist.
- Include crushed pineapple instead of chunks for a smoother texture in the salad.
- Mix in chopped toasted almonds or macadamia nuts for a different crunchy nut option.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad, A Timeless Crowd-Pleaser
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1 cup canned mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved if large
- 1 cup green seedless grapes, halved if large
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge. The chilling time is important because it helps the flavors mix well and the salad to firm up nicely before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the base for your salad.
2. Add Marshmallows:
Stir the mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture gently, making sure they’re coated well but not squished.
3. Fold in the Fruit:
Carefully add the mandarin orange segments, pineapple chunks, red and green grapes, and maraschino cherries. Fold them in gently to keep their shape and prevent them from breaking apart.
4. Add Coconut and Nuts:
Mix in the shredded coconut and, if you’d like, the chopped nuts. These add great texture and a little crunch.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours. This allows all the flavors to blend together and makes the salad taste even better.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and transfer it to a nice serving bowl. You can garnish with a few whole cherries or extra shredded coconut for a pretty touch. Serve chilled and enjoy this sweet, creamy, and refreshing classic!
Can I Use Fresh Fruit Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarin oranges and pineapple work great and give the salad a bright, fresh flavor. Just make sure to peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Fresh fruit may add more liquid, so drain or pat dry if needed.
How Long Can I Store Ambrosia Salad?
Store the salad covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. It’s best enjoyed within this time to keep the fruit fresh and the marshmallows from getting too soft.
Can I Make Ambrosia Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! Preparing it a few hours or even a day ahead is perfect since chilling allows the flavors to meld. Just give it a gentle stir before serving and add nuts right before serving if you want to maintain their crunch.
What Can I Use If I’m Allergic to Nuts?
No problem! Simply omit the nuts, or try adding toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crunch that still adds texture.
