Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Classic Ambrosia Salad is the dreamy, creamy fruit salad your dessert table has been craving! Bursting with juicy fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and a cool, tangy cream, this no-fuss recipe is a throwback in the best way. It’s light, refreshing, and takes just 10 minutes to toss together—perfect for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, or potlucks where you want something that vanishes fast. Whether you grew up with it or you’re trying it for the first time, Ambrosia Salad is pure comfort in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: Zero cooking, barely any prep, and just a bit of chill time—easy enough to make while dinner’s on the stove.
• Crowd Pleaser: With its sweet, creamy base and colorful fruit, this salad is always the first to disappear.
• Retro Classic: A fun, nostalgic recipe that never goes out of style.
• Perfect Texture Mix: Creamy, juicy, soft, and chewy all in one bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand, along with a few notes for best results:

• Mandarin Oranges – Adds brightness and tang. Make sure they’re well drained to keep the salad from getting soupy.
• Pineapple Chunks – A juicy, tropical touch. Crushed pineapple also works for a smoother texture.
• Maraschino Cherries – Adds a burst of color and sweetness. Be sure to drain and pat dry to avoid tinting the whole salad pink.
• Mini Marshmallows – These soften as the salad chills and add the best little chewy pops.
• Shredded Coconut – A must for that signature ambrosia flavor. Go with sweetened if you want extra indulgence.
• Sour Cream – Balances all the sweetness with a cool, tangy contrast. It’s the secret to making this salad not overly sugary.
• Whipped Topping – For that fluffy, creamy base. Use a stabilized whipped topping so the salad holds its shape and texture.

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Variations

This classic is super flexible—here’s how you can switch things up:

• Add Nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts bring a toasty crunch.
• Swap the Cream – Use Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier version or plain whipped cream for extra richness.
• Mix in Grapes or Bananas – Adds fresh fruit and natural sweetness. Just be sure to add bananas right before serving.
• Make It Tropical – Add mango chunks or kiwi slices for a vacation-vibe twist.

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How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Drain Your Fruit

Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries very well. Lay them on paper towels if needed—extra moisture will water down the salad.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine sour cream and whipped topping. Stir until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Fold in the Fruit and Mix-ins

Add the drained fruit, mini marshmallows, and coconut. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Chill

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld and lets the marshmallows soften to that perfect texture.

Step 5: Serve

Give it a light stir before serving. Garnish with a few extra cherries or a sprinkle of coconut if desired.

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Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Chill: Even just an hour helps the salad set up and taste better.
• Use Stabilized Whipped Topping: It holds its texture longer than fresh whipped cream.
• Dry Your Cherries: To avoid pink cream, blot cherries before adding them.
• Fold, Don’t Stir Aggressively: Keeps the fruit from breaking apart and helps maintain the salad’s light, fluffy texture.

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How to Serve

With Dinner

Serve as a cool, sweet contrast to savory dishes—especially ham, roast turkey, or BBQ.

As Dessert

Dish into small bowls or fancy glasses for a refreshing, no-bake treat.

At a Potluck

Bring it in a chilled bowl with a garnish of cherries or mint—it’s a nostalgic crowd-pleaser!

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Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and it gets even creamier.

Freezing

Not ideal—freezing changes the texture of the cream and marshmallows, making it watery when thawed.

Reheating

No need to reheat. Just give it a stir before serving again and enjoy it chilled.

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FAQs

Can I make Ambrosia Salad the night before?
Yes! In fact, it’s best when made ahead. The salad needs at least 2 hours in the fridge, and overnight works even better.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
You can, but make sure it’s very ripe and well-drained. Fresh oranges, pineapple, and grapes work well—just avoid fruits that brown quickly like apples unless serving immediately.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Absolutely. Greek yogurt or a sweetened vanilla yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter twist.

Why is my salad runny?
Too much juice! Make sure all canned fruits are fully drained and patted dry. Also, avoid overmixing once the fruit is added.

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Final Thoughts

This Classic Ambrosia Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of simple, nostalgic flavors that never fail to please. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special gathering or just want a sweet treat to brighten your weeknight, it’s easy, quick, and endlessly satisfying. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be hooked on that creamy, fruity goodness in no time.

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