Ambrosia Salad

This ambrosia salad is light, fruity, and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. I love how easy it is to mix together, and it’s always a nostalgic dish that reminds me of family gatherings and holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that this salad combines fruit, marshmallows, and coconut into a dessert that feels both refreshing and indulgent. The whipped cream and sour cream base makes it creamy without being too heavy, and the bright flavors of mandarin oranges, cherries, and pineapple bring a burst of freshness. It’s the perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or a simple sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

▢¾ cups (180 ml) heavy cream
▢¼ cup (35 g) powdered sugar
▢½ teaspoon vanilla extract
▢½ cup (120 g) sour cream
▢11 oz (312 g) can mandarin oranges well drained
▢10 oz (¾ cup) maraschino cherries well drained and without stems
▢1 8 oz can pineapple tidbits well drained
▢1 ½ cups (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut
▢4 cups (200 g) mini marshmallows (see note)

Directions

1. I whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
2. I fold in the sour cream until smooth and creamy.
3. I gently stir in the mandarin oranges, cherries, pineapple tidbits, coconut, and mini marshmallows.
4. I cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to chill.
5. I serve it cold, either as a side dish or a light dessert.

Servings and Timing

This ambrosia salad serves 8 to 10 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to chill before serving.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add fresh fruit like strawberries, grapes, or bananas to make it even more colorful. For extra richness, I stir in a spoonful of cream cheese into the whipped mixture. If I want more crunch, I toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts before chilling.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since this is a chilled salad, there’s no reheating required. I avoid freezing it because the texture of the fruit and marshmallows changes after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes, I can substitute Cool Whip for convenience, but I prefer fresh whipped cream for a lighter texture.

How long should ambrosia salad chill before serving?

I like to chill it for at least 1 hour, but overnight gives me the best flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I usually prepare it the night before, and it tastes even better the next day.

What kind of marshmallows work best?

I use mini marshmallows because they mix in evenly, but I can cut larger marshmallows into smaller pieces if needed.

Can I make ambrosia salad without sour cream?

Yes, I can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or extra whipped cream for a slightly different flavor.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, I sometimes use fresh pineapple or oranges, but I make sure they’re well-drained to avoid watering down the salad.

How do I keep the cherries from bleeding color?

I rinse and dry the cherries well before mixing them in, which helps reduce the red color spreading.

Can I add nuts to ambrosia salad?

Yes, I sometimes mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch.

How long does ambrosia salad last in the fridge?

It usually keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Is this salad served as a side dish or dessert?

I enjoy it both ways it works as a sweet side dish for a holiday meal or as a light dessert on its own.

Conclusion

This ambrosia salad is one of my favorite easy desserts because it’s creamy, fruity, and nostalgic. I like how simple it is to make, and it’s always a hit at gatherings. Whether I keep it classic or add my own twists, it’s a refreshing treat that never disappoints.

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