Ambrosia Salad
Our Classic Creamy Ambrosia Salad is a nostalgic favorite that combines the best of sweet and creamy flavors with a mix of fruity textures.
With mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut, this recipe is a delightful blend of creamy and fruity goodness.
Whether you need a quick potluck side or an easy dessert, this recipe is here to help you make something everyone will enjoy.
Ambrosia Salad Recipe Highlights
- Made with simple pantry staples and fresh fruits.
- Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or weekday treats.
- Takes just 10 minutes to assemble—no cooking required!
- Kid-friendly and easily adaptable to suit your taste.
- A great make-ahead option for busy schedules.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
WHIPPED TOPPING – This creates the creamy base for the salad. Thaw it completely to make mixing easy and ensure a smooth consistency.
VANILLA YOGURT – Adds a tangy, balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruits and marshmallows. You can use plain yogurt if you prefer a less sweet salad.
SOUR CREAM – This adds a slight tang and richness that balances the flavors. Avoid using low-fat varieties, as they may thin out the consistency.
MINI MARSHMALLOWS AND COCONUT – The marshmallows add a chewy texture and sweetness, while shredded sweetened coconut brings a nutty flavor and soft texture that ties the ingredients together.
CANNED FRUIT – Mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits are ideal choices for this salad. Drain both fruits thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery. Reserve 1/4 cup of pineapple juice to add moisture and enhance flavor.
FRESH FRUIT – Use a crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) for crunch and sweetness, and seedless red or green grapes for a juicy bite. Toss the apple pieces in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS – Pecan halves and maraschino cherries add visual appeal and extra flavor. Use maraschino cherries with stems for a fancier presentation or without stems for easier serving.
How To Make An Ambrosia Salad
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Mix whipped topping, vanilla yogurt, and sour cream in a large bowl until smooth.
- Stir in mini marshmallows and shredded coconut until combined.
- Fold in mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits (with 1/4 cup juice), apple, and grapes.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours, then garnish with pecan halves and maraschino cherries before serving.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, but the fruit stays fresh.
FREEZE – Freezing is not recommended, as the whipped topping and fruits can separate and become watery when thawed.
MAKE AHEAD – Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated. Wait to add garnishes until just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
ANGEL FOOD CAKE – Serve the Ambrosia Salad as a topping for light and airy slices of angel food cake for an elegant dessert option.
ICED TEA OR LEMONADE – Serve with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade to complement the chilled, fruity flavors of the salad.
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Recipe Success Tips
THAW COMPLETELY – Make sure the whipped topping is fully thawed so it mixes smoothly and creates a creamy texture you’ll need to make the Ambrosia Salad taste extra creamy.
DRAIN FRUIT WELL – Too much liquid can make the salad watery. Drain mandarin oranges and pineapple thoroughly before adding them.
CHILL LONG ENOUGH – Refrigerating for at least 2 hours lets the flavors blend and ensures the salad is perfectly set.
ADJUST SWEETNESS – If you prefer less sweetness, skip the marshmallows or use unsweetened coconut.
KEEP APPLES FRESH – Sprinkle the chopped apple with a little pineapple juice to keep it from browning and maintain its crispness.
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Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce container whipped topping thawed
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup coconut shredded sweetened
- 1 11-ounce can mandarin oranges drained
- 1 8-ounce can pineapple tidbits drained, keep 1/4 cup
- 1 medium apple chopped, variety of choice
- 1 cup grapes sliced, red and/or green
Optional decorative toppings
- ¼ cup pecan halved
- maraschino cherries a few for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the whipped topping, vanilla yogurt, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut until evenly mixed.
- Fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, juice reserved, chopped apple, and grapes.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then garnish with pecan halves and maraschino cherries, if desired, before serving.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.