If you’re looking for a nostalgic treat that beams with sweet, creamy delight and bursts of fruity freshness, this Ambrosia Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic American dessert salad that feels like a celebration in every bite. The combination of juicy pineapple and mandarin oranges with fluffy marshmallows, creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt, whipped topping, and a sprinkle of coconut and cherries creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that’s sure to brighten any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe takes just a few simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering its signature taste and texture. From creamy bases to sweet fruit and crunchy nuts, every element adds a special touch.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: These add a playful, chewy sweetness that’s iconic to the dish.
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Provides a creamy tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): Light and airy, it keeps the salad fluffy and luscious.
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained: Adds juicy tropical flavor and texture.
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained: Offers a burst of citrusy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut: Brings a subtle crunch and tropical aroma.
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved: Little pops of bright, sweet cherry flavor and a festive look.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the creaminess.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base
Start by blending your sour cream or Greek yogurt with the whipped topping in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently until smooth and well combined, creating the perfect creamy foundation for your salad.
Step 2: Add the Sweet and Fruity Ingredients
Next, fold in the mini marshmallows, drained pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts if you’re using them. The key here is to mix gently, ensuring every ingredient gets coated in that luscious cream without breaking up the fruit.
Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to mingle and the marshmallows to soften, turning the salad into a unified, dreamy dessert.
Step 4: Give It a Final Stir Before Serving
Just before serving, stir the Ambrosia Salad gently to refresh its texture and redistribute any settled ingredients. You can also garnish it with extra cherries or nuts to make it look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut, a few maraschino cherry halves, or some chopped nuts on top can elevate the presentation and add an inviting crunch, making each serving look festive and irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe shines as a side, especially alongside grilled meats at a summer barbecue or as part of a holiday meal spread. It balances savory dishes beautifully while offering a refreshing, sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ambrosia in individual glass parfait cups or hollowed-out oranges for a charming presentation. Layering it in clear bowls so the vibrant colors show through also makes it visually stunning for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Beyond this, the texture might change as the marshmallows soften further, but the flavors will remain delightful.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the whipped topping and marshmallows will lose their texture and become watery or mushy once thawed. Best to enjoy it fresh!
Reheating
Since this dish is served cold, reheating is unnecessary. Simply give the salad a gentle stir after retrieving it from the fridge, and it’s ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in this Ambrosia Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great alternative that adds a tangy flavor while making the salad a bit lighter. It won’t affect the creaminess, so feel free to use whichever you prefer.
Is it necessary to drain the canned fruit before adding it to the salad?
Yes, draining the pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges is important to avoid making the salad watery. You want the fruit’s flavor without excess juice diluting the creamy dressing.
Can I prepare Ambrosia Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Preparing it a few hours or even the day before allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Just be sure to cover and keep it chilled until serving.
Are the nuts in Ambrosia Salad Recipe optional?
They are completely optional. Nuts add a lovely crunch, but if you have allergies or prefer it nut-free, you can simply leave them out without compromising on taste.
What variations can I try with this Ambrosia Salad Recipe?
You can experiment by adding other fruits like grapes or apple chunks, swap in fresh whipped cream, or use mini peanut butter chips instead of marshmallows for a unique twist on the classic.
Final Thoughts
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make and endlessly delightful. It’s the perfect dish to bring to family gatherings or to enjoy as a special treat at home. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it remains a beloved classic that brings joy with every spoonful.
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Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ambrosia Salad is a classic, refreshing fruit salad that combines the creamy texture of sour cream or Greek yogurt with the sweetness of mini marshmallows, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries. It’s an easy no-cook dessert or side dish perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures chilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with whipped topping. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating the creamy base that will coat the fruit and other ingredients.
- Add the Fruit and Extras: Add mini marshmallows, drained pineapple chunks, drained mandarin oranges, sweetened shredded coconut, halved maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts if using. These ingredients bring sweetness, texture, and flavor diversity.
- Fold Ingredients Together: Gently fold the mixture until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy base. Be careful not to break up the fruit pieces or cherries too much during this process.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ambrosia salad for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly, improving the taste and texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, stir the salad gently once more. Optionally garnish with extra maraschino cherries or nuts for presentation and an added crunch. Serve chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier and healthier option.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts.
- If fresh fruit is preferred, substitute canned pineapple and mandarin oranges with fresh, diced fruits after draining to avoid excess liquid.
- To keep the salad firmer, add the marshmallows just before serving to prevent them from absorbing too much moisture.
- This salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
