Sweet & Fluffy Ambrosia Salad Recipe: A Heavenly Treat

Sweet memories of childhood summer gatherings dance through my mind when I think about this delightful ambrosia salad recipe.

Clusters of marshmallows and tropical fruit peek out from a creamy cloud of texture.

Grandmothers across the southern United States have perfected this classic dessert for generations.

Soft and pillowy textures mingle with bright citrus and coconut in a bowl of pure comfort.

Each spoonful promises a nostalgic journey back to lazy afternoon picnics and family celebrations.

Mixing this treat takes mere minutes, making it a perfect spontaneous dessert for any occasion.

Fun Twists On Ambrosia Salad

• Tropical Paradise: Swap maraschino cherries with fresh mango chunks and add diced kiwi for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch: Incorporate toasted almond slivers and chopped pecans to introduce a satisfying crunch and rich, earthy undertones.
• Berry Bliss: Replace mandarin oranges with mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a tangy, colorful version.
• Greek Yogurt Swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to create a protein-packed, slightly tangier alternative with a lighter texture.

Good Pairings For Ambrosia Salad

• Pair with Tropical Cocktail: Mix a light rum-based piña colada to complement the fruity, sweet notes of the ambrosia salad and enhance its tropical flavor profile.
• Create a Dessert Wine Match: Select a sweet Moscato or Riesling that echoes the salad's sugary elements and provides a crisp, refreshing counterpoint.
• Serve with Coconut Shortbread: Bake delicate coconut cookies that mirror the salad's coconut texture and add a buttery crunch to the overall dessert experience.
• Balance with Sparkling Water: Offer a chilled, lightly flavored sparkling water with a hint of citrus to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, creamy salad.

How To Store Ambrosia Salad

• Store the Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Not recommended as the texture of marshmallows and fruits will become mushy and lose their original creamy consistency when thawed.
• Gently stir the salad to redistribute ingredients and restore its original texture after refrigeration.
• Best enjoyed cold, so remove from the refrigerator just before serving to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.

Ambrosia Salad FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Ambrosia Salad?

The key ingredients are pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, sour cream, and whipped topping.

• Is Ambrosia Salad considered a healthy dessert?

While delicious, it’s more of an indulgent treat due to its high sugar content from marshmallows and sweet fruits.

• Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated, which actually allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

• Are there any potential nut-free versions of this recipe?

Absolutely! This classic recipe is naturally nut-free, making it safe for those with nut allergies.

Why Ambrosia Salad Feels So Refreshing

• Craft Quickly: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delightful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Freely: Easily modify ingredients to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs with simple ingredient swaps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Guaranteed to be a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and summer picnics with its sweet and creamy texture.
• No-Bake Delight: Requires zero cooking, making it an ideal dessert for hot days when turning on the oven feels impossible.

What You Need For Ambrosia Salad

• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet tropical fruit that adds a tangy flavor to the salad.
• Mandarin Oranges: Soft citrus segments that provide a bright, juicy element.
• Maraschino Cherries: Bright red, sweet cherries that bring a pop of color and sweetness.

• Sour Cream: Provides a rich and creamy base with a slight tanginess.
• Whipped Topping: Adds a light and fluffy texture to the salad.

• Mini Marshmallows, Shredded Coconut: Provide a soft, sweet texture and tropical sweetness to complement the fruit.

Steps To Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Prep Colorful Fruit

Drain pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges completely to prevent watery salad. Pat fruits dry with paper towels to ensure perfect texture.

Step 2: Mix Fruity Base

• Pineapple chunks
• Mandarin orange segments
• Maraschino cherries
• Shredded coconut
• Mini marshmallows

Step 3: Create Creamy Binding

• Sour cream
• Whipped cream topping

Stir carefully to coat all ingredients without crushing delicate fruits.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or lid. Refrigerate for minimum one hour to allow flavors to meld and develop a harmonious taste profile.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator just before serving. Scoop into individual dessert bowls or a large serving dish. Garnish with extra coconut or cherries if desired. This tropical-inspired dessert offers a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick dessert treat.

Tips To Help With Ambrosia Salad

• Drain canned fruits thoroughly to prevent a watery texture and maintain the salad's creamy consistency.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that reduces overall calories.
• Add chopped pecans or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the salad's texture and nutritional value.
• Prepare the salad a day ahead to allow flavors to meld, creating a more intense and delicious taste profile.
• Use sugar-free whipped topping and mini marshmallows for a diabetic-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on sweetness.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern classic Ambrosia Salad blends creamy marshmallows, tangy fruits, and coconut into a nostalgic dessert. Delightful flavors mingle in this crowd-pleasing treat you can enjoy at family gatherings or summer potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 1 (20 ounces / 567 grams) can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 (11 ounces / 312 grams) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved

Dairy and Sweet Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup shredded coconut

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately combine tropical pineapple morsels, tangy mandarin segments, fluffy mini marshmallows, shredded coconut flakes, and vibrant maraschino cherries.
2. Introduce velvety sour cream and airy whipped topping, gently folding the components until harmoniously blended, ensuring no ingredient dominates another.
3. Seal the mixture securely with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes.
4. Prior to serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the creamy elements and ensure a consistent texture throughout.
5. Serve chilled as a delightful dessert or side dish, garnishing with an optional sprinkle of additional coconut or a maraschino cherry for visual appeal.

Notes

• Drain canned fruits thoroughly to prevent a watery texture and ensure the salad stays creamy and thick.
• Toast coconut flakes lightly for an enhanced nutty flavor and added crunch that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Customize the salad by adding chopped pecans or walnuts for extra protein and a delightful textural contrast.
• Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains the creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Refrigerating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg