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Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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Ambrosia Salad is one of those nostalgic recipes that never fails to bring a smile to my face. I remember the first time I tried it—at a summer potluck with my family, where it was the star of the dessert table.

There’s just something so comforting about its creamy texture combined with the burst of sweetness from the fruit. It’s the kind of dish that instantly takes you back to sunny afternoons and happy gatherings, and I’ve been making it ever since.

If you’re also a fan of pineapple, you might enjoy these Pineapple Cookies or even a refreshing Pineapple Mocktail alongside your Ambrosia Salad.

What makes Ambrosia Salad stand out is how simple yet incredibly satisfying it is. The marriage of juicy fruits like mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries, with the creamy base of whipped cream and sour cream, creates the perfect balance of flavors.

It’s the ideal side dish for holidays, barbecues, or any celebration. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can tweak it with different fruits or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Ambrosia Salad Recipe is ready to serve

  • The creamy and fruity texture makes it the ultimate comfort dish—it never disappoints!
  • I love how easy it is to throw together—perfect for last-minute gatherings or when I’m craving something sweet and refreshing.
  • Over the years, I’ve added coconut and swapped out the whipped cream for a lighter yogurt version for a healthier twist.
  • It’s one of those recipes that’s always requested at family gatherings; it’s a hit with both kids and adults.
  • I sometimes use fresh pineapple and berries instead of canned fruits for a more natural flavor, which has made it even more popular with my friends.
Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Ambrosia Salad is a classic dessert salad made with fruits, marshmallows, coconut, sour cream, and whipped topping. It's sweet, creamy, and perfect for potlucks or picnics.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 280kcal
Author: Anne Carter
Servings: Servings

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 can 20 oz pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 can 11 oz mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whipped topping like Cool Whip
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries drained and halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, sour cream, and whipped topping. Mix gently until well combined.
    Combining Ingredients Split Pea Soup Recipe
  • Gently fold in maraschino cherries and chopped pecans if using.
    Adding Cherries and Pecans
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
    Ambrosia Salad Recipe is ready

Notes

  1. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other fruits like grapes, strawberries, or bananas.
  2. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light whipped topping.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5Cup | Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 60mg

Time For My Personal Tips!

  • For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of freshly squeezed lime juice to the mix. It adds a delightful tanginess that complements the sweetness of the fruits and marshmallows perfectly.
  • To give your Ambrosia Salad a tropical twist, swap out the regular shredded coconut for toasted coconut flakes. Just toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, and then sprinkle them over the salad before serving for a deliciously crunchy texture.
  • Make sure to chill the salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to set, resulting in a creamier and more cohesive dish. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
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