Ambrosia Salad is the ultimate no-bake dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s light, fruity, and wonderfully creamy, with the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether served as a side dish or dessert, it brings back fond memories of family gatherings and festive meals. Plus, it’s ready in minutes and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
mandarin oranges (canned, drained) pineapple tidbits (canned, drained) maraschino cherries (halved and drained) mini marshmallows sweetened shredded coconut sour cream or Greek yogurt whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, halved maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut.
Gently fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until evenly coated.
Add the whipped topping and fold it in carefully to create a fluffy, creamy mixture.
Stir in chopped nuts if using.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to blend and marshmallows to soften.
Stir gently before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 to 10 people. Prep time: 10 minutes Chill time: 2 hours Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes (mostly inactive)
Variations
Use vanilla yogurt instead of sour cream for a sweeter base.
Add sliced bananas or seedless grapes just before serving.
Swap pecans for toasted almonds or leave the nuts out for a nut-free version.
Mix in chopped apples or fruit cocktail for extra texture.
Add a dash of vanilla or almond extract for flavor depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to refresh the texture. This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the whipped topping and fruits will change after thawing. Reheating is not needed or recommended.
FAQs
What is Ambrosia Salad?
It’s a creamy fruit salad traditionally made with canned fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and a whipped dressing.
Can I make Ambrosia Salad a day ahead?
Yes, in fact, it tastes even better when made ahead and chilled overnight.
Is sour cream necessary?
Sour cream balances the sweetness, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or use only whipped topping for a sweeter version.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to use ripe fruit and drain any excess juice to prevent sogginess.
How do I keep the bananas from browning?
If using bananas, slice and add them just before serving to maintain their color and texture.
Is Ambrosia Salad a dessert or a side dish?
It can be served as either. It often appears as a side at holiday meals but is sweet enough for dessert.
Can I make it without coconut?
Absolutely. You can omit the shredded coconut if preferred or if allergies are a concern.
What kind of whipped topping should I use?
Any store-bought whipped topping like Cool Whip works well. Homemade whipped cream can also be used but may deflate over time.
How do I make it lighter?
Use light sour cream, sugar-free whipped topping, and fresh fruit to cut down on sugar and calories.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, it’s a great no-cook recipe that’s fun and easy for kids to help with.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad is a comforting, creamy classic that never goes out of style. Its sweet, fruity flavors and nostalgic charm make it a favorite for holidays and family gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this timeless dish is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad is a creamy, nostalgic fruit salad made with marshmallows, juicy canned fruit, coconut, and a whipped topping dressing. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners, this no-bake classic is both easy and irresistible.
Ingredients
1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (20 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and drained
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 1/2 cups whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, halved maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut.
Gently fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until everything is evenly coated.
Add the whipped topping and carefully fold it in until the mixture is fluffy and fully combined.
If using, stir in the chopped nuts.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften.
Stir gently before serving and enjoy chilled.
Notes
Substitute sour cream with vanilla or Greek yogurt for a sweeter base.Add fresh grapes or sliced bananas just before serving.Leave out the nuts for a nut-free version or swap with toasted almonds.For extra texture, mix in diced apples or fruit cocktail.A small splash of vanilla or almond extract adds flavor depth.
