Description
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
