Sweet & Fluffy Ambrosia Salad Recipe: A Heavenly Delight

Sweet memories dance through this classic ambrosia salad, a nostalgic dessert that whispers of summer gatherings and gentle Southern charm.

Childhood cookouts sparkle with every creamy, fruit-filled bite.

Marshmallows and coconut create a dreamy texture that melts softly on your tongue.

Delicate pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges weave a tropical melody into each spoonful.

Tangy sour cream blends seamlessly with whipped topping, creating a cloud-like canvas for vibrant fruit.

Generations of cooks have cherished this simple yet magical combination of ingredients.

You won’t believe how quickly this dessert disappears at potlucks and family celebrations.

Dive into this delightful recipe and rediscover a taste of pure comfort.

Why Everyone Loves Ambrosia Salad

• Create Creamy Texture: Blend sour cream, whipped cream, and Greek yogurt for a luscious, velvety base that makes every bite incredibly smooth and satisfying.
• Mix Diverse Flavors: Combine tropical mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries to deliver a burst of sweet and tangy flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Layer Delightful Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, sliced almonds, and mini marshmallows to introduce multiple textures that transform this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Prep with Simplicity: Require minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making this recipe perfect for novice cooks and busy individuals wanting a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.

Ambrosia Salad Ingredient List

• Mandarin Oranges: Sweet citrus segments that add a bright, tangy flavor to the salad.
• Pineapple Chunks: Tropical fruit pieces that provide a juicy and refreshing taste.
• Maraschino Cherries: Vibrant red cherries that contribute a sweet and decorative element.

• Sour Cream: Adds a rich and tangy component to the salad's creamy texture.
• Whipped Cream: Provides a light and airy texture to the mixture.
• Greek Yogurt: Offers a creamy and protein-rich base with a slight tanginess.

• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds a tropical sweetness and chewy texture.
• Mini Marshmallows, Chopped Pecans, Sliced Almonds: Create a delightful mix of soft and crunchy elements that enhance the salad's overall mouthfeel.

How To Assemble Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Drain Tropical Fruits

Remove mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries from their containers. Place fruits in a colander and shake gently to eliminate all excess liquid. Let fruits sit and drain completely to prevent watery texture.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine sour cream, whipped cream, and Greek yogurt. Use a whisk or spatula to blend ingredients until smooth and consistent. The mixture should look silky and uniform.

Step 3: Fold in Fruits

Carefully add drained tropical fruits into the creamy mixture. Use a soft spatula and fold gently to prevent crushing delicate fruit pieces. Ensure fruits are evenly distributed throughout the base.

Step 4: Sprinkle Coconut

Shower sweetened shredded coconut over the fruit and cream mixture. Stir softly to spread coconut throughout the salad, creating a delightful textural element.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Introduce mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, and sliced almonds into the mixture. Fold ingredients carefully to distribute evenly and create a balanced blend of textures and flavors.

Step 6: Chill and Blend Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator. Allow salad to rest for minimum one hour. This resting period helps ingredients meld together and enhances overall taste profile.

Step 7: Final Stir

Before serving, give the ambrosia salad a gentle stir. This redistributes ingredients and ensures consistent texture throughout the dish.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Present the salad chilled. Optional garnish includes extra coconut sprinkles or reserved nuts for enhanced visual appeal. Enjoy this tropical, creamy dessert!

Tips For Making Ambrosia Salad Right

• Drain Fruits Completely: Remove all excess liquid from mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries to prevent a soggy, watery salad texture.
• Fold Gently for Smoothness: Use a soft spatula when mixing creamy ingredients and fruits to maintain delicate fruit integrity and create a silky consistency.
• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow ingredients to blend and develop a richer, more harmonious taste profile.
• Balance Texture with Toppings: Distribute marshmallows, pecans, and almonds evenly to ensure each bite offers a perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and soft elements.
• Serve with Final Flair: Stir before serving and consider a light garnish of extra coconut or nuts to enhance both visual appeal and added crunch.

Variations For Ambrosia Salad Lovers

• Tropical Fruit Swap: Replace mandarin oranges with mango chunks, pineapple with papaya, and add passion fruit for a vibrant island-inspired version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use Greek yogurt, sugar-free whipped topping, and monk fruit sweetener to create a diabetic-friendly ambrosia salad with reduced calories.
• Vegan Coconut Dream: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut yogurt, whipped coconut cream, and use gelatin-free marshmallows for a plant-based alternative.
• Nutty Mediterranean Remix: Include pistachios instead of pecans, add dried apricots, and incorporate a touch of orange blossom water for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

What To Serve With Ambrosia Salad

• Elevate Tropical Fruit Salad Experience
• Boost Sweet Nectar Wine Pairing: Select a chilled moscato or riesling with light, fruity notes that complement the salad's tropical sweetness and creamy texture.
• Craft Complementary Cheese Plate: Arrange mild brie or creamy goat cheese alongside the salad, providing a delicate tangy contrast to the dessert's sugary profile.
• Match Dessert Wine Elegance: Pour a small glass of late harvest gewürztraminer, its subtle honeyed undertones will enhance the salad's complex fruit and marshmallow layers.
• Create Sparkling Beverage Option: Serve a crisp prosecco or sparkling rosé, whose effervescence cuts through the creamy richness and refreshes the palate between bites.

Storing Ambrosia Salad The Smart Way

• Seal the ambrosia salad in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the texture and flavors fresh and vibrant.
• Transfer the salad to a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 weeks, though the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Move the frozen salad to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to defrost gradually and maintain its creamy consistency.
• Gently stir the salad before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore its original texture, adding a fresh sprinkle of coconut or nuts if desired.

Common Ambrosia Salad Questions

• How can I prevent my ambrosia salad from becoming too watery?

Thoroughly drain all fruits in a colander, removing every bit of excess liquid. Pat fruits with paper towels if needed to absorb additional moisture.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, ambrosia salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated, and give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the texture.

• Are there any dairy-free alternatives I can use?

Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, dairy-free whipped topping, or non-dairy yogurt alternatives to create a lactose-free version of the salad.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet nostalgia meets tropical delight in this classic Ambrosia Salad, blending marshmallows, coconut, and fruity goodness. Southern charm and creamy textures promise a refreshing dessert that connects generations with each delectable spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Fruits:

• 2 cups mandarin oranges
• 2 cups pineapple chunks
• 1 cup maraschino cherries
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Dairy and Creamy Base:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt

Nuts and Additional Mix-ins:

• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

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Instructions

1. Drain mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries thoroughly in a colander, ensuring all excess liquid is removed to prevent a watery salad.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold sour cream, whipped cream, and Greek yogurt until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated, creating a creamy base.
3. Carefully incorporate the drained fruits into the creamy mixture, using a soft spatula to prevent crushing the delicate fruit pieces.
4. Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut over the fruit and cream mixture, gently stirring to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
5. Add mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, and sliced almonds, folding them into the mixture to ensure a balanced distribution of textures and flavors.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
7. Before serving, give the ambrosia salad a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and ensure a consistent texture.
8. Serve cold, optionally garnishing with an extra sprinkle of coconut or a few reserved nuts for added visual appeal.

Notes

• Pat fruits completely dry after draining to maintain the salad’s creamy texture and prevent wateriness.
• Whip cream and yogurt mixture to soft peaks for a lighter, airier consistency that blends smoothly with fruits.
• Fold ingredients gently to preserve the delicate structure and prevent fruit from breaking or becoming mushy.
• Customize the salad by substituting nuts with seeds for nut allergies or using dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for a vegan version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg