If you have a soft spot for nostalgic, creamy fruit salads that bring a burst of bright, comforting flavors to the table, then this Ambrosia Salad Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This delightful, fluffy salad combines juicy pineapple, sweet mandarin oranges, and tender marshmallows all wrapped in a luscious blend of sour cream and whipped topping. It’s a timeless dish that feels like sunshine in a bowl, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you want an easy yet impressive side that feels like a sweet treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe is all about simplicity with ingredients that each play a special role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and fluffy textures. Every element, from the mini marshmallows to the shredded coconut, adds a unique note of flavor and a pop of color that makes this salad as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
- Mini marshmallows: They add a fun, pillowy texture and a touch of sweetness that’s signature to classic Ambrosia.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: This brings a creamy tang that balances out the sweetness beautifully.
- Whipped topping: Using Cool Whip or similar adds lightness and fluff to the salad’s overall mouthfeel.
- Pineapple chunks, drained: Juicy and sweet, they provide a tropical burst and a bit of tartness.
- Mandarin oranges, drained: Their bright citrus flavor and vibrant color brighten up the salad perfectly.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: This adds a subtle tropical chewiness that’s absolutely dreamy.
- Maraschino cherries, halved: Cherries offer pops of vivid color and a cherry-sweet bite in every forkful.
- Chopped nuts (optional): Nuts give an optional crunch and an extra layer of texture if you like a bit of contrast.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Step 1: Mix the creamy base
Start by blending your sour cream or Greek yogurt with the whipped topping in a large mixing bowl. Stir these until they are smooth and completely combined. This creamy mixture will be the luscious backdrop that holds your fruit and marshmallows together, delivering a wonderful balance of fluffy texture and tangy richness.
Step 2: Add the fruit and extras
Next, toss in the mini marshmallows, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and if you’re using them, the chopped nuts. Each ingredient brings its own burst of flavor and texture, making every bite exciting and layered. Gently fold these into the creamy mixture, making sure everything is evenly coated without squashing the delicate fruit.
Step 3: Chill to blend flavors
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let your Ambrosia Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is crucial because it allows all those gorgeous flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a salad that’s refreshingly sweet, tangy, and creamy all at once.
Step 4: Finish and serve
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute any settling ingredients. This is also your moment to add any extra garnishes like additional cherries or nuts, making the salad even more inviting and festive.
How to Serve Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of this Ambrosia Salad Recipe is how easily it can be dressed up. Extra halved maraschino cherries on top provide a cheerful pop of color, while a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or extra chopped nuts add flair and crunch that elevate the presentation and texture.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully as a refreshing side with barbecued meats, roasted chicken, or even as a cool counterpoint to spicy dishes. Its creamy sweetness balances smoky, savory flavors impeccably, making it a versatile player on your meal table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance or fun, serve your Ambrosia Salad in individual clear glass cups, mason jars, or hollowed-out oranges or pineapples. This not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also delights guests as they see the vibrant colors through the glass or fruit shell.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply cover the Ambrosia Salad tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep best for up to 2 days, though the texture may soften slightly as the marshmallows and fruit continue to absorb moisture.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the texture of the fruit and creamy base can get watery and separate when thawed, affecting the fresh, fluffy charm that makes the Ambrosia Salad Recipe so special.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad meant to be served chilled, reheating is not required. Just give it a good stir after it’s been refrigerated to refresh the texture and flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Regular yogurt will work fine but may have a looser texture and slightly less tang compared to Greek yogurt. Either way, it will keep the salad creamy and delicious.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can make a vegan version by substituting the sour cream and whipped topping with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut yogurt and vegan whipped cream. Use marshmallows that are gelatin-free, and this salad will be just as dreamy.
Can I prepare the Ambrosia Salad Recipe the day before?
Yes, making it ahead is a fantastic idea because chilling it overnight actually enhances the flavors. Just make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving to keep everything well mixed.
What other fruits can I add to Ambrosia Salad?
You can get creative by adding fruits like sliced bananas, grapes, or even diced apples. Just remember that fruits that brown quickly should be added right before serving to maintain freshness and color.
Is it okay to omit the nuts?
Definitely. Nuts are optional and can be left out if you have allergies or prefer a smoother texture. The salad will still be delicious and full of flavor without them.
Final Thoughts
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe is one of those timeless treasures that bring joy with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, holiday feast, or a casual get-together, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and always well-loved. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover how wonderfully simple it is to add a touch of sweetness and nostalgia to your table—it truly is a feel-good dish that never goes out of style.
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Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ambrosia Salad is a classic, creamy fruit salad featuring a delightful combination of mini marshmallows, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and a luscious blend of sour cream or Greek yogurt with whipped topping. Perfect as a refreshing dessert or side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and best served chilled to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the creamy ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add fruit and tasty mix-ins: Gently add the mini marshmallows, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, halved maraschino cherries, and optional chopped nuts to the creamy mixture.
- Fold ingredients evenly: Carefully fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture, taking care to preserve the shape of the fruit pieces.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften slightly for the best texture.
- Serve chilled: Before serving, stir the salad gently to recombine any settled ingredients. Garnish with extra maraschino cherries or nuts if desired for an appealing presentation.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream can add a tangier flavor and increase protein content.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts without impacting overall taste significantly.
- Draining the canned fruit well is essential to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- This salad is best served within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- You can add other fruits like grapes or banana slices for variation, but add bananas just before serving to prevent browning.
