If you have a love for desserts that bring a nostalgic touch with every bite, you are going to adore this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe. It’s a vibrant, creamy fruit salad bursting with sweet mandarin oranges, tangy pineapple, fluffy marshmallows, and a luscious whipped dressing that ties everything together beautifully. This salad is as delightful to look at as it is to eat, making it a timeless crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any festive occasion. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to for a refreshing, sweet treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish so irresistible. From juicy fruit to airy marshmallows and rich cream, it all blends into a harmony of tastes that’s truly special.
- Mandarin oranges (1 can, 15 oz): Sweet and juicy, they provide a bright citrus burst in every forkful.
- Pineapple chunks (1 can, 20 oz): Their tangy-sweet flavor adds a tropical twist and pleasant juiciness.
- Miniature marshmallows (1 cup): For that soft, chewy texture and playful sweetness that kids and adults love.
- Shredded coconut, sweetened (1 cup): Adds a lovely subtle crunch and tropical aroma to the salad.
- Heavy cream (1 cup) or whipped topping: Whipped to perfection, this gives the salad its creamy, dreamy consistency.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup, optional): A small amount brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness for a more complex flavor.
- Maraschino cherries (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): These colorful bits add a pop of color and a hint of sugary zing.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For crunch and a toasty depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with tender fruit.
How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by draining the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly—this step is crucial to prevent your salad from becoming watery. If using maraschino cherries and nuts, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces so every spoonful has a balanced mix.
Step 2: Mix the Fruits and Marshmallows
In a large bowl, gently combine the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped maraschino cherries if you’re including them. This creates the vibrant, fruity base for our Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe that’s bursting with color and flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form—that fluffy texture is what makes the salad so creamy. If you prefer a slight tang, gently fold in sour cream or plain yogurt. This addition enhances the creaminess and adds a delicious depth to the dressing without overpowering the fruit.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Now, carefully fold the whipped cream mixture into your fruit and marshmallow bowl. The key here is gentle folding to keep the fluffy texture intact while ensuring every ingredient is well-coated. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now so their crunch is evenly distributed throughout.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend and the salad to set perfectly, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is ready to be served. Scoop it out into pretty bowls or a stunning serving dish and watch it disappear as everyone digs in to this creamy, fruity delight.
How to Serve Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra shredded coconut flakes or a handful of whole maraschino cherries on top. Adding a few mint leaves can also brighten the look and add a subtle freshness that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a refreshing dessert or side dish alongside heavier mains like roast chicken, barbecued ribs, or grilled pork. Its cool creaminess and vibrant fruit flavors provide a perfect palate cleanser and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe in individual clear glass cups or mason jars layered with some extra pineapple and orange pieces on the bottom for a beautiful presentation. You can even turn it into a layered trifle with alternating layers of fruit salad and whipped cream for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad holds well for up to 2 days, but the marshmallows may start to soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh within that window.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe because the whipped cream and fruit textures will not freeze and thaw well, often becoming watery or mushy. It’s better to make it fresh or store chilled for a day or two.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold and should not be reheated. The creamy, fruity texture that makes it so enjoyable is lost with heat, so keep it chilled until ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks add a wonderful brightness, just be sure to remove excess juice to avoid a watery salad. Fresh fruit can elevate the dish but may change the preparation time slightly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream or whipped topping for coconut whipped cream or another non-dairy alternative, and use dairy-free yogurt if including the tangy element. The salad will still be creamy and delicious.
How long should I chill the salad for best flavor?
For optimal flavor and texture, chilling for at least 2 hours is recommended, but overnight refrigeration allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, making the Ambrosia Salad even more irresistible.
Can I prepare this salad for a party?
Definitely! This Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a perfect make-ahead dish for parties and potlucks. Just prepare it the day before and keep it refrigerated until serving time to wow your guests.
What can I add to make the salad healthier?
Consider using plain yogurt instead of sour cream and reducing or omitting marshmallows to cut down on sugar. Adding extra fresh fruit or nuts can also boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that brings joy to any table. It’s easy to make, visually appealing, and absolutely delicious. I encourage you to give it a try—once you experience the perfect harmony of creamy sweetness and fruity freshness, you’ll understand why it’s remained a beloved dish for generations!
Print
Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Ambrosia Salad is a creamy, refreshing dessert made with mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, marshmallows, shredded coconut, and a rich whipped cream dressing. This easy-to-make fruit salad is chilled to blend flavors perfectly and makes a delightful side dish or dessert for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Fruits and Mix-ins
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Dressing
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whipped topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt, optional for tang)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the salad. Chop the maraschino cherries and nuts (if using) into small pieces.
- Mix the Fruits and Marshmallows: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries (if using).
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks (or use whipped topping for convenience). If using sour cream or plain yogurt, gently fold it into the whipped cream to add creaminess and a slight tang.
- Combine and Stir: Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the fruit mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated. If adding nuts, fold them in at this stage.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy, fruity treat at your next gathering!
Notes
- Be sure to drain the canned fruit well to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt for a healthier twist and a slight tangy flavor.
- Chilling the salad overnight enhances the flavors and gives a better texture.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
- Use sweetened shredded coconut for traditional taste; unsweetened can make it less sweet.
