My easy ambrosia salad recipe is the perfect fruity and fluffy dish to add to the holiday table! It’s filled with mandarin oranges, pineapples, cherries, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and Cool Whip. Just a few simple ingredients, a bit of mixing, and some chill time is all it takes to make this sweet and creamy marshmallow fruit salad. This delightful Southern classic is more than just a dessert; it’s a vibrant, airy concoction that evokes warmth and nostalgia. Imagine a harmonious blend of juicy fruits, delicate marshmallows, and rich coconut, all brought together by a lusciously smooth, creamy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday gathering, a casual summer barbecue, or simply craving a taste of home, ambrosia salad offers a burst of refreshing flavors and an irresistible texture that is sure to please every palate. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts who want to impress without the stress.
- Pin this recipe for later!
Ambrosia Salad: A Nostalgic Southern Delight with Marshmallows and Cool Whip
Ambrosia salad holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly those of us who grew up in the South. This delightful creamy fruit salad was a staple on our holiday tables, and for me, it was always a joyous occasion to have marshmallows as part of my meal! It wasn’t just a side dish; it was a treat, a vibrant explosion of sweetness and texture that marked special family gatherings. Today, I continue this tradition by preparing a generous bowl for Thanksgiving, but it’s equally perfect for Christmas feasts, Easter brunches, or even casual summer cookouts. Its versatility and widespread appeal make it a timeless classic that brings smiles to faces of all ages.
The beauty of this classic Ambrosia recipe lies in its simplicity and the accessibility of its ingredients. Many components are pantry staples, allowing you to easily gather canned fruit like juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple tidbits, and vibrant maraschino cherries. These are complemented by shredded coconut and, of course, a generous amount of fluffy mini marshmallows. The magic happens when these ingredients are gently folded into a luscious, creamy base. We achieve this signature fluffy texture by combining smooth vanilla yogurt with a light, airy whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), which binds all the elements together into a cohesive, irresistible dish. The result is a dessert-like salad that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
What Makes Ambrosia Salad So Special?
Ambrosia salad isn’t just another fruit salad; it’s a category of its own, often referred to as a “dessert salad” or “fluff salad.” Its name itself, derived from Greek mythology, refers to the food of the gods, hinting at its divine taste. What truly sets it apart is the unique combination of textures: the softness of the marshmallows, the chewiness of the coconut, the juicy burst of fruit, all enveloped in a light, creamy dressing. Unlike savory salads, ambrosia offers a sweet, refreshing, and surprisingly substantial bite that can serve as a side dish or a light dessert. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that appeals to both children and adults, a true testament to its enduring charm.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Skimp on Chill Time!
While ambrosia is perhaps the easiest fruit salad to prepare, there’s one crucial step that elevates it from good to absolutely sublime: ample chill time. After you’ve mixed all the wonderful ingredients, resist the temptation to dive right in! Chilling the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour (and ideally longer, up to several hours or overnight) allows all the individual flavors to meld beautifully. The fruits release their juices, the marshmallows soften and integrate into the creamy dressing, and the coconut becomes more fragrant. This period of repose results in a deeper, sweeter, and more harmonious flavor profile, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with delightful taste. A well-chilled ambrosia salad is a truly exquisite experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Ambrosia Salad
Crafting an authentic and delicious ambrosia salad begins with selecting the right ingredients. While the core components remain consistent, understanding each one’s role and potential variations can help you tailor the recipe to your liking and ensure the best possible outcome.
- Mandarin Oranges: These provide a bright, citrusy burst of flavor and a beautiful color. Canned mandarin oranges packed in light syrup, well-drained, are traditionally used for convenience and consistent sweetness. If you prefer, fresh mandarin segments can be used, just ensure they are peeled and pith-free.
- Pineapple Tidbits: Pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and tang, perfectly balancing the other flavors. Canned pineapple tidbits in 100% pineapple juice, thoroughly drained, work best. Crushed pineapple can also be used for a finer texture, or fresh pineapple chunks if you’re feeling ambitious – just be aware fresh pineapple contains enzymes that can break down dairy over time, so if using fresh, assemble closer to serving time.
- Maraschino Cherries: These iconic red cherries offer a pop of color and a distinct, sweet, slightly almond-like flavor. Be sure to drain them well and remove any stems. For a less vibrant color bleed, you can add them closer to serving, or embrace the delightful pink hue they impart!
- Mini Marshmallows: The quintessential ingredient that gives ambrosia its “fluffy” characteristic. Fruit-flavored mini marshmallows are often preferred for an extra layer of sweetness and color, but regular vanilla mini marshmallows work just as well. If you only have larger marshmallows, simply snip them into smaller pieces with kitchen shears. They soften beautifully in the dressing, contributing to the salad’s unique texture.
- Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Coconut flakes add a wonderful chewiness and tropical aroma. Sweetened shredded coconut is traditional, but if you prefer less sugar or a drier texture, unsweetened coconut can be used. Toasting the coconut lightly before adding it can also introduce a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Vanilla Yogurt: This provides a subtle tang and creamy base that helps cut through the sweetness of the fruit and marshmallows. Plain or Greek yogurt can be substituted for vanilla, perhaps with a touch of honey or maple syrup if you desire extra sweetness.
- Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): The magic binder that delivers the signature light, airy, and creamy texture. Cool Whip (or any similar non-dairy whipped topping) should be thawed if frozen. You can also use homemade stabilized whipped cream for a richer, more natural dairy flavor – a recipe for stabilized whipped cream is a fantastic option for this!
Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
: 1 hour 15 minutes
Print Recipe
Leave a Review
Save Recipe
Ingredients
- 11 ounces canned mandarin oranges in light syrup drained (1 small can)*
- 8 ounces canned pineapple tidbits in 100% pineapple juice drained (1 small can)**
- 1 cup maraschino cherries drained and stemmed
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 cups fruit-flavored mini marshmallows ***
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed if frozen (1 tub)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, vanilla yogurt, and shredded sweetened coconut. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated.11 ounces canned mandarin oranges in light syrup, 8 ounces canned pineapple tidbits in 100% pineapple juice, 1 cup maraschino cherries, ½ cup vanilla yogurt, ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- Next, carefully fold in the fruit-flavored mini marshmallows and the thawed whipped topping. Use a spatula to gently incorporate these ingredients, ensuring the mixture remains light and fluffy without overmixing.2 cups fruit-flavored mini marshmallows, 8 ounces whipped topping
- Transfer the ambrosia salad to a serving bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For optimal flavor and texture, chilling for 2-4 hours or even overnight is highly recommended. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes & Pro Tips
**If you’re looking for a quick shortcut, two drained 15.5-ounce cans of fruit cocktail can be used as a convenient substitute for all the individual fruits in this recipe.
***Can’t find mini marshmallows? No problem! Use clean kitchen scissors to easily cut larger marshmallows into quarters. You can also opt for regular vanilla mini marshmallows instead of fruit-flavored ones if that’s your preference or what’s available.
Additional Tips for the Best Ambrosia:
- Cherry Bleed: Maraschino cherries can sometimes bleed their red color into the whipped topping, giving the entire salad a pinkish hue. If you prefer to maintain distinct colors, stir in the cherries just before serving.
- Serving Temperature: Ambrosia salad is best served cold. While it can be left out of the refrigerator for up to 2 hours, the creamy dressing will start to melt and lose its fluffy texture after about 30 minutes in warmer temperatures. Plan to serve it fresh from the fridge.
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch, while a tablespoon of cream cheese (softened and whipped) can make the dressing even richer.
Storage: Store any leftover ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It should always be served chilled. Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the delicate textures of the creamy dressing, whipped topping, and some of the fruits (especially marshmallows) will degrade significantly upon thawing, resulting in a watery and unappealing consistency.
Calories from Fat 45
@easydessertrecipes
for a chance to be featured.
Crafting Your Delightful Ambrosia Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this classic ambrosia salad is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Follow these simple steps to bring this creamy, fruity delight to your table.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients for your ambrosia fruit salad. The most crucial part of this step is ensuring your canned fruits are properly drained. Take your 11 ounces (1 small can) of mandarin oranges and 8 ounces (1 can) of pineapple tidbits, and drain them thoroughly. For the 1 cup of maraschino cherries, drain them well and carefully remove any remaining stems. If you plan to use frozen whipped topping, remember to take it out of the freezer well in advance to ensure it’s completely thawed and ready to be gently folded in. Proper drainage prevents the salad from becoming watery, maintaining its desired fluffy consistency.
Step 2: Combine the Fruits and Creamy Base
In a large, spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the prepared drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and maraschino cherries. Next, add the creamy elements: ½ cup of smooth vanilla yogurt and ½ cup of shredded sweetened coconut. Using a spatula or a large spoon, stir these ingredients together until they are well combined. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the delicate fruit segments, ensuring everything is evenly coated in the yogurt and coconut mixture. This initial mix creates the foundational flavor and texture of your ambrosia.
Step 3: Introduce the Fluffy Elements
Now it’s time to add the ingredients that give ambrosia its signature light and airy texture. Carefully fold in 2 cups of mini marshmallows and the 8 ounces (1 tub) of thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip) into your fruit and yogurt mixture. The key here is to use a gentle folding motion with your spatula. This ensures that the whipped topping remains fluffy and doesn’t deflate, distributing the marshmallows evenly throughout the salad without crushing the fruit. Continue folding until all components are just combined and the salad takes on its characteristic creamy, fluffy consistency.
Step 4: The Essential Chill
Once mixed, transfer your ambrosia salad to a beautiful serving bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. This chilling period is absolutely crucial for the flavors to fully meld and deepen. Allow the salad to chill for at least 1 hour before serving. For an even more profound and refreshing taste, I highly recommend chilling it for 2 to 4 hours, or even better, overnight. The longer it chills, the more pronounced and harmonious the flavors will become, and the marshmallows will soften to perfection, creating that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
When ready to serve, give the ambrosia a final gentle stir, if desired, and garnish with a few extra maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of coconut for an appealing presentation. Ambrosia salad is wonderfully versatile and can be served in various capacities. It makes a fantastic sweet side dish for festive holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas, a refreshing potluck item for summer cookouts and barbecues, or simply a light, fluffy, and fruity dessert to enjoy any time of year. Its vibrant colors and delightful flavors are always a hit.
Ambrosia Salad: Variations and Customizations
One of the best aspects of ambrosia salad is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs. While the classic recipe is always a hit, feel free to get creative and customize it!
- Nutty Crunch: For an added layer of texture and flavor, fold in about ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even slivered almonds. Toasting them lightly beforehand can enhance their nutty aroma.
- Extra Creaminess: To make the dressing even richer and more decadent, consider adding 4 ounces of softened cream cheese (whipped until smooth) to the yogurt and whipped topping mixture before combining with the fruit.
- Different Fruits: While mandarin oranges and pineapple are classic, you can experiment with other canned or fresh fruits. Seedless grapes (halved), sliced bananas (add just before serving to prevent browning), or even drained fruit cocktail can be wonderful additions.
- Tropical Twist: Add a pinch of shredded mango or a splash of pineapple juice to the dressing for an even more pronounced tropical flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free whipped topping and a plant-based vanilla yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) to make this salad suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.
Storing Ambrosia Salad & Make-Ahead Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying your ambrosia salad for as long as possible. Store any leftover ambrosia fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Always remember to serve it straight from the fridge to maintain its refreshing, chilled temperature and fluffy consistency. Freezing this salad is generally not recommended, as the delicate textures of the creamy dressing, whipped topping, and some of the fruits (especially marshmallows) will degrade significantly upon thawing, resulting in a watery and unappealing consistency.
For making ahead, ambrosia salad is an excellent choice! You can prepare it fully 1-2 days in advance, allowing those flavors to deepen beautifully. Just ensure it’s kept well-covered and refrigerated. If you’re concerned about maraschino cherry color bleed, you can mix all other ingredients and add the cherries right before serving for a vibrant look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ambrosia Salad
Here are some common questions about making and serving ambrosia salad:
- Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
- Yes, absolutely! Fresh mandarin oranges (peeled and segmented) and fresh pineapple (cubed) can be used. Just ensure all fresh fruit is well-drained after washing and preparing. Be mindful that fresh pineapple contains enzymes that can sometimes break down dairy over extended periods, so if using fresh, consume within 24 hours.
- What if I don’t have Cool Whip? Can I use homemade whipped cream?
- You can! For best results and a stable salad, use a stabilized whipped cream. Regular homemade whipped cream tends to deflate and become watery faster. Alternatively, you could use a mixture of sour cream and a bit of powdered sugar for a tangier, denser dressing, though it won’t be as fluffy.
- Can I add nuts to my ambrosia salad?
- Many traditional ambrosia recipes include nuts! Chopped pecans or walnuts are popular choices and add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor. About ½ cup of nuts is a good starting point.
- How long does ambrosia salad last?
- When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ambrosia salad typically lasts for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first 24-48 hours for optimal freshness and texture.
- Why is my ambrosia salad watery?
- The most common reason for a watery ambrosia salad is insufficient draining of the canned fruits. Ensure you drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries very thoroughly. Also, overmixing can cause the whipped topping to break down and release liquid. Make sure to gently fold in the creamy components.
More Fluffy Dessert Recipes to Try!
Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Oreo Dip
Cheesecake Mousse
Chocolate Fruit Dip
In conclusion, this easy ambrosia salad recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and cherished traditions. With its vibrant colors, fluffy texture, and sweet-tart flavor profile, it consistently brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, whipping up this delightful fruit and marshmallow salad is a foolproof way to add a touch of nostalgic charm and irresistible sweetness to your table. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved favorite in your own culinary repertoire!