Heavenly Ambrosia Salad Recipe: A Sweet Cloud of Fruity Bliss

Sweet memories of childhood potlucks dance through this creamy ambrosia salad recipe that blends tropical flavors and nostalgic textures.

Summer gatherings always sparkle when this delightful dish arrives at the table.

Cool, pillowy marshmallows mingle with juicy fruit chunks, creating a dreamy dessert experience.

Bright pineapple and soft coconut flakes bring unexpected magic to each spoonful.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment stand between you and this simple delight.

Grandmothers and home cooks everywhere understand the charm of this classic comfort treat.

One bite will transport you to sunny afternoons filled with laughter and pure, sweet happiness.

Why Ambrosia Salad Brings Joy to the Table

• Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations, this sweet and creamy salad appeals to both kids and adults with its vibrant mix of fruity and marshmallow goodness.
• Prepare the salad ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to blend and intensify, which means less stress and more enjoyment when entertaining guests.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding or swapping fruits, nuts, or toppings to suit personal preferences or dietary needs, creating a personalized dessert experience every time.

Ingredients for Making Ambrosia Salad

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh tropical fruit that adds sweet and tangy flavor, core of the salad's fruity profile.
• Mandarin Oranges: Soft citrus segments bringing bright, sweet taste and vibrant color.
• Maraschino Cherries: Sweet and colorful garnish that provides a pop of red and classic dessert touch.
• Grapes: Optional fruit that introduces additional sweetness and juicy texture.

• Sour Cream: Rich and tangy binding ingredient that creates smooth and creamy consistency.
• Shredded Coconut: Tropical addition that provides texture and sweet nutty flavor.

• Mini Marshmallows: Soft and sweet element that adds playful texture to the salad.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Optional crunchy topping that introduces nutty dimension and textural contrast.

Steps to Prepare a Fresh Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Prep Tropical Fruits

• Pineapple chunks
• Mandarin oranges
• Maraschino cherries

Shake off excess liquid to keep the salad perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Sour cream
• Shredded coconut

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Toss Fruity Goodness

• Pineapple chunks
• Mandarin oranges
• Maraschino cherries
• Mini marshmallows
• Grapes (optional)

Fold everything carefully to preserve the fruit’s delicate texture.

Step 4: Chill And Marry Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and slide into the refrigerator. Let the salad rest and develop its magical flavor profile for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Final Flourish

• Chopped pecans
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

Serve ice-cold and watch everyone swoon over this heavenly treat.

Pro Suggestions for Making Ambrosia Salad Pop

• Drain Fruits Completely: Use a fine-mesh strainer or paper towels to remove excess liquid from pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries, ensuring a thick and creamy salad texture.
• Customize Your Mix: Swap out fruits based on preferences or availability, like adding fresh berries or removing grapes to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.
• Prevent Watery Consistency: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing ingredients to blend and excess moisture to settle, creating a more cohesive dessert.
• Enhance Texture Variety: Toast pecans or walnuts before sprinkling on top to intensify their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft, creamy base.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the ambrosia salad a day in advance, as it actually tastes better when ingredients have time to mingle and develop deeper flavors in the refrigerator.

How to Store and Chill Ambrosia Salad Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep chilled to maintain freshness and prevent fruit from spoiling.
• Skip freezing this salad, as dairy and fruit textures will break down and become watery when thawed.
• Do not reheat ambrosia salad. Enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator to preserve its creamy texture and delicate fruit pieces.
• If liquid separates, gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore original consistency.

What to Pair with Ambrosia Salad

• Pair ambrosia salad with crisp, light beverages and complementary desserts that enhance its creamy, fruity profile.
• Choose chilled prosecco or moscato d'asti to match the salad's sweet notes and provide elegant effervescence.
• Serve alongside light pound cake or vanilla shortbread cookies to balance the salad's tropical texture and creamy consistency.
• Select mild chamomile or gentle green tea to cleanse the palate and harmonize with the salad's sweet, creamy elements.

Ambrosia Salad Recipes with a Twist

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream with coconut cream or vegan yogurt for a lactose-free version. Use dairy-free marshmallows and skip the dairy toppings.
• Tropical Paradise: Swap traditional fruits with mango chunks, passion fruit, and fresh pineapple. Add shredded toasted coconut for extra tropical flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free marshmallows and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Select fresh fruits with lower natural sugar content like berries and kiwi.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for added protein. Include chopped almonds or chia seeds for extra nutritional value and texture.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Ambrosia Salad whisks tropical paradise onto your plate with marshmallows, coconut, and sweet fruits blending in heavenly harmony. Delightful dessert promises pure comfort and nostalgic Southern charm with each delectable spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple chunks (drained)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) mandarin oranges (drained)
• 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and halved)
• 1 cup seedless grapes (halved, optional)

Dairy and Sweet Components:

• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Nuts (Optional):

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously strain tropical and sweet components like pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries, ensuring minimal liquid residue for optimal salad consistency.
2. Create a creamy foundation by whisking sour cream and shredded coconut in a spacious mixing vessel until thoroughly integrated.
3. Gently introduce fruit medley – including pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, mini marshmallows, and optional grapes – into the coconut-sour cream mixture, carefully folding ingredients to preserve delicate fruit textures.
4. Seal the mixed salad with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a refreshing, cohesive profile.
5. Prior to presenting, enhance the dish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying textural contrast.
6. Serve chilled, presenting a vibrant, creamy dessert salad that balances sweet, tangy, and nutty flavor dimensions.

Notes

• Master draining techniques by using a fine-mesh strainer or paper towels to remove excess liquid from canned fruits, ensuring a creamy and non-soggy salad texture.
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version that maintains the tangy flavor profile while reducing overall calorie content.
• Customize the salad by adding fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries for extra color, nutrition, and a burst of natural sweetness.
• Create a gluten-free and allergy-friendly variation by using vegan marshmallows and omitting nuts, making the dish accessible to more dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg