The Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a timeless, delightful blend of juicy fruits, fluffy marshmallows, creamy dressing, and a touch of coconut that brings a perfect balance of sweetness and texture to every bite. This nostalgic dish has been a beloved staple at family gatherings and potlucks for decades, and once you try it, it’s easy to see why. It’s bright, refreshing, and wonderfully simple to put together—making it the ideal crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that come together to create an incredible medley of flavors and textures. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy fruits that bring natural sweetness, to the luscious cream that coats every bite in smooth richness.
- Mandarin Oranges (1 can, 15 oz, drained): They add bright citrus notes and a burst of juiciness that wakes up the palate.
- Pineapple Chunks (1 can, 20 oz, drained): Their tropical sweetness perfectly complements the oranges and adds a little zing.
- Miniature Marshmallows (1 cup): These give a soft, playful texture and a hint of nostalgic sweetness.
- Shredded Coconut (1 cup, sweetened): Adds a chewy texture and subtle coconut flavor that enhances the salad’s tropical vibe.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) or Whipped Topping: When whipped, this creates the creamy dressing that makes the salad feel indulgent.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup, optional): A little tang that balances out the sweetness, making every bite more interesting.
- Maraschino Cherries (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): These add a pop of color and a sweet cherry flavor that’s just delightful.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a nutty crunch that deepens the textural contrast and richness.
How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by thoroughly draining the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks. This step is crucial because excess liquid can make your salad runny instead of perfectly creamy. While you’re at it, chop the maraschino cherries and nuts into bite-sized pieces so they mix evenly throughout the salad.
Step 2: Mix the Fruits and Marshmallows
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks with the miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped maraschino cherries if you’re using them. This colorful blend of ingredients creates the foundation of your salad, promising bursts of fruitiness and chewy sweetness in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
Next, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. This whipped cream will give your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe that signature light and airy texture. If you prefer, use whipped topping for convenience. For a subtle tangy twist, gently fold in the sour cream or plain yogurt, which adds a pleasant depth that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Now, gently fold the creamy whipped topping into the fruit mixture. Take care to coat everything evenly without squashing the fruit. If you chose to include nuts, fold them in during this step to add an irresistible crunch that contrasts with the softness of the marshmallows and cream.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
To let all those wonderful flavors meld together, cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad for at least two hours. Overnight chilling is even better because it allows the cream to thicken slightly and the fruits to soak up just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and spoon it into individual bowls or a large serving dish. The Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is ready to impress with its creamy, fruity, and fluffy appeal—perfect for any celebration or laid-back gathering.
How to Serve Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a fun way to add some extra flair. Consider sprinkling additional shredded coconut or a few whole maraschino cherries on top for pops of color. Toasted nuts can also be sprinkled just before serving to emphasize the nutty crunch and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This ambrosia salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a light contrast, or bring it to a summer picnic as a refreshing side dish. It also complements rich casseroles and barbecued meats, offering a sweet and creamy counterpoint that balances heavier flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe in hollowed-out pineapple shells or clear glass parfait dishes to showcase its colorful layers. Individual mason jars also make charming single-serve portions perfect for parties. You can even spoon it over a bed of fresh greens for a fruity salad variation with a creamy dressing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Classic Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps best for up to two days, during which the flavors remain fresh and the cream stays fluffy. Beyond that, the texture can start to break down, so enjoy it sooner rather than later for the best experience.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because the texture of the fruits and marshmallows changes significantly when thawed. The whipped cream component can also separate after freezing. It’s best to make it fresh or store leftovers only in the fridge.
Reheating
Since Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is served chilled, reheating is not recommended. The salad is at its best when enjoyed cold and fresh from the refrigerator, maintaining its creamy texture and juicy freshness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks can be used. Just make sure to drain any excess juice and chop them into bite-sized pieces to maintain the right texture and prevent the salad from becoming watery.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, whipped topping works well too. You could also try mixing Greek yogurt to add tang and creaminess, though it will give the salad a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it okay to omit the nuts?
Yes, the nuts are optional because some prefer their ambrosia salad without the crunch. If you omit them, the salad will be creamier and less texturally complex but still deliciously sweet and satisfying.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare the Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors blend and improves the overall taste, but avoid making it too far in advance because the fruits can become mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the heavy cream with coconut whipped cream or another plant-based whipped topping, and substitute sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Use marshmallows that are vegan-friendly as well, since some contain gelatin.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried the Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe, you’re in for a treat! It’s a joyful mix of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re bringing it to a family potluck, a holiday gathering, or simply wanting a sweet, refreshing salad to brighten your day, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites too. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it turns into a go-to for special occasions!
Print
Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Ambrosia Salad is a creamy, fruity dessert salad featuring mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and a whipped cream-based dressing. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare, it’s a nostalgic treat ideal for gatherings and holiday celebrations.
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 a watery salad.
- For a lighter version, substitute whipped topping for heavy cream and use plain yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Nuts add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture of the salad.
