This delicious Ambrosia Salad is so easy to make and always a big hit with kids and adults alike! Made in just one bowl, this classic dessert salad is the perfection addition to your next gathering! Love easy dessert salads? Make sure to try this Cherry Fluff, Reese’s Peanut Butter Fluff, or Pina Colada Fluff the next time you’re planning a party.Â
Ambrosia Salad
Today I’m sharing an oldie but goodie with y’all – Ambrosia Salad! This easy dessert salad is always a hit and is a favorite of many in my family, especially my Aunt Judie. There is absolutely no reason to pick this up at the deli when making it at home is SO easy. I love this classic salad and I know you will too!
I seriously don’t think salads like this can ever go out of style…wanna know why? Because they taste AMAZING! They’re easy, fun and accessible. Kids like them. Adults like them. They’re great for parties, potlucks, barbecues. Have I convinced you yet?
I’ve been a long-time fan of Ambrosia. My Aunt Judie introduced it to me many, many moons ago. It’s her favorite. This is the thing though, if you want to buy it at the grocery store, it’s kinda ridiculously priced. Like a little tiny container is $5. I can make this whole salad for $5. So there. (And now so can you!)
What Is In Ambrosia Salad?
So what’s in this classic Ambrosia recipe anyways? A whole bunch of yummy stuff – that’s what!
- mandarin oranges
- crushed pineapple
- coconut
- maraschino cherries
- marshmallows
- Cool Whip
I have always used Cool Whip and sour cream in my Ambrosia recipe but many readers swap out the cool whip and make their ambrosia salad with just the sour cream. The salad will definitely not be as sweet this way or as creamy.
Nuts or No Nuts In Ambrosia?
Some people like theirs with nuts. Some don’t. I don’t judge either way. Sometimes, if I have the time, I’ll even toast the nuts which adds even more amazing flavor to this easy ambrosia salad. I used white miniature marshmallows in this salad but I’m also a big fan of using the multi-colored fruit flavored marshmallows. Those are always lots of fun and I love the color they add. Totally up to you!
There’s a lot going on in this salad and while I don’t technically addy any sugar, all the fruit has a lot of sweetness to it. I have a little secret ingredient for my recipe – sour cream! With all that sweetness going on, the sour cream adds a little creamy tang that helps to offset it. Greek yogurt would also work beautifully. It really helps to keep this ambrosia salad from being overly sweet.
Every little bite is pure bliss. Magic I tell you!
So if you want to really “wow” your guests, or your family on a Tuesday night (cause it’s just that easy…), give this Ambrosia Salad a try – I think you’ll agree that it really is the BEST.
Other Dessert Salads to Try
- Tropical Orange Jello Salad
- Watergate Salad or Pistachio Fluff
- Cherry Fluff
- The BEST Fluff Recipes for Holidays, Parties and more!
- Pina Colada Fluff
How To Make Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cool Whip , lite is fine
- 1/2 cup sour cream , light is fine
- 11 oz mandarin oranges drained
- 20 oz crushed pineapple drained
- 10 oz maraschino cherries drained, halved, and patted dry
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts pecans, walnuts, cashews optional
Instructions
- Fold sour cream into Cool Whip in a large serving bowl.
- Fold in remaining ingredients making sure the pineapple, oranges, and cherries have been properly drained.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.
Video
Nutrition
Originally published August 4, 2015.
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Brenda says
Sans cool whip/whipped cream,This has been in my family for decades. Always has a place on the holiday table! Just love the tart combo of the sour cream with the sweetness of the marshmallows and fruit. The marshmallow sweetness was always more than enough for our family so we’ve never even used the cool whip! (I may just have to make a batch with it for a test run *wink*)
Thank you for sharing and keeping it alive for the younger generations.
Michelle G says
Terrible. I made it and had to eat the whole bowl myself it was so good (over a couple days).
I used salted cashews which brought the flavors, then also added a pint of raspberries I cut into quarters. That tartness just added a level
Michelle G says
(Part of the original comment).
Added a level of flavour that took it from good to perfection.
Christine Paull says
Hi Trish! I made this evening for a treat tomorrow. I made my own whipped cream and added the oranges, cherries, marshmallows, pineapple and coconut to it. I found my husband nibbling later. He said it’s fantastic! Thanks for this great recipe!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m so glad Christine! Happy Thanksgiving!
Diane says
This was a lifesaver. I wanted it but couldn’t find my mother’s recipe! Thank you! I added a chopped small gala apple for some crunch and opted out of the nuts. Thank you!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Mmmm! I bet the apple is great in this salad! Thanks Diane!
Alison says
12 servings? Ha! You mean just one giant bowl for me!?!
Recipe tasted just as I remembered, thank you for showing how easy it really is to make!
The flavors marry pretty well for the next day, making ahead of time works!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Lol! I could go for that! So glad you enjoyed the recipe Alison!
Eileen says
OMG Trish. Thank you for this great recipe.
Fran Pignone says
I made this Ambrosia Salad last year. It was the best, my family loved it.
Marilyn T says
Can this be made the day before serving to save time?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yes, it can!
Rahul Digital says
It was my first time cooking ambrosia salad and it came out perfect. Thank you so much
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Carolyn says
Allergic to coconut, and many nuts—could use peanuts instead?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You could use peanuts or just leave nuts out entirely.