Ambrosia Salad

This recipe is a sweet, creamy bowl that feels familiar in the best way. Made with fruit, soft textures, and a light, fluffy dressing, it’s often loved for how comforting and easy it is. An ambrosia salad fits right into real life, whether you need something quick for a family dinner, a simple side for gatherings, or a no-stress dish on cold nights when you want something gentle and nostalgic. It doesn’t require cooking, fancy tools, or much planning. I usually make it when I want a dessert-style salad that comes together quietly and still feels special on the table.

a clean white background a clear bowl filled with 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is cozy, simple, and forgiving. The flavors are softly sweet without being heavy, and the creamy base pulls everything together in a way that feels familiar and comforting. It’s very budget-friendly since it uses basic pantry and fridge ingredients, and you can easily adjust quantities without stress. It’s also weeknight-friendly, coming together in minutes with no cooking involved. Leftovers hold up well, which makes it practical for busy schedules or make-ahead plans. This ambrosia salad is crowd-pleasing for all ages and works just as well for casual family meals as it does for shared tables and gatherings.

a clean white background a clear bowl filled with

Ingredients

Tip: Use well-drained fruit so the salad stays creamy, not watery.

  • Mini marshmallows – 2 cups
  • Mandarin oranges, drained – 1½ cups
  • Pineapple chunks, drained – 1 cup
  • Shredded coconut – ½ cup
  • Sour cream – 1 cup
  • Whipped topping – 1 cup
  • Maraschino cherries, halved – ½ cup
a clean white background all ingredients arranged

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Drain all canned fruit very well and pat dry if needed. Halve the cherries and set them aside. Measure all ingredients so everything is ready before mixing, which helps keep the texture light and evenly combined.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
There is no cooking required. In a large bowl, gently stir together the sour cream and whipped topping until smooth. The mixture should look fluffy and creamy with no streaks left behind.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add marshmallows, fruit, coconut, and cherries to the bowl. Fold gently so the fruit stays whole and the cream coats everything evenly. The mixture should look colorful and soft, not crushed.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors blend and the texture settle. Stir lightly before serving to refresh the salad.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe saves time because there’s no heat, no waiting, and minimal cleanup. Everything mixes in one bowl, making it easy to prepare ahead or pull together at the last minute. For Pinterest users saving ideas to make later, it’s reassuring to know ambrosia salad can be made earlier in the day and still taste great when served. It’s calm, reliable, and fits easily into packed schedules.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always drain fruit thoroughly. Extra liquid is the most common mistake and can thin out the creamy base, changing the texture from fluffy to soupy.
  • Fold gently instead of stirring hard. Rough mixing can break down the fruit and marshmallows, making the salad look messy instead of soft and inviting.
  • Chill before serving. Skipping the resting time can leave the flavors flat and the texture loose. A short chill makes a noticeable difference.
  • Use full-fat sour cream for best texture. Low-fat versions can become watery once mixed with fruit and whipped topping.

Variations

  • Meaty version: Add small cubes of cooked ham. The salty bites balance the sweetness and turn the salad into a more filling side for dinners or gatherings.
  • Vegetarian option: Stick with fruit but add sliced bananas just before serving. They add softness and natural sweetness without changing the base.
  • Ingredient swap: Replace mandarin oranges with canned peaches or fruit cocktail. Drain well and keep pieces similar in size for even mixing.
  • Flavor or herb boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of orange zest. It gently lifts the sweetness without overpowering the classic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Family-style bowl: Serve chilled in a large glass bowl so the colors show through. It feels cozy and welcoming on a shared table.
  • Holiday side dish: Pair it with simple main dishes for balance. The sweetness works well alongside savory meals.
  • Dessert-style serving: Spoon into small cups for an easy, no-bake dessert that feels light and familiar.
  • Potluck option: Serve with a large spoon and keep chilled. It’s easy to portion and always draws attention.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving to refresh the texture.
  • Reheating: This dish should never be reheated. It is meant to be served cold for the best texture and flavor.
  • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended. The creamy base will separate and the fruit will become watery when thawed.
  • Make-ahead tips: Prepare the salad a few hours ahead and chill. Add delicate fruits like bananas right before serving.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Rest Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains about 220–300 calories, depending on portion size. Protein ranges from 3–5 grams per serving. This dish provides calcium from dairy and natural sugars from fruit. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.

FAQs

Yes, a few hours ahead works best.

Not draining the fruit well enough.

Plain Greek yogurt can be used.

Too much liquid from fruit is usually the cause.

Up to two days in the fridge.

Conclusion

This recipe is simple, familiar, and easy to fit into everyday life. You can adjust the fruit, change the cream base, or keep it classic depending on what you have on hand. It’s a dish that doesn’t demand much but still brings comfort and quiet joy to the table. An ambrosia salad like this works for gatherings, family meals, or those moments when you just want something gentle and sweet without effort. It’s worth saving because it’s dependable, flexible, and always feels like home.

Ambrosia Salad
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Ambrosia Salad

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Salad Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

260

kcal

A creamy fruit salad made with marshmallows, citrus, and a light, fluffy dressing. Easy to mix, no cooking needed, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

  • 1½ cups mandarin oranges, drained

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained

  • ½ cup shredded coconut

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 1 cup whipped topping

  • ½ cup maraschino cherries, halved

Directions

  • Drain all fruit very well.
  • In a large bowl, mix sour cream and whipped topping until smooth.
  • Add marshmallows, fruit, coconut, and cherries.
  • Fold gently until combined.
  • Cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

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