Ambrosia salad is creamy fruit salad made with fruit, marshmallows, nuts, cool whip and sour cream – it’s a southern delight!
This ambrosia salad recipe is super easy to make and always a hit at neighborhood get togethers. Serve it as a side or dessert along with homemade lemonade, and garlic parmesan wings.
Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad
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Ambrosia Salad Ingredients
- Whipped topping – Like Cool Whip, thawed.
- Sour cream – Trust me, it’s delicious! Use full fat for the best results.
- Mandarin oranges – Canned, drained.
- Crushed pineapple – Canned, drained.
- Maraschino cherries – Jarred, drained.
- Shredded coconut – Sweetened.
- Pecans – Chopped. Walnuts are also delicious.
- Mini marshmallows – We prefer fruit flavored marshmallows, but you can also use plain.
What is ambrosia salad?
Ambrosia is a creamy fruit salad made with canned, fruit, marshmallows, and whipped topping frequently served at gatherings and parties in the southern United States.
Crushed pineapple, cool whip, sour cream, shredded coconut, cherries, marshmallows, nuts, oranges.
How do you make ambrosia salad? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, whisk together the whipped topping and sour cream.
⭐ Then, stir in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and cherries.
⭐ Next, stir in the coconut and chopped pecans.
⭐ Finally, gently fold in the marshmallows and chill before serving.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Mix everything together and then allow it too chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours to let the flavors meld.
Preparation
Can you make ambrosia salad ahead of time?
This recipe is best when made at least a few hours ahead of time, and can be made as long as a full day in advance. Any longer than that and you run the risk of it getting watery.
Do you have to use cool whip?
Homemade whipped cream can be used, but it works best with stabilized whipped cream/whipped topping. If you use homemade whipped cream make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks before stirring in and then serve immediately after preparing.
Can you use fresh fruit in ambrosia salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is super forgiving. Feel free to try any combination of your favorite fresh, canned, or jarred fruit.
I always sneak a few bites before chilling. You know, for science.
Leftovers and storage
How long will ambrosia salad keep in the fridge?
Leftovers will last 3 – 4 days. After that you can still eat them (for up to a week) but they may become runny. Make sure to store covered in an air tight container.
Can you freeze the leftovers?
We do not recommend freezing ambrosia salad.
Garnish with extra fruit and nuts.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
Why is it called ambrosia salad?
In Greek mythology ambrosia is known as food of the gods, Greek gods commonly ate ambrosia to stay strong. These days it’s meant to reference something that tastes heavenly or that the gods would love!
Is ambrosia salad a side dish or a dessert?
In the south and midwest, this is typically served as a side dish (I guess that’s why it’s called a salad!), but I’ve found in the northeast and on the west coast it’s often served as a dessert.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of sour cream?
Yes, I prefer sour cream, but cottage cheese can be swapped if it’s what you like. You can also substitute the sour cream for plain or vanilla Greek yogurt.
Nuts or no nuts?
I’m a big fan of nuts in my Ambrosia salad, but my kids aren’t as hyped about them. What we often do when serving for a crowd is offer a bowl of chopped nuts on the side for topping. Best of both worlds!
Honestly, sometimes I make this on a random weekday for snacking. It’s so good.
What to eat with ambrosia salad (serving suggestions)
This dish is often served at family, neighborhood, and church gatherings alongside other potluck style foods like cheesy hashbrown casserole, baked beans, and corn casserole.
More awesome fluff salad recipes
Other creamy salads
Other yummy recipes with cool whip
Tools we love
- Party bowl – This bowl is pretty, and doesn’t way a billion pounds and won’t shatter if dropped.
- Stainless and copper serving spoons – These are gorgeous!
😍😍😍
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How to Make Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip) thawed
- ½ cup sour cream
- 11 ounces canned mandarin oranges drained
- 20 ounces canned crushed pineapple drained
- 11 ounces jarred maraschino cherries drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- 3 cups mini fruit flavored marshmallows
Instructions
- Whisk together the whipped topping and sour cream.
- Stir in the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and cherries.
- Stir in the coconut and chopped pecans.
- Stir in the marshmallows.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Ambrosia Salad
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MW says
My grandma made this all the time. So glad to have a recipe that’s as close to hers as possible. It’s all in the FRUIT marshmallows. Loved it and cant wait to make it again!
Erin says
This is one of those recipes that makes you think of your childhood. Totally nostalgic…and delicious, of course!