Name: Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; ½ cup sour cream (120g); 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained; 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits in juice, drained; 1 (12-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained, stemmed, and patted dry; 2 cups mini marshmallows (use fruity marshmallows for added color); ⅔ cup shredded sweetened coconut

Imagine a dessert that’s as light as a cloud, bursting with fruity flavors, and so easy to make you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping it up every week! That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Ambrosia Salad recipe. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and tangy that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple: This recipe is so easy, you could practically make it with your eyes closed!
No Cooking Required: Perfect for those hot summer days when you can’t bear to turn on the oven.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this sweet, fruity treat.
Versatile: Great as a dessert, side dish, or even a cheeky breakfast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipped Topping: The fluffy base that brings everything together.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy twist that balances out the sweetness.
Mandarin Oranges: Little bursts of citrusy sunshine in every bite.
Pineapple Tidbits: Tropical sweetness that’ll transport you to a beach paradise.
Maraschino Cherries: For that pop of color and classic ambrosia flavor.
Mini Marshmallows: These little pillows of sweetness add a fun, bouncy texture.
Shredded Coconut: Brings a touch of tropical flair and a delightful chew.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch.
Berry Bonanza: Toss in some fresh strawberries or blueberries for extra fruitiness.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips for a decadent touch.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, gently fold together the whipped topping and sour cream until they’re well combined. This creamy mixture is the foundation of your ambrosia salad.

Step 2: Add the Fruits

Carefully stir in the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and maraschino cherries. Be gentle here – you want the fruits to stay whole and juicy!

Step 3: Toss in the Fun Stuff

Now it’s time for the marshmallows and coconut! Fold these in gently, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Chill Out

Pop your bowl in the fridge for at least an hour. This gives all the flavors a chance to mingle and get to know each other.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir and dish it up. Feel free to garnish with extra cherries and coconut for that wow factor!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Drain, Drain, Drain: Make sure your fruits are well-drained to avoid a soggy salad.
Gentle Touch: Fold ingredients carefully to keep the fruits intact and the mixture fluffy.
Chill Factor: Don’t skip the refrigeration step – it really makes a difference in the flavor!

How to Serve

Ambrosia salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

Classic Dessert: Serve in pretty bowls with a sprinkle of extra coconut on top.
Potluck Star: Bring it to your next gathering in a clear bowl to show off those beautiful layers.
Breakfast Twist: Spoon it over some Greek yogurt for a indulgent morning treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The marshmallows might start to melt a bit, but it’ll still taste delicious!

Freezing

While you can freeze ambrosia salad, the texture might change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

No need to reheat! Just give it a good stir before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Absolutely! Fresh whipped cream will give your ambrosia salad an extra luxurious touch. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks.

Is it okay to use canned fruit cocktail instead of separate fruits?
While you can use fruit cocktail in a pinch, using separate fruits allows you to control the flavors and textures more precisely. Plus, those big chunks of pineapple and whole mandarin oranges are part of what makes ambrosia so special!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You sure can! Use a dairy-free whipped topping and substitute the sour cream with coconut yogurt for a tropical twist.

How long does ambrosia salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your ambrosia salad should stay fresh for up to 3 days. But let’s be honest – it’s so delicious, it probably won’t last that long!

This Ambrosia Salad recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, delightful textures, and minimal prep time, it’s the ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, need a quick potluck dish, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this ambrosia salad has got you covered. So grab your ingredients and get ready to create a little bit of dessert heaven in your kitchen!