This ambrosia salad is so retro and fun for the holidays!
Ambrosia is a sweet, creamy and refreshing fruit salad that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks and family gatherings. Made with mandarin oranges, pineapples, mini marshmallows, coconut flakes and maraschino cherries, it’s a classic dessert comes together in minutes.
Give yourself a break from all of that holiday baking and try this super simple dessert instead!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up this classic ambrosia salad recipe in minutes.
- A classic family favorite. Ambrosia is a nostalgic dish that reminds many of us of holidays and family gatherings at Grandma’s house. It’s one of those classic southern recipes that never goes out of style.
- Sweet, creamy and refreshing. The combination of fruit, marshmallows and a creamy base creates a delicious sweet salad that’s almost like a dessert. The sour cream adds just enough tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- Perfect for any occasion. Serve this creamy fruit salad at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, summer cookouts or special occasions.
- Easy to customize. There are so many different versions of ambrosia fruit salad! You can change up the fruit, add nuts or use a different cream base depending on your preferences.
Ingredients
- Fruit flavored mini marshmallows. They don’t really taste any different than regular marshmallows, they just add festive color.
- Heavy cream
- Sour cream
- Sweetened coconut flakes
- Maraschino cherries
- Mandarin oranges
- Pineapple tidbits
- Powdered sugar
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
Whip the Cream
Beat the cream and powdered sugar with a handheld electric mixer until you get stiff peaks. This will take about 6-8 minutes. Then, fold in the sour cream.
Drain the Fruit
Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits and cherries very well. Then, fold them into the creamy base.
Add the Marshmallows and Coconut
The last step is to stir in the colored marshmallows and coconut. Easy peasy!
Variations
- Change up the fruit. Try adding fresh fruit like green grapes, strawberries, clementines or fresh pineapple. They’re a fresher alternative to the classic canned fruit in the traditional recipe.
- Try different mix-ins. Chopped pecans, walnuts or even sliced almonds add a delicious crunch. You can also experiment with different types of marshmallows or additional citrus fruits.
- Make it extra tangy. For a richer cream base, try adding a little softened cream cheese to the mixture. Beat it until smooth before folding in the remaining ingredients.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Some of the liquid may separate while it’s in the fridge, so be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Tips for Success
1. Use a larger bowl than you need. When you’re whipping fresh cream, there’s bound to be splatter. Use a very large bowl and put it in your sink. Beat the cream from there, and it will reduce the mess.
2. Use cold cream. Keep the heavy cream in the fridge until just before you’re ready to whip it for the best results.
3. Drain fruit thoroughly. We don’t want a watery fruit salad! Be sure to squeeze as much moisture as you can out of the canned fruits.
Can I make ambrosia salad ahead of time?
Yes! Making ambrosia salad ahead of time actually gives the flavors a chance to blend together.
You can make this simple recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use Cool Whip instead?
You can absolutely use Cool Whip instead of fresh whipped cream. The texture will differ slightly, and you should leave out the powdered sugar and just mix it together with the sour cream to create the base for the fruit salad.
When you make this ambrosia salad recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more no-bake holiday desserts, try these:
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups fruit flavored mini marshmallows
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup maraschino cherries
- 11 oz. can mandarin oranges
- 8 oz. can pineapple tidbits
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream and powdered sugar with an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form, about 6-8 minutes. Fold in the sour cream.
- Drain the cherries, oranges and pineapple very well. Stir them into the sour cream mixture.
- Stir in the coconut and marshmallows.
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