Ambrosia Salad is a timeless fruit salad made with whipped topping (or fresh whipped cream), yogurt or sour cream, canned fruits such as mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, sweetened coconut flakes, and colorful mini marshmallows. This creamy, tropical salad is ideal for holidays, summer potlucks, and family gatherings.
We love simple, old-fashioned fruit salads. If you enjoy Ambrosia, try other easy recipes like raspberry fluff, orange fluff, pistachio fluff, creamy grape salad, and frog-eye salad for more potluck-friendly sides and desserts.
Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
This vintage dish likely exists in many family recipe boxes with small personal changes. What began as sliced oranges, grated coconut, and sugar evolved over decades to include canned or fresh fruits, whipped topping or whipped cream, yogurt or sour cream, mini marshmallows, and occasionally nuts like pecans.
Ambrosia became especially popular as a southern holiday staple in the early 20th century when Florida oranges were in season during the winter months. Today it’s enjoyed year-round. Is it a dessert or a salad? It’s both: a sweet side dish that works equally well as a light dessert.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Ambrosia is a nostalgic, sweet, and creamy fruit salad perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, summer potlucks, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Key benefits:
- Easy – Minimal ingredients and no cooking required.
- Convenient – Uses canned fruits and prepared whipped topping for fast assembly.
- Party-ready – A potluck and BBQ favorite.
- Customizable – Swap or add fruits, nuts, or different marshmallows to suit your taste.
- Light and refreshing – Fruity and creamy without being heavy.
- Kid-friendly – Loved by children and adults alike.
- Make-ahead – Chilling helps flavors meld; it’s an excellent make-ahead side.
Ambrosia Salad Ingredients and Substitutions
Note: Exact ingredient amounts and full instructions are in the recipe card below.
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- Whipped Topping (such as Cool Whip) or freshly whipped stabilized cream to prevent the dressing from weeping.
- Greek Yogurt (plain or vanilla) or sour cream for a touch of tang; Greek yogurt helps keep the dressing from becoming watery.
- Canned Fruits – Mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and maraschino cherries are classic. Fresh fruits like mango or banana, and canned peaches or pears, can also be used.
- Sweetened Coconut Flakes for tropical flavor; unsweetened coconut is an option if you prefer less sweetness.
- Mini Marshmallows – Fruit-flavored pastel minis add color and extra flavor, though plain minis work fine.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
- Drain the canned fruits well. Removing excess liquid keeps the dressing thick and creamy.
- Mix the dressing. In a large bowl, stir together the whipped topping and yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth.
- Fold in fruits and coconut. Gently combine the drained fruits and coconut with the dressing.
- Add marshmallows. Fold in mini marshmallows. Cover and chill at least 1–2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften.
Tip: If you prefer firmer marshmallows, add them just before serving.
Serving and Storing
- Garnish with extra fruit and marshmallows if desired. Serve as a side dish or dessert.
- To store: Transfer to an airtight container or cover the bowl. Refrigerate for 3–4 days.
- Food safety: Because this salad contains dairy, do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.
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Recipe Notes
- Drain fruits well. This reduces excess liquid and keeps the dressing creamy.
- Mini marshmallows. They soften during chilling, creating a fluffy texture; add at the end if you want them firmer.
- Greek yogurt. Adds tang and resists separating better than regular yogurt; sour cream is an acceptable substitute.
- Whipped topping vs. whipped cream. Store-bought whipped topping is convenient, but stabilized whipped cream will hold up best if you prefer homemade.
- Chill time. Allow at least one hour for the salad to chill so the flavors meld and the texture improves.
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 15 oz (425 g) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 20 oz (567 g) can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 10 oz (283 g) jar maraschino cherries, drained and stems removed
- 8 oz (226 g) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- ½ cup (113 g) plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 cup (80 g) sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 ½ cups (68 g) mini fruit-flavored marshmallows
Instructions
- Drain the canned fruits well to keep the dressing thick and creamy.
- In a large bowl, stir together the whipped topping and yogurt until smooth.
- Add the drained fruits and coconut, folding gently into the dressing.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows, cover, and chill for 1–2 hours or overnight before serving.
- Garnish with extra fruit and marshmallows if desired and serve as a side or dessert.
Notes
- To Store: Cover or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Mini Marshmallows: They soften during chilling; add them at the end if you prefer them firmer.
- Greek Yogurt: Use vanilla for added sweetness or substitute sour cream as desired.
- Whipped Topping vs. Whipped Cream: Store-bought whipped topping is convenient; stabilized whipped cream will give the best texture if making homemade.
- Chill Time: Chilling at least one hour improves flavor and texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 271 kcal
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates provided for reference only.
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