two crystal glass dessert cups filled with a creamy white dessert garnished with red maraschino cherries

Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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This classic Ambrosia salad recipe is a delightful and retro dish that combines a variety of fruits and creamy ingredients. This classic recipe features pineapple, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut, all mixed together for a sweet and fluffy dessert or side dish.

Jump to Recipe

With simple ingredients like mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and yogurt, this ambrosia salad is easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings. You can also customize it with nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.

What is Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia salad is a nostalgic dish that brings together a variety of fruits in a creamy base.

This classic recipe features a delightful mix of canned mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries. Often topped with fluffy whipped cream and shredded coconut, it creates a sweet and inviting presentation, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients That Shine

The beauty of ambrosia salad lies in its simple yet vibrant ingredients.

Key components include juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple, and colorful maraschino cherries. To add texture, mini marshmallows and shredded coconut are folded into the mix, while optional nuts like pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch.

How to Upscale Your Ambrosia Salad

Want to make your ambrosia salad a little classier?

  • Skip the canned fruit and use fresh cut fruit
  • Skip the maraschino cherries loaded with red dyes and corn syrup and opt for brandied cherries 
  • Omit the Cool Whip and make your own homemade whipped cream
  • Use crème fraîche in place of the sour cream or yogurt

Preparation Made Easy

Preparing ambrosia salad is a straightforward process that takes about 20 minutes.

Start by draining the canned fruits to avoid excess juice, then combine whipped cream with sour cream or yogurt in a large bowl. Gently fold in the fruits, marshmallows, and coconut, ensuring everything is well mixed yet fluffy.

Chilling for Flavor

Once combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour.

This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture. When ready to serve, the salad will be refreshingly cold, making it a perfect dessert or side dish for any occasion.

Easy Ambrosia Salad Recipe

This ambrosia salad is a fruity blend of canned oranges, pineapple, and cherries, combined with a creamy mixture of whipped cream and sour cream. The recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and serves 6-8 people. Chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Drain the canned mandarin oranges and pineapple, and chop the maraschino cherries if desired.
  2. Combine the Base: In a large bowl, mix together the whipped cream and sour cream (or yogurt) until smooth.
  3. Fold in the Fruits: Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture.
  4. Add Nuts: If using, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ambrosia salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to become fluffy.
  6. Serve: Once chilled, serve the ambrosia salad cold as a refreshing dessert or side dish.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 6-8 servings
  • Calories: 150kcal
  • Fat: 7g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g

This recipe is part of my 39 Simple Valentine’s Day Recipes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!

Jeff Campbell
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