Ambrosia Salad

If fruit salad and dessert had a love child, it would be Ambrosia Salad. This sweet, creamy mix is what happens when fruit decides to throw a party with mini marshmallows and whipped topping. It’s nostalgic, it’s fun, and it’s the dish your grandma probably made better, but don’t worry, you’re about to give her a run for her money.

What Is Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad is a classic American dessert salad made with fruit, marshmallows, and creamy dressing. The word “ambrosia” means “food of the gods,” which sounds about right since it’s basically a heavenly sugar cloud. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you need a quick sweet fix that doesn’t involve baking or culinary gymnastics.

Why You’ll Love It

• It takes only 10 minutes to make.
• No stove, oven, or stress required.
• It’s creamy, fruity, and fluffy all at once.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.

Prep Details:

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Chill: 1 hour
• Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings

• Serves 6–8 people

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 2g

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream or whipped topping
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or large spoon
• Measuring cups
• Colander (for draining fruit)
• Plastic wrap or lid (for chilling)

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

1. In a large bowl, mix sour cream (or whipped topping) with marshmallows until coated.
2. Add oranges, pineapple, coconut, cherries, and nuts.
3. Stir gently until all ingredients are combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
5. Serve cold and enjoy pretending it’s a fruit salad for health reasons.

Helpful Tips

• Drain the fruit well to avoid a soggy salad.
• For a lighter version, use whipped topping instead of sour cream.
• Add green grapes or strawberries for extra color and flavor.
• Make it ahead, the flavor improves as it chills.

Final Thoughts

Ambrosia Fruit Salad is sweet nostalgia in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people smile and sneak second servings. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear faster than you can say “marshmallow magic.”

Continue to Content

Ambrosia Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

This Ambrosia Salad is a dreamy mix of creamy, fluffy, and juicy textures in every spoonful. Sweet marshmallows melt into the whipped cream, while bursts of pineapple, cherries, and oranges add fresh, juicy bites. It’s cool, smooth, and irresistibly sweet—like dessert disguised as a fruit salad.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream or whipped topping
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix sour cream or whipped topping with mini marshmallows in a large bowl.
   
2. Add drained mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, coconut, and nuts.
   
3. Stir gently until evenly coated.
   
4. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
   
5. Serve cold and enjoy!
   

Notes

• Drain fruit well to keep the salad thick and creamy.
  
• Use whipped topping for a lighter texture.
  
• Add grapes or strawberries for color and flavor.
  
• Chill before serving for the best taste.
  

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 7 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 240Total Fat: 8gCarbohydrates: 38gSugar: 30gProtein: 2g