Ambrosia Salad

A classic fruit salad, this Ambrosia Salad is filled with oranges, pineapple, coconut, cherries, and marshmallows mixed in a whipped cream mixture.

If you love a sweet salad, also try this Snickers Salad or Apple Pomegranate Salad.

I am not a stranger to sweet dessert salads. I grew up with Cranberry Salad on the table every Thanksgiving.

And I know a lot of people don’t agree with these kinds of “salads” being called salads. But I consider them a special occasion version of a fruit salad!

Ambrosia Salad has been around for a long time. The earliest accounts of it are from the late 1800s. It is usually considered a very Southern dish.

From what I can gather, most early ambrosia salad recipes were made oranges, coconut, and sugar. Over the years, it has transformed into many, many different versions.

This version takes a base of whipped topping and sour cream and mixes it with fruit and marshmallows.

Ambrosia salad is often served at Christmas, but I think it’s perfect for any holiday. Easter, Thanksgiving… it would even be delicious served at a summer bbq.

No matter when you serve it, it is a crowd pleaser!

Ingredients

• Frozen Whipped Topping: Also known as Cool Whip, this can be found in the frozen section of the grocery store. You can find healthier versions at stores like Whole Foods. You can use freshly whipped cream, but it does not hold up as long. If using freshly whipped cream, you’ll want to sweeten it and serve it the same day.
• Sour Cream: I know this sounds like a weird ingredient (and some recipes only call for sour cream – no whipped topping!) But the salad does not taste like sour cream at all. I think it actually helps to cut the sweetness a bit and bring in some tang. You can also sub in yogurt.
• Mandarin Oranges: I like to use canned mandarin oranges for ease, but you can use fresh mandarins that you have peeled and segmented.
• Pineapple: I prefer pineapple tidbits, but you can also use crushed pineapple. Either way, you want to make sure you drain the can.
• Coconut: I usually use sweetened, shredded coconut, but if you want to cut back on the sweetness, use unsweetened coconut.
• Maraschino Cherries: I like to cut the cherries in half, but feel free to leave them whole.
• Marshmallows: You can use plain mini marshmallows or the fruit marshmallows.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Place the thawed whipped topping and the sour cream in a large bowl.

Mix until smooth.

Add in the remaining ingredients.

Mix to combine, then refrigerate.

Ambrosia Salad Video

This is a super easy recipe, but if you would like to see how to make it, watch the video below:

Tips and Tricks

One wonderful thing about this ambrosia salad is that it can be made ahead of time. I think it’s good 24 hours in advance, although you could go a little longer.

Feel free to get creative – add in your favorite ingredients, or take out those that you don’t like.

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator. It’s best when it is very chilled.

More Fruit Salad Recipes

Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Crown Ruby Fruit Salad
Tropical Fruit Salad

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