Introduction

Ambrosia salad is a delightful, creamy fruit salad that combines tropical flavors with a touch of sweetness. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layered dessert salad sitting on top of another similar white bowl. The salad has a creamy white base mixed with small orange chunks and is topped with colorful mini marshmallows in pastel pink, green, yellow, and white. Bits of yellow fruit pieces add more color, and a single bright red cherry with a stem sits on the very top center. The background contains another white bowl filled with yellow fruit pieces and blurred pastel mini marshmallows scattered around on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup sour cream (or plain or vanilla yogurt)
1 cup miniature marshmallows (fruit flavored or white)
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup pineapple tidbits (well drained)
1 cup mandarin oranges (well drained)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, miniature marshmallows, sweetened coconut flakes, and well-drained pineapple tidbits. Stir gently until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 2: Carefully fold in the well-drained mandarin oranges to keep them intact and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with plain or vanilla yogurt.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Try mixing in other fruits such as maraschino cherries or grapes for different flavors.
Use shredded fresh coconut instead of sweetened coconut flakes for a less sweet option.

Storage

Store ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly. It’s best enjoyed chilled and fresh.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy fruit salad made of five visible layers: a thick white whipped topping mixed with bright orange mandarin slices, pale yellow pineapple chunks, small green candied pieces, red maraschino cherries, and soft white coconut shreds, all mixed evenly. On top of the salad, three whole glossy red cherries with stems are arranged in the center, accompanied by small fresh green mint leaves scattered around. The bowl sits on a white cloth napkin on a white marbled surface, with three silver forks nearby and some small pastel-colored marshmallows scattered around, along with whole fresh oranges with bright green leaves in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make ambrosia salad ahead of time?

Yes, ambrosia salad actually tastes better when made a few hours in advance or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften.

Can I use canned fruit for this recipe?

Absolutely. Just be sure to drain the canned pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges well to avoid watering down the salad.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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Ambrosia Salad is a refreshing and sweet fruit salad made with a creamy base of sour cream or yogurt, combined with miniature marshmallows, coconut flakes, pineapple tidbits, and mandarin oranges. This classic dish is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a chilled dessert, offering a delightful balance of creamy texture and fruity flavors.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

1 cup sour cream (or plain or vanilla yogurt)
1 cup miniature marshmallows (fruit flavored or white)
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup pineapple tidbits (well drained)
1 cup mandarin oranges (well drained)

Instructions

Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sour cream (or yogurt), miniature marshmallows, sweetened coconut flakes, and well-drained pineapple tidbits. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly combined to create the creamy fruit mixture.
Fold in Mandarin Oranges: Carefully fold the mandarin oranges into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them apart, preserving the texture of the salad.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften, resulting in a perfectly chilled and flavorful salad.
Serve: Once chilled, serve the Ambrosia Salad cold as a refreshing dessert or side dish at your next meal or gathering.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with plain or vanilla yogurt.
Ensure pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges are well-drained to avoid excess liquid diluting the salad.
This salad tastes best when allowed to chill overnight to let flavors meld properly.
Variations can include adding chopped nuts or maraschino cherries for extra texture and flavor.
Use miniature marshmallows for the best texture; avoid large marshmallows that won’t blend as well.

Keywords: Ambrosia Salad, fruit salad, creamy fruit salad, pineapple salad, mandarin orange salad, marshmallow salad, no-cook dessert, holiday salad