Ambrosia Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ambrosia Salad is a crowd-pleaser! It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is absolutely delicious. The combination of sweet fruit, creamy Cool Whip, and tangy sour cream creates the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s versatile—you can add nuts, marshmallows, or even mix up the fruit to suit your tastes. Whether you’re a fan of classic ambrosia or want to make it your own, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz Cool Whip (lite is fine)

• ½ cup sour cream (light is fine)

• 11 oz mandarin oranges, drained

• 20 oz crushed pineapple, drained

• 10 oz maraschino cherries, drained, halved, and patted dry

• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

• 2 cups miniature marshmallows

• ¾ cup chopped nuts (optional: pecans, walnuts, or cashews)

Directions

1. In a large serving bowl, fold sour cream into Cool Whip until well combined.

2. Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, coconut flakes, and marshmallows.

3. If using nuts, add them in at this point.

4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Nuts: Some people prefer adding nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews for extra crunch. You can also toast the nuts for added flavor.

• Fruit: Switch up the fruits based on what you have. Fresh fruit like grapes or bananas can be added in place of some of the canned fruit.

• Non-dairy: For a dairy-free version, swap out the Cool Whip and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This is a chilled salad and should not be reheated. Just serve it cold!

FAQs

1. Can I make this Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead! Just store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for best results.

2. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, fresh fruit can be used, though canned fruit works best because it’s pre-drained and adds the right texture.

3. Is it necessary to use Cool Whip?

No, you can substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream or even Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.

4. Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Definitely! You can experiment with adding other ingredients like maraschino cherries, fresh berries, or even some citrus zest for a twist.

5. What is the best way to drain the fruit?

To avoid a watery salad, make sure to properly drain the fruit and pat the cherries dry before adding them.

6. Can I make this salad without sour cream?

Yes, you can skip the sour cream and use all Cool Whip, but the tangy flavor it adds balances out the sweetness.

7. How do I add nuts to Ambrosia Salad?

You can fold in your choice of chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, cashews) either before serving or sprinkle them on top for extra crunch.

8. Can I freeze Ambrosia Salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze Ambrosia Salad as the texture may change, especially with the fruit and marshmallows.

9. How long can I keep Ambrosia Salad in the fridge?

This salad is best eaten within 3 days of making it to keep the texture fresh.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Ambrosia Salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains only fruit, whipped cream, and marshmallows.

Conclusion

Ambrosia Salad is a simple and delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a sweet family dessert, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Try it out today, and watch it disappear from the table in no time!