This delicious Ambrosia Salad is so easy to make and always a big hit with kids and adults alike! Made in just one bowl, this classic dessert salad is the perfection addition to your next gathering! Love easy dessert salads? Make sure to try this Cherry Fluff, Reese’s Peanut Butter Fluff, or Pina Colada Fluff the next time you’re planning a party.
Ambrosia Salad
Today I’m sharing an oldie but goodie with y’all – Ambrosia Salad! This easy dessert salad is always a hit and is a favorite of many in my family, especially my Aunt Judie. There is absolutely no reason to pick this up at the deli when making it at home is SO easy. I love this classic salad and I know you will too!
I seriously don’t think salads like this can ever go out of style…wanna know why? Because they taste AMAZING! They’re easy, fun and accessible. Kids like them. Adults like them. They’re great for parties, potlucks, barbecues. Have I convinced you yet?
I’ve been a long-time fan of Ambrosia. My Aunt Judie introduced it to me many, many moons ago. It’s her favorite. This is the thing though, if you want to buy it at the grocery store, it’s kinda ridiculously priced. Like a little tiny container is $5. I can make this whole salad for $5. So there. (And now so can you!)
What Is In Ambrosia Salad?
So what’s in this classic Ambrosia recipe anyways? A whole bunch of yummy stuff – that’s what!
- mandarin oranges
- crushed pineapple
- coconut
- maraschino cherries
- marshmallows
- Cool Whip
I have always used Cool Whip and sour cream in my Ambrosia recipe but many readers swap out the cool whip and make their ambrosia salad with just the sour cream. The salad will definitely not be as sweet this way or as creamy.
Nuts or No Nuts In Ambrosia?
Some people like theirs with nuts. Some don’t. I don’t judge either way. Sometimes, if I have the time, I’ll even toast the nuts which adds even more amazing flavor to this easy ambrosia salad. I used white miniature marshmallows in this salad but I’m also a big fan of using the multi-colored fruit flavored marshmallows. Those are always lots of fun and I love the color they add. Totally up to you!
There’s a lot going on in this salad and while I don’t technically addy any sugar, all the fruit has a lot of sweetness to it. I have a little secret ingredient for my recipe – sour cream! With all that sweetness going on, the sour cream adds a little creamy tang that helps to offset it. Greek yogurt would also work beautifully. It really helps to keep this ambrosia salad from being overly sweet.
Every little bite is pure bliss. Magic I tell you!
So if you want to really “wow” your guests, or your family on a Tuesday night (cause it’s just that easy…), give this Ambrosia Salad a try – I think you’ll agree that it really is the BEST.
Other Dessert Salads to Try
- Tropical Orange Jello Salad
- Watergate Salad or Pistachio Fluff
- Cherry Fluff
- The BEST Fluff Recipes for Holidays, Parties and more!
- Pina Colada Fluff
How To Make Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cool Whip , lite is fine
- 1/2 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
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts pecans, walnuts, cashews optional
Instructions
- Fold sour cream into Cool Whip in a large serving bowl.
- Fold in remaining ingredients making sure the pineapple, oranges, and cherries have been properly drained.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.
Video
Nutrition
Originally published August 4, 2015.
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Dale says
Hi there,
Is it possible to substitute something less chemical than the coolwhip. (which is very close to being a plastic compound). Suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Absolutely Dale! Just use an equal amount of freshly whipped cream – it will be delicious!
elsa shelton says
Would like to know the same thing. I do not like cool whip.
Melissa says
Oh yes! This takes me back to family reunion pot lucks! So yummy!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I love that this is so easy to make! And who could resist a simple and delicious treat?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So SO easy Ashley and it’s just delicious! Thank you!
Danny says
I remember a salad that people called 7-Up salad, had Green Jello, cool whip(?), 7-up and other stuff in it when I was a kid.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That sounds SO familiar Danny – I need to look for that recipe!
Beth says
Had cottage cheese. Was a congealed salad, nuts, lime jello seems like crushed pineapple.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Are you looking for this recipe Beth? https://www.momontimeout.com/2014/06/lemon-lime-jello-salad-recipe/
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
This is one of my all time favorite salads too! Love all the goodness in this dish…especially the tang of sour cream or yogurt added to it! It looks amazing!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Jocelyn!
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
Yes!!! You can never go wrong with a staple like this!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Absolutely not Julie – it disappears every single time!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
This may sound crazy, I have never tried one of these! I have heard of them, just never tried one. I may have to, it looks like so much fun to make and to eat!
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling says
OH my gosh. My family would be all over this! I’m liking your addition of sour cream to cut the sweetness…so smart, Trish!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
This salad has my childhood written all over it. Fantastic.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I haven’t had Ambrosia Salad in so long! This is making me nostalgic and super-ready for dessert! This looks so yummy and festive!
Mir says
I love the throwback idea of “salad” from days gone by. And I had NO idea they sold this in grocery stores. Much better to make it your way, anyway!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
Another dessert I have never made but does it ever look easy!! I bet adults would love this as well 🙂
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
An American classic, this reminds me of many a potluck and picnic growing up!
Katie @ Recipe for Perfection says
Those crazy Cool Whip salads remind me of the salads in my vintage 50s cookbooks!
Patty says
Cool whip is greesie. Don’t use it.
Ive made ambrosia salad for years. Ok on the short cut caned items, go light on the cherries, or swap for fresh strawberries, or kiwis, much better.
It doesn’t take long to chop a couple apples.
Sometimes I use fresh grapes.
I use fresh whip cream, and sour cream, not to sweet. Actually only using sour cream works well.
After letting the salad get cold, and rest to let flavors come together, I’ve added fresh banana.
More fruit, more nutrious, and very easy.
This is the real recipe for ambrosia, which is served in quality restaurants, and is expensive, compared to making it at home. It always a hit at
social events, and home gatherings.
All I do is put it in an ice chest, ice in a oblongs pan in the bottom, of ice chest, cover salad. Remove frome ice chest, and its table ready.
Never use that greesie Cool whip. So easy to make your own whip cream, if your prefer it instead of sour cream, or yougurt combination.
I hope no one minds my suggestion. It’s just so much better, and takes little effort.
Christie says
My daughter would be all over this salad, pink is her favorite color. This salad is perfect for a side dish or dessert. Pass me a spoon,