↑
  • Dinner Recipes
  • Breakfast Recipes
  • Dessert Recipes
  • Side Dishes
  • Recipes
    • Dinners
    • Slow Cooker
    • Appetizers and Sides
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Kid-Friendly
  • Blog View
  • About
    • Disclosure/Privacy Policy
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Blog View
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise/PR
  • DISNEY
  • DINNERS
  • DRINKS
  • DESSERTS

Mom On Timeout

Serving up real food for real families!

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Appetizers and Sides
    • Breakfast
    • Entree
    • Dessert
    • Beverages
    • Holiday Recipes
      • Christmas Recipes
      • Thanksgiving Recipes
      • Valentine’s Day Recipes
      • St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
      • Easter Recipes
      • Halloween Recipes
    • Bread
    • Kid-Friendly
  • 5 Ingredients
  • Appetizers
  • Favorites


You are here: Home / Recipes / Dessert / The BEST Ambrosia Salad

The BEST Ambrosia Salad

February 4, 2019

  • 13188
Jump to Recipe

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

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!

free email course

5 SECRETS TO GETTING DINNER ON THE TABLE...FAST!

  • 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.

ambrosia-recipe

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!

easy-ambrosia-salad

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

  1. Tropical Orange Jello Salad
  2. Watergate Salad or Pistachio Fluff
  3. Cherry Fluff
  4. The BEST Fluff Recipes for Holidays, Parties and more!
  5. Pina Colada Fluff

How To Make Ambrosia Salad

Print Pin
4.90 from 75 votes

Ambrosia Salad

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!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword ambrosia, ambrosia salad, dessert
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 5 minutes minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 234kcal
Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

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

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 305IU | Vitamin C: 11.6mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Originally published August 4, 2015.

ambrosia-salad-recipe-cool-whip-sour-cream

 

trish-signature-block

For all cookie recipes, go HERE.
For all dessert recipes, go HERE.
Sign up to get emails when I post new recipes!
For even more great ideas follow me on Facebook – Pinterest – Instagram – Twitter – Bloglovin’.

Have a great day!

  • 13188

By Trish - Mom On Timeout February 4, 2019 Appetizers and Sides, Christmas, Christmas Recipes, Dessert, Easter, Easter Recipes, Fall, Favorites, Holiday Recipes, Kid-Friendly, Most Popular, Mother's Day, Popular Post, Recipes, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Recipes, Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Previous article:
« Best Key Lime Pie
Next article:
Best Ever Texas Sheet Cake »

Comments

  1. Cake Delivery in Mumbai says

    October 9, 2017 at 1:16 AM

    Very Good, I will probably make again. Really this salad recipe is very helpful for everyone. Thanks for sharing this nice recipe.

    Reply
  2. Lisa says

    August 20, 2017 at 8:34 AM

    I have a kinda weird question for you. I noticed you make a lot of ” old timey” recipes and thought it was worth a shot. My mother in law used to make this and the pistachio fluff salad but, she also made one with shredded cheddar cheese. Have you ever heard of that? That was my husband’s favorite one and was hoping to make it for him sometime for nostalgia

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      August 21, 2017 at 10:53 AM

      Lol! I do make a lot of old timey recipes hehe. I actually have never heard of one with cheddar cheese and although it sounds strange I wouldn’t count it out. I have one with cottage cheese and it’s terrific!

      Reply
      • Lisa Miller says

        August 24, 2017 at 4:50 PM

        Haha, yes. I always thought it was strange too and would never try it, otherwise I might of been able to copy cat it. Oh well, it was worth a shot.
        I love love love your recipes btw. Made your carrot Apple zucchini bread a couple times now and it was a HUGE hit.
        Thanks for getting back with me, keep those recipes coming ?

        Reply
        • Nicole Ortega says

          November 22, 2017 at 3:28 AM

          I think my mpther im law makes the shredded cheese one you speak of. I will ask her and get back to you if youre still wanting ?

          Reply
  3. Wendy Jackson says

    August 15, 2017 at 9:41 AM

    Hi everyone!

    I just have a question. My mom used to make something like this years ago for my cousins after they were done wrestling. (Because it puts on weight) But she added…sweet apples, seedless grapes, chunks of pineapple, sometimes strawberries. Question is would I need to increase the whipped cream, cream cheese, marshmallows, and coconut?

    Reply
  4. Melissa says

    July 8, 2017 at 11:54 AM

    My son loved ambrosia! I make mine with fruit cocktail and add Mandarin oranges. Definitely use sour cream in mine too.

    Reply
  5. Nicole J. LeBoeuf-Little says

    July 4, 2017 at 7:20 AM

    Thank you for this! I’d missed it so much, from the days when my school served it at lunch occasionally under the name “pineapple delight” (and I was typically the only kid at the table who *liked* it)…

    I wanted to report back that it can be made vegan easily without affecting the taste (not so I can tell, anyway). I’ve been using SoyDelicious’s CocoWhip for the whipped cream/dessert topping, whatever the grocer has for vegan sour cream substitute, and Dandies brand vegan marshmallows. All of the above are gluten-free, too. So I’ve been able to share this recipe with friends on more restrictive diets.

    I find it’s best if after mixing it I give it a couple hours in the refrigerator to chill and stiffen up a bit.

    Just made a batch for this afternoon’s July 4 party. Thank you so much for the recipe!

    Reply
  6. Donica Robinson says

    April 21, 2017 at 12:27 PM

    Some people toss cottage cheese in it instead of sour cream. I think it kills the texture. Goes from wonderful to “What did I just put in my mouth?” X-)

    Reply
  7. Donica Robinson says

    April 21, 2017 at 12:24 PM

    I remember looking at the green bowl of “Hawaiian” salad at a family reunion as young child. I had to be forced to try it. I thought, from the looks of it, that it was some kind of mayo/veggie/whatever salad. My mom laughed when she saw my eyes light up at the first taste. I’m not sure the actual name of it, but it’s along the same lines (but with a packet of pistachio pudding mixed in). Such a refreshing summer dessert. And going “lite” doesn’t change the flavor from my experience.

    Reply
    • Missy says

      June 24, 2017 at 2:54 PM

      I think it’s called Watergate salad

      Reply
    • Jo says

      January 19, 2018 at 7:25 PM

      It’s called Watergate salad. This recipe’ came out around the same time as the Watergate scandal. The original recipe’ didn’t have coconut in it. It’s delicious.

      Reply
  8. Cortney says

    March 9, 2017 at 4:55 AM

    Anytime I come across a recipe for ambrosia salad, it always has sooo many extra ingredients that are, IMO, just unnecessary. This particular recipe however, is near identical to mine. No extra stuff, just simple and delish! There are 2 things I do differently… 1 – I omit the coconut, only because I’m not a fan of ambrosia with coconut. 2 – I use all sour cream, instead of sour cream and cool whip. It is true that the sour cream tones down the rot-your-teeth sweetness, and adds a little tangy surprise. Also, I always make this the day before I plan on serving it and refrigerate overnight. The marshmallows soak up the juices left over from the fruit and get nice and fluffy. It always tastes better the next day. I love whenever anyone asks me to make this for a party or gathering because it is sooo quick and easy, and even better… super cheap!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      March 9, 2017 at 8:02 AM

      Exactly Cortney! I love this recipe too! It’s fast, easy, and inexpensive. Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  9. Mishaelle says

    November 13, 2016 at 5:06 AM

    How far in advance can you make the ambrosia salad?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 13, 2016 at 2:55 PM

      I wouldn’t make more than 24 hours in advance Mishaelle. Enjoy!

      Reply
  10. Jeanne says

    May 27, 2016 at 11:03 PM

    I was looking for a simple Ambrosia recipe for a party, and this one sound just perfect.
    Thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  11. denise smith says

    March 2, 2016 at 1:16 PM

    This recipe started way before cool whip. It was made with sour cream and real whipped cream or heavy cream. You did not invent the sour cream edition.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      March 2, 2016 at 5:38 PM

      LOL! Thanks Denise!

      Reply
    • Cookie says

      December 23, 2017 at 6:06 AM

      Nasty woman!

      Reply
    • Nicole Woodman says

      December 25, 2017 at 11:24 AM

      You didn’t invent snarky, yet here we are. I hope you have removed that stick up your bum by now.

      Reply
  12. Nancy says

    February 10, 2016 at 5:51 PM

    I love this salad. It is certainly ambrosia for my soul.
    Oh Zeus ! Where are you ?

    Reply
  13. Cheryl says

    February 6, 2016 at 4:53 AM

    Do you have to put the coconut in? I love coconut but my husband does not like coconut or nuts of any kind. I was wondering if the salad would hold up if I just omitted the coconut.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      February 7, 2016 at 6:51 AM

      To be honest I’ve never tried it without Cheryl but I think it would still hold up. Definitely give it a try!

      Reply
      • Michele says

        October 1, 2016 at 9:51 PM

        It works perfect without coconut. My brothers hate coconut so we always make it without.

        Reply
        • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

          October 4, 2016 at 10:46 AM

          Thanks for letting us know Michele!

          Reply
  14. Liz says

    January 22, 2016 at 4:02 PM

    I make this once a year — for Thanksgiving — and just the way my granny and my mother made it: Fresh pineapple, mandarin oranges, green grapes, coconut and maraschino cherries with freshly whipped cream. It is truly food for the angels!

    Reply
  15. Alicia says

    November 24, 2015 at 7:06 PM

    How many people does this serve? ( I want ro make this for Thanksgiving and need to serve 12) And can you suggest what kind of nuts you would use??

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »
4.90 from 75 votes (52 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, I’m Trish!

Welcome to Mom On Timeout where I’m serving up real food for real families! Dinners, desserts, and everything in between!
Read More…

categories

archives

Popular Posts

white bowl with handles filled with zuppa toscana soup and topped with cheese. Kale, sausage and bacon can be seen in the soup.
crockpot chili in a ladle held above the crockpot and the rest of the chili.
chicken-stir-fry
best-tater-tot-casserole-recipe-hamburger-green-beans

Some of my favorites…

Strawberry Cake Roll with one slice cut off at the end sitting on wood board topped with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries.
Slice of hummingbird cake recipe on a white round plate sitting in front of cake stand with rest of cake on it.
Top down look at croissant french toast bake in baking dish made with blueberries and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Top down view of recipe for cream cheese mints on parchment paper flattened with the tines of a fork. Four pastel colors are shown: pink, blue, green and yellow in a symmetrical grid layout.
Close up of Strawberry danish with cream cheese topped with a glaze and fresh strawberries.

Copyright ©2025, Mom On Timeout. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.