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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Cake Delivery in Mumbai says
Very Good, I will probably make again. Really this salad recipe is very helpful for everyone. Thanks for sharing this nice recipe.
Lisa says
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
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
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!
Lisa Miller says
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 ?
Nicole Ortega says
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 ?
Wendy Jackson says
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?
Melissa says
My son loved ambrosia! I make mine with fruit cocktail and add Mandarin oranges. Definitely use sour cream in mine too.
Nicole J. LeBoeuf-Little says
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!
Donica Robinson says
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-)
Donica Robinson says
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.
Missy says
I think it’s called Watergate salad
Jo says
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.
Cortney says
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!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Exactly Cortney! I love this recipe too! It’s fast, easy, and inexpensive. Have a great weekend!
Mishaelle says
How far in advance can you make the ambrosia salad?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I wouldn’t make more than 24 hours in advance Mishaelle. Enjoy!
Jeanne says
I was looking for a simple Ambrosia recipe for a party, and this one sound just perfect.
Thanks for sharing it.
denise smith says
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.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
LOL! Thanks Denise!
Cookie says
Nasty woman!
Nicole Woodman says
You didn’t invent snarky, yet here we are. I hope you have removed that stick up your bum by now.
Nancy says
I love this salad. It is certainly ambrosia for my soul.
Oh Zeus ! Where are you ?
Cheryl says
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.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
To be honest I’ve never tried it without Cheryl but I think it would still hold up. Definitely give it a try!
Michele says
It works perfect without coconut. My brothers hate coconut so we always make it without.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks for letting us know Michele!
Liz says
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!
Alicia says
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??