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

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

The BEST Ambrosia Salad

February 4, 2019

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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!

  • 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
4.86 from 57 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
Total Time 5 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

 

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  • 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

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Comments

  1. Chris says

    July 10, 2019 at 9:14 AM

    Delicious. This was a hit with my family. A refreshing summer time salad with tropical chicken and corn on the cob. Since I had fresh fruit I added blueberries and strawberries.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      July 11, 2019 at 8:25 AM

      Thank you Chris!

      Reply
  2. Brenda Weaver says

    July 4, 2019 at 2:36 PM

    made this recipe for 4th of July its soooooo good and refreshing thanks for the recipe i put extra nuts and a little more coconut in it because i luv them!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  3. Sherrill Grawrock says

    February 14, 2019 at 12:28 PM

    Our local deli makes this same salad and I am pretty sure they use a few drops of almond extract! It is wonderful!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      July 2, 2019 at 8:02 PM

      That’s a deliciously, wonderful idea! My son’s birthday cake every year is a white almond wedding cake with white almond butter cream icing. He’s 20 now and still asks for it. He will love almond added to the Ambrosia Salad! THANKS!

      Reply
  4. Milisa says

    February 9, 2019 at 9:43 AM

    A great addition to any holiday meal or get together with family!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      February 12, 2019 at 4:48 PM

      It really is! So yummy!

      Reply
  5. SusanfromKentucky says

    February 3, 2019 at 8:27 AM

    There was a salad similar to this at the old King’s Table Buffet and I got it every time I went. Their’s had rice as a base and possibly fruit cocktail, along with coconut, mini marshmallows and Cool Whip. I think I’m going to try your recipe and doctor it to come up with a version of their’s (being as I can’t find a recipe anywhere!).

    Reply
  6. Susie B. says

    December 29, 2018 at 1:40 PM

    i want the recipes now they all look so good , thank you so much for sharing .

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      January 21, 2019 at 8:49 AM

      Thank you so much Susie!

      Reply
  7. Suzy Richardson says

    December 15, 2018 at 5:59 AM

    My Grandma used to make this for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She would freeze it in a bundt cake pan and turn it out to serve with the main meal. It was my favorite!

    Reply
  8. don says

    December 12, 2018 at 1:12 PM

    add banana

    Reply
  9. Donna says

    December 10, 2018 at 5:01 PM

    I made this wonderful recipe for Thanksgiving! Our son who is a Master Chef loved it. My husband is hooked on this Ambrosia Since Thanksgiving I have made this at least every week. Thank you so very much for all your amazing recipes.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 21, 2018 at 2:47 PM

      That is AMAZING! So glad you enjoyed it so much!

      Reply
  10. Theresa Guthrie says

    November 24, 2018 at 8:36 AM

    I make this, but I use sliced grapes instead of cherries. I will have to try it!!!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      January 21, 2019 at 8:49 AM

      I love that idea! Sounds delicious!

      Reply
  11. Cathy Pollak says

    November 19, 2018 at 5:41 AM

    This is on my Thanksgiving menu!

    Reply
  12. Lori says

    November 19, 2018 at 5:18 AM

    Great, classic recipe!

    Reply
  13. Toni Dash says

    November 17, 2018 at 12:01 AM

    My family really enjoyed this! Thanks for sharing your recipe!

    Reply
  14. Brenda says

    November 16, 2018 at 6:01 PM

    Such a yummy & fun salad – my family fights for the cherries!!

    Reply
  15. Joanne says

    November 16, 2018 at 5:48 PM

    This is such a great crowd pleasing dessert!

    Reply
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Hi, I’m Trish!

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