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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Chris says
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.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Chris!
Brenda Weaver says
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!!!!!!!!!!
Sherrill Grawrock says
Our local deli makes this same salad and I am pretty sure they use a few drops of almond extract! It is wonderful!
Cindy says
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!
Milisa says
A great addition to any holiday meal or get together with family!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It really is! So yummy!
SusanfromKentucky says
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!).
Susie B. says
i want the recipes now they all look so good , thank you so much for sharing .
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Susie!
Suzy Richardson says
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!
don says
add banana
Donna says
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.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That is AMAZING! So glad you enjoyed it so much!
Theresa Guthrie says
I make this, but I use sliced grapes instead of cherries. I will have to try it!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I love that idea! Sounds delicious!
Cathy Pollak says
This is on my Thanksgiving menu!
Lori says
Great, classic recipe!
Toni Dash says
My family really enjoyed this! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Brenda says
Such a yummy & fun salad – my family fights for the cherries!!
Joanne says
This is such a great crowd pleasing dessert!