Imagine a burst of sunshine in a bowl, with clouds of creamy sweetness, tart cherries, juicy pineapple, and a delightful chew from coconut and marshmallows. That pretty much sums up Ambrosia Salad — the retro favorite that instantly livened up every holiday and backyard party at my grandma’s house. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s like a celebration of nostalgia and comfort, all wrapped up with a pop of color that never fails to bring a smile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ambrosia Salad only needs a handful of ingredients, each chosen for its flavor, texture, and classic charm. The magic happens when they come together, making every spoonful a medley of tropical fruit, creamy dressing, and nutty crunch.

Cool Whip: Creates that fluffy, cloud-like base and keeps things light. (Lite works beautifully if you’d like!)
Sour cream: Adds an unexpected hint of tang that balances out all the sweetness — don’t skip it!
Mandarin oranges: Their juicy bursts of citrus brighten each bite; just be sure to drain them well for best results.
Crushed pineapple: Brings tropical flavor and a touch of tartness; again, let excess juice drip away before mixing.
Maraschino cherries: Sweet, festive, and colorful — halve and dry these to avoid pinking the salad too much.
Sweetened coconut flakes: Lends that chewy, sweet texture and makes the dish taste like a vacation.
Miniature marshmallows: For squishy bites and childhood nostalgia — white or pastel, use your favorite.
Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or cashews): Totally optional, but the slight crunch and nuttiness elevate the whole bowl.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Make the Fluffy Base

In a large serving bowl, gently fold the sour cream into the Cool Whip. Folding, rather than stirring, keeps the mixture light and billowy — it’s worth the patience! This step lays down that signature silky foundation that defines every great Ambrosia Salad.

Step 2: Add the Fruits and Mix-Ins

Now, sprinkle in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, cherries, coconut, marshmallows, and (optionally) nuts. To keep things extra pretty and not waterlogged, make sure the pineapple, oranges, and cherries are thoroughly drained and patted dry. Gently fold everything together so every bite gets a good mix of fruit, cream, and sweet chewiness. Resist the urge to over-mix — we want it luscious, not mushy.

Step 3: Chill or Serve

You can serve Ambrosia Salad right away for instant gratification, but letting it chill in the fridge for an hour or two gives all the flavors a chance to mingle and settle. The marshmallows soften slightly, and the whole salad develops that irresistible, nostalgic taste only Ambrosia Salad can deliver.

How to Serve Ambrosia Salad

Garnishes

A handful of extra maraschino cherries on top is classic, but you can also scatter a little coconut or a few toasted nuts for a gorgeous finish. Garnishing is your moment to make this salad party-ready, or just add your personal stamp!

Side Dishes

Ambrosia Salad shines alongside other potluck and picnic favorites, like baked ham, roasted turkey, or even barbecue. On the dessert table, it’s wonderful as a sweet counterpoint to spiced cakes or tangy fruit pies. It’s at home pretty much wherever there’s good food and great company.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Ambrosia Salad into fancy glass dishes or mason jars for picture-perfect individual servings. Or try layering it in a trifle bowl with extra fruit and whipped cream for an impressive centerpiece. Sometimes, I even top cupcakes or pancakes with a scoop — trust me, no one complains!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Ambrosia Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It tastes best within two to three days, though I bet it’ll disappear long before then. The marshmallows and fruit may release a little moisture over time, but a gentle stir will bring it back to creamy perfection.

Freezing

Freezing Ambrosia Salad is not recommended — the texture of the creamy base and marshmallows just isn’t the same once thawed. If you’re hoping to prep ahead, make the whipped base and add the fruits, marshmallows, and nuts the day you plan to serve.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Ambrosia Salad is meant to be enjoyed straight from the fridge, icy cold and refreshing. Just give it a quick gentle stir if it’s been chilling for a while to reincorporate the ingredients.

FAQs

What makes Ambrosia Salad different from other fruit salads?

The creamy, fluffy blend of Cool Whip and sour cream, paired with tropical fruits, coconut, and marshmallows, gives Ambrosia Salad its distinctive soft, sweet, and tangy character. It’s more of a dessert by nature, unlike most fruit salads that are simply tossed fruit.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream?

Absolutely! If you want an extra-protein twist, swap an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream. Choose full-fat or 2% for the creamiest texture — and taste before serving, since the tartness can vary.

Is Ambrosia Salad gluten free?

All the classic ingredients in Ambrosia Salad are naturally gluten free, but always double-check the labels on marshmallows and Cool Whip to be sure there are no sneaky sources of gluten if serving to someone with celiac disease.

Do I have to use maraschino cherries?

If cherries aren’t your thing, you can absolutely leave them out or swap in fresh diced strawberries or grapes for that pretty pop of color. The salad is flexible, so customize away!

Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Ambrosia Salad is actually better when made a few hours in advance, so all the flavors have time to blend. Just keep it chilled and covered until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Ambrosia Salad is one of those time-honored treats that never fails to make people light up — whether it’s for a festive holiday spread or just a cozy family dinner. If you haven’t had it in a while (or ever!), I wholeheartedly recommend whipping up a bowl and savoring the soft, sweet nostalgia. Here’s to enjoying every creamy, fruity spoonful!