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Home » Desserts » Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad

Posted by: Kate / Desserts, Fruit, Other Desserts / Posted: 11/17/20 / Last updated: 11/17/20

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Classic ambrosia salad recipe! This traditional ambrosia salad recipe takes just 7 ingredients and 5 minutes to make.

Ambrosia salad in a glass parfait dish

Ambrosia salad is a classic for a reason! This easy dessert salad is the perfect mix of sweet and tart fruit in a light and creamy fluff base.

Not only does this dessert salad mix up in minutes, but it keeps well in the fridge for days. So, it’s a great make-ahead holiday side or dessert.

Ambrosia salad can also easily be customized. You can adjust the amounts of fruit, marshmallows, coconut, or sour cream to change it to your tastes. I’ve included some suggestions for tweaks in the “tips and substitutions” section below.

How to make ambrosia salad

Ambrosia salad ingredients in a glass mixing bowl

In a large bowl, stir together the crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries. Add the whipped topping, marshmallows, sour cream, and coconut.

Ambrosia salad in a glass mixing bowl

Stir to combine. Cover and chill until ready to use.

Ambrosia salad in a glass parfait dishTips and substitutions

  • Pineapple: To drain the pineapple, I place it in a fine wire mesh colander and squeeze it out. I do this because it helps to avoid a salad that gets weepy and runny as it sits.
  • Maraschino cherries: Feel free to use a 16 ounce jar if you like more cherries in your salad. Also, I don’t use the juice in the salad, but you can add as much, or as little, as you like.
  • Frozen whipped topping: You can use Cool Whip, Tru-Whip, CocoWhip, or any brand of frozen whipped topping that you like.
  • Marshmallows: We use plain white marshmallows, but some people prefer to use the pastel colored marshmallows instead.
  • Sour cream: I don’t recommend fat-free sour cream in this recipe. Light or full-fat will work. Also, fat-free (or 2% or whole-milk) plain Greek yogurt will work. If you’re looking for a sweeter salad, you can use vanilla Greek yogurt.

Dish of ambrosia salad with a silver spoon in itHow to store

This salad should be stored in a covered container in the fridge. It will last for up to 5 days when properly stored.

More dessert salad recipes!

  • Strawberry Pretzel Fluff
  • Grape Salad
  • Watergate Salad

If you’ve tried this ambrosia salad recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!

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Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad is a sweet and creamy fruit salad dessert.
Author:I Heart Eating
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings:8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ambrosia salad, ambrosia salad recipe, fluff recipe
Ambrosia salad in a glass parfait dish
Print Rate Pin
5 from 2 votes

Ingredients

  • 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 15 ounce can mandarin oranges (drained)
  • 10 ounces maraschino cherries (destemmed, pitted, and quartered)
  • 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping (thawed)
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, stir together the crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries.
  • Add the whipped topping, marshmallows, and sour cream.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Stir in the coconut.
  • Cover and chill until ready to use.

Notes

  • Pineapple: To drain the pineapple, I place it in a fine wire mesh colander and squeeze it out. 
  • Maraschino cherries: Feel free to use a 16 ounce jar if you like more cherries in your salad. Also, I don't use much if any of the juice in the salad, but you can add as much, or as little, as you like. 
  • Frozen whipped topping: You can use Cool Whip, Tru-Whip, CocoWhip, or any brand of frozen whipped topping that you like. 
  • Sour cream: I don't recommend fat-free sour cream in this recipe. Light or full-fat will work. Also, fat-free (or 2% or whole-milk) plain Greek yogurt will work. If you're looking for a sweeter salad, you can use vanilla Greek yogurt. 
  • Nutrition values are estimates. 

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 306kcal (15%)Carbohydrates: 60g (20%)Protein: 3g (6%)Fat: 8g (12%)Saturated Fat: 6g (30%)Cholesterol: 11mg (4%)Sodium: 83mg (3%)Potassium: 277mg (8%)Fiber: 3g (12%)Sugar: 48g (53%)Vitamin A: 861IU (17%)Vitamin C: 25mg (30%)Calcium: 96mg (10%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
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  1. Terry says

    November 24, 2020 at 9:08 am

    5 stars
    Great recipe! Very easy and tastes great.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      November 24, 2020 at 9:09 am

      Thank you! =)

      Reply
  2. ANN MARIE says

    November 21, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    5 stars
    I have made this ambrosia salad many many times just the way you made it Kate it is my all time favorite salad all tho I call it my desert very good

    Reply
    • Kate says

      November 21, 2020 at 3:36 pm

      I love it, too! I’ve made it twice just this past week. =) We eat it as a dessert, too.

      Reply

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