Dreamy Cloud-Like Ambrosia Salad Recipe for Sweet Joy

Sweet memories of summer potlucks dance through my ambrosia salad recipe, sparking joy with every creamy bite.

Tropical fruits mingle playfully in this classic dessert that feels like a nostalgic embrace.

Marshmallows and coconut create a dreamy texture that melts on your tongue.

Grandma’s original version inspired this lighter, fresher take on the traditional treat.

Pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges add bright, sunny notes to each spoonful.

Whipped cream binds these delightful ingredients into a cloud-like wonder that promises pure comfort.

You’ll absolutely adore this simple yet magical dessert that comes together in minutes.

Grab a spoon and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Ambrosia Salad Is Light And Refreshing

• Whip Up Effortless Delight: This ambrosia salad requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a quick, no-bake dessert that looks impressive.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Packed with sweet fruits, marshmallows, and creamy texture, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer celebrations.
• Prep-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this salad a day in advance, allowing flavors to blend and saving precious time before serving, which makes it a stress-free option for busy hosts.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes personal touches like adding different nuts, swapping fruits, or adjusting sweetness, giving home cooks creative freedom to make it their own signature dish.

What Goes Into Ambrosia Salad

• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet tropical fruit that adds juicy texture to the salad.
• Mandarin Oranges: Bright citrus segments that provide a tangy freshness.
• Maraschino Cherries: Vibrant red cherries that bring a sweet and colorful element.
• Grapes: Optional fruit that contributes additional sweetness and texture.

• Sour Cream: Creamy base that binds the ingredients and adds a rich, tangy flavor.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and interesting texture to the salad.

• Mini Marshmallows: Soft, sweet pieces that provide a fun and fluffy contrast.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Optional crunchy topping that brings a nutty flavor and added texture.

How To Make Ambrosia Salad Fast

Step 1: Prepare Juicy Fruit Medley

• Pineapple chunks
• Mandarin oranges
• Maraschino cherries

Shake off excess liquid to keep the salad perfectly textured.

Step 2: Create Creamy Coconut Base

• Sour cream
• Shredded coconut

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Assemble Tropical Treasure

• Pineapple chunks
• Mandarin oranges
• Maraschino cherries
• Mini marshmallows
• Grapes (optional)

Fold everything together with a light touch to keep fruits intact.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and tuck into the refrigerator. Let the magic happen for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch and Serve

• Chopped pecans
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

Serve ice-cold and watch everyone smile with delight.

Tips To Keep Ambrosia Salad Fresh And Bright

• Drain Fruits Thoroughly: Pat each fruit piece dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring your salad stays thick and creamy without becoming runny.
• Customize Texture Options: Replace mini marshmallows with toasted coconut flakes for a crunchier texture, or swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version.
• Prevent Fruit Bruising: Use a gentle folding technique when mixing ingredients to keep fruit chunks intact and maintain their beautiful shape and individual flavors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to develop and blend, creating a more complex and delicious dessert experience.
• Diet-Friendly Modifications: For a lower-sugar version, use fresh fruits and sugar-free marshmallows, or create a keto-friendly adaptation by using sugar-free whipped cream and eliminating marshmallows.

Store Ambrosia Salad The Right Way

• Refrigerate the ambrosia salad in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Keep the salad sealed tightly and consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
• Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back section away from the door.
• Avoid freezing this salad, as the creamy texture and fresh fruits will separate and become watery when thawed, compromising the delightful consistency of the dish.

Perfect Pairings With Ambrosia Salad

• Pair with Tropical Sunset Mocktail: Blend pineapple juice, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine for a refreshing drink that complements the sweet and fruity notes of the ambrosia salad.
• Match with Coconut Shortbread Cookies: Create a delightful texture contrast by serving crisp, buttery coconut shortbread cookies alongside the creamy, soft salad.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Elevate the dessert experience by adding a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream that enhances the creamy coconut and fruit flavors.
• Complement with Light Champagne: Choose a crisp, slightly sweet champagne that cuts through the richness of the salad and adds a celebratory touch to the meal.

Switch Up Ambrosia Salad With These Add-Ins

• Tropical Paradise Remix: Swap maraschino cherries with fresh mango chunks and add passion fruit pulp for a vibrant island-inspired version. Incorporate toasted macadamia nuts instead of pecans to enhance the tropical flavor profile.
• Citrus Berry Boost: Replace mandarin oranges with blood orange segments and add fresh blueberries. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, lighter base that complements the berries beautifully.
• Chocolate Lovers' Edition: Fold in mini chocolate chips and replace some marshmallows with chocolate-covered marshmallows. Drizzle dark chocolate shavings on top before serving for an indulgent dessert-like experience.
• Seasonal Spice Blend: Mix in diced green apples during autumn and sprinkle ground cinnamon into the cream base. Add toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and a seasonal twist that celebrates fall flavors.

FAQs For Ambrosia Salad

• What makes Ambrosia Salad a classic dessert?

Ambrosia Salad is a beloved Southern dessert that combines sweet, tropical fruits with creamy sour cream and fluffy marshmallows, creating a nostalgic and refreshing treat that’s been a crowd-pleaser for generations.

• Is this salad really a salad or a dessert?

While it’s called a “salad,” Ambrosia is more of a sweet, fruity dessert that’s typically served as a side dish or light after-meal treat. Its combination of fruits and creamy dressing makes it a unique culinary creation.

• Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better when prepared in advance. Refrigerating it for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to blend perfectly and creates a more harmonious taste.

• Are there any ways to make this recipe healthier?

You can lighten up the recipe by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reducing the amount of marshmallows, or adding more fresh fruits to increase the nutritional value while keeping the delicious flavor.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet and creamy Ambrosia Salad brings tropical paradise memories to your dessert table, blending marshmallows, coconut, and fruity goodness. Southern hospitality shines through this classic dish that promises delightful comfort in every refreshing spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Fruits:

• 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple chunks (drained)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) mandarin oranges (drained)
• 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and halved)
• 1 cup seedless grapes (halved, optional)

Dairy and Sweet Components:

• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Nuts:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly drain pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and vibrant salad texture.
2. Select a spacious mixing vessel and whisk sour cream until smooth, then gently fold in shredded coconut, creating a creamy and delicate base.
3. Carefully incorporate pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, cherries, mini marshmallows, and grapes into the coconut-sour cream mixture, using a gentle folding technique to preserve the fruit’s delicate structure.
4. Delicately distribute the ingredients, ensuring an even coating of the creamy mixture across all fruit components, preventing any clustering or uneven distribution.
5. Seal the mixing bowl with plastic wrap, allowing the salad to rest and harmonize flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, with overnight chilling yielding optimal taste development.
6. Prior to serving, optionally enhance the salad’s texture by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts across the surface, adding a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
7. Present the chilled ambrosia salad directly from the refrigerator, maintaining its refreshing and luxurious consistency.

Notes

• Drain fruits meticulously using a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate excess liquid, preventing a soggy salad texture.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Choose ripe, firm grapes to prevent mushing and ensure a delightful burst of freshness in each bite.
• Customize the salad by adding toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 10mg