Ambrosia Salad Recipe

This Ambrosia Salad recipe is a joyful, creamy, and colorful retro classic that delivers a burst of sweet, fruity flavor in every spoonful. It’s incredibly quick and simple to toss together—making it your secret weapon for those nights when dessert needs to happen but time isn’t on your side. Juicy citrus, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and whipped cream all come together for a refreshingly light treat that feels just a little bit nostalgic and a lot irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a dessert that absolutely everyone will love without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these easy-to-find ingredients, each bringing something special to the bowl:

• Pineapple Tidbits: For sweet-tart juiciness. Make sure to drain well to keep the salad creamy, not watery.
• Mandarin Oranges: Tender, burst-in-your-mouth citrus that brightens every spoonful.
• Maraschino Cherries: They add a pop of color and a candy-like sweetness. Rinse well so the salad stays pretty, not pink!
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection. Fresh whipped cream makes all the difference—skip the store-bought stuff.
• Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the cream and balance all that fruit.
• Vanilla Extract: The secret to elevating the flavor—never skip it!
• Light Sour Cream: A touch of tang keeps things from getting overly sweet and enriches the dressing’s texture.
• Mini Marshmallows: For that fun, squishy, retro bite every ambrosia salad needs.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Chewy, tropical, and absolutely essential for real ambrosia flavor.
• Pecans: They add an irresistible crunch and a nutty warmth—toast them for even more depth!
• Green Grapes: Halved for juicy freshness and bright color contrast.

Tip: Always use fresh, well-drained fruit and whip your own cream for unbeatable flavor and texture.

Variations

Ready to make this recipe your own? Try one of these spins:

• Nut-Free: Skip the pecans if you’re serving someone with allergies or simply prefer a softer texture.
• Ultra-Fruity: Add sliced bananas, fresh strawberries, or blueberries for extra color and fruity punch.
• Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and a light whipped topping if you want to reduce calories.
• Tropical Twist: Swap regular coconut for toasted or add some diced mango for more tropical vibes.
• Festive Flair: Use red and green cherries (or colored marshmallows) for a holiday dessert.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Drain the Fruit

Place the pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges in a strainer. Let them drain thoroughly for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step is crucial so your salad isn’t runny! Drain and rinse the maraschino cherries as well to keep the colors bright and the flavor fresh.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla extract until soft, pillowy peaks form. This adds an airy lightness to the salad that store-bought whipped topping just can’t match.

Step 3: Fold in the Sour Cream

Gently fold in the sour cream a third at a time. This ensures the cream stays fluffy and blends evenly, giving the dressing a luscious, smooth texture with a subtle tang.

Step 4: Add Marshmallows, Coconut, and Pecans

Stir in the marshmallows, coconut, and pecans. This is where the texture party starts!

Step 5: Mix in the Fruit

Carefully fold in the grapes, drained pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries. Try not to overmix—gentle hands will help keep everything light and gorgeous.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate your ambrosia for at least an hour—or overnight if you’re planning ahead. This resting time lets all the flavors mingle and makes the salad extra refreshing. Serve chilled, topped with extra coconut and a sprinkle of pecans for a pretty finish.

How to Serve

Ambrosia Salad sings best cold straight from the fridge. Serve it in a large bowl for family style, or spoon into individual cups or parfait glasses for a fancy touch at parties.

Perfect Pairings

• Pairs beautifully with grilled meat, baked ham, or as part of a brunch spread.
• It’s lovely alongside BBQ, summer picnics, or tucked between heartier casseroles for a sweet, fresh contrast.
• Top with extra coconut, more chopped pecans, or a few whole cherries right before serving for a little wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep chilled in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the marshmallows may soften and the fruit might release more juice over time.

Freezing

Ambrosia salad is best enjoyed fresh, but technically, it can be frozen in a pinch. Be aware that the texture of the whipped cream and fruit may change after thawing, so it’s not usually recommended.

Reheating

There’s no reheating needed—this dish is always served cold.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the creamy, dreamy combination of fruit, marshmallow, and fresh whipped cream in this Ambrosia Salad. It’s bright, cheery, and blissfully simple—no culinary acrobatics required. Give this classic recipe a try and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Your family and guests are sure to come back for just one more scoop!

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