Can I use Cool Whip instead of fresh whipped cream?

Yes, you can use store-bought whipped topping if you’re short on time. However, I wholeheartedly recommend whipping your own cream for a fluffier, creamier texture and a fresher taste.

Can I make ambrosia salad the night before?

Absolutely, in fact, it’s even better if you do! The flavors meld together beautifully and the marshmallows soften just enough. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

What fruits work best in ambrosia salad?

Traditional ambrosia includes pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, and maraschino cherries, but you can mix in fresh berries, bananas, or even diced mango. The key is to use fruit that holds up well and isn’t too watery.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, ambrosia salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as your marshmallows and other packaged ingredients don’t contain gluten. Always double-check labels if you’re serving anyone with allergies.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Name: Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained; 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained; 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and rinsed; 1 cup green grapes, halved; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup light sour cream; 3 cups mini marshmallows; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 3/4 cup pecans, chopped

Description

Ambrosia Salad is a refreshing, classic American dessert salad featuring a delightful mix of fruits, marshmallows, and nuts in a fluffy, creamy base. Perfect for potlucks and gatherings, this no-bake treat combines sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors for a festive and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Fruit

1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and rinsed
1 cup green grapes, halved

Cream Base

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup light sour cream

Mix-ins

3 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup pecans, chopped

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Instructions

Drain the Fruit: Place the pineapple and mandarin oranges in a strainer and let them drain for 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove excess liquid. Drain and rinse the maraschino cherries with cold water and set aside.
Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy peaks form.
Incorporate the Sour Cream: Gently fold in 1/3 of the sour cream into the whipped cream until just combined. Repeat with the next 1/3, and finally the remaining 1/3, to keep the mixture light and airy.
Add Mix-ins: Gently stir in the mini marshmallows, sweetened shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Add Fruit: Carefully fold in the drained pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and halved grapes, trying not to break up the fruit.
Garnish and Chill: Optionally, sprinkle additional coconut and chopped pecans on top for garnish. Chill the ambrosia salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight before serving for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Thoroughly drain all canned fruits to avoid a watery salad.
For a lighter version, use light whipped topping in place of whipped cream and light sour cream.
Salad is best served cold after chilling for several hours.
Pecans can be substituted with walnuts or omitted for nut-free version.
Adjust sweetness by reducing the amount of added sugar if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 330
Sugar: 34g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 29mg