Ambrosia Salad is one of those retro recipes that never really goes away because it’s just too good. The best part is how it transforms as it chills. Marshmallows soften, coconut soaks up homemade whipped cream, and everything melds together. Every spoonful is juicy, chewy, and fluffy. It’s one of those salads that never gets old.
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I make this for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter because it’s a crowd-pleaser that works as a side dish or light dessert. It’s also perfect for summer potlucks, picnics, and barbecues since it travels well in a covered bowl. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days and actually gets better as it chills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
I’ll show you how simple it is to make this easy Ambrosia Salad recipe with just a few mixing and no fancy tools required.
Whip the Cream
In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or in a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat for another 30–60 seconds until stiff peaks form. Make sure it reaches stiff peaks first before folding in the sour cream, because under-whipped cream will deflate and won’t hold up once you add the fruit.
Once stiff peaks form, gently fold in the sour cream with a silicone spatula until fully combined. The sour cream adds tang and helps stabilize the whipped cream so it doesn’t deflate. Set aside.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Combine the Fruit and Mix-Ins
In a separate large mixing bowl, add the mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. You can use pineapple tidbits if you prefer smaller pieces of pineapple.
Gently toss to combine so everything is evenly distributed. Using a mixing bowl with a lid makes this especially perfect for easy meal prep and storage.
Fold Everything Together
Pour the whipped cream mixture over the fruit mixture. Fold everything together with a spatula until evenly coated. You want every piece of fruit and marshmallow covered in that creamy whipped topping.
Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with BPA-free plastic wrap or a stretchable silicone lid if it doesn’t have one, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. The marshmallows will soften slightly, and the coconut will absorb some of the cream.
Give it a gentle stir before serving, and optionally garnish with extra cherries or shredded coconut on top. Enjoy!
Ambrosia salad travels beautifully. You can bring it to work for lunch, to backyard hangouts, or any holiday gathering. I love using a salad container with a great insulating capacity to keep my salad fresh and cold for hours when I take it out of the fridge.
Ambrosia Salad
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges well drained
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries drained and halved
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks well drained
- 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat for another 30–60 seconds until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the sour cream with a spatula until fully combined. Set aside.¾ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup sour cream
- In a separate large bowl, add the mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. Gently toss to combine.1 cup canned mandarin oranges, ¾ cup maraschino cherries, 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut, 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Pour the whipped cream mixture over the fruit mixture. Fold everything together until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Give it a gentle stir before serving. Optionally, garnish with extra cherries or shredded coconut on top.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container or a covered bowl in the fridge for up to 3 days. The whipped cream will stay light and fluffy, though the coconut will soften a bit as it sits.
I actually think it tastes better on day two though, because the flavors have more time to come together. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the whipped cream and fruit don’t thaw well and you’ll end up with a watery, separated mess. If you want to make it ahead, you can prep the fruit mixture and whipped cream separately, then fold them together a few hours before serving.
What to Serve With Ambrosia Salad
I love serving this fruit salad alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole because it adds a sweet, fruity contrast to all the savory dishes. It works beautifully at Easter brunch with quiche, biscuits, and fresh fruit.
For summer gatherings, serve it with grilled chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob since it’s refreshing and light enough to balance out heavier barbecue foods. You can also pair it with other potluck favorites like pasta salad, deviled eggs, and dinner rolls.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got plenty more colorful, easy salad recipes that work year-round for any occasion.
