Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe – A Creamy Fruit Classic

The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a creamy, fruity, and refreshing dessert that never goes out of style. This is made with a delightful mix of juicy fruits, marshmallows, and whipped or sour cream, it offers a satisfying flavor. 

This classic salad is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser  just like my Sweet Potato Soufflé that’s another festive favorite.

For the first time I made this salad for a holiday get-together, and honestly, it was a total hit! The creamy texture and tropical flavor were so refreshing, it disappeared from the table in no time. 

Everyone kept asking me for the recipe, and that’s when I knew it had to become a regular on my holiday menu. Now, it’s one of those desserts I look forward to making every year.

A lot of people know this dish as a fruit salad, and honestly, that’s what makes it so fun, everyone has their own twist on it. Some like to keep it classic with whipped cream, while others add sour cream for a little tangy kick. 

You’ll even find multiple versions made with Cool Whip or without coconut, depending on what you grew up with. No matter how it’s made, Ambrosia Salad always brings that sweet, creamy comfort to any table.

🍊 What Is Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia Salad is a classic fruit salad dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and filled with tropical goodness. It’s usually made with a mix of pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, coconut, and mini marshmallows – all folded into a creamy base of whipped cream or sour cream. The result is a light, fluffy treat that tastes like sunshine in a bowl.

This timeless recipe often makes an appearance at holidays, potlucks, and summer get-togethers because it’s so easy to prepare and loved by everyone. you’ll definitely fall in love with this bright, fruity classic.

🕒 Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of the key details for making this  Ambrosia Salad Recipe  for planning your holiday or family gathering.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 mins	0 mins	15 mins	5

What You’ll Need for the Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Here are all the ingredients you’ll gather for this creamy, fruity favorite simple staples that come together in minutes.

• 1 1⁄4 Cups Pineapple chunks – I love using fresh pineapple whenever I have to.  It adds a juicy, tropical punch that makes the salad feel extra special.
  
• 1 1⁄4 Cups Mandarin oranges (drained) – These little sweet bursts are my favorite part. They brighten every bite.
  
• ⅔ Cup Maraschino cherries (halved) – I always add cherries for that pop of color; they make it look as good as it tastes.
  
• ⅔ Cup Mini marshmallows – Honestly, these are the fun parts. They give the salad a soft, fluffy texture that everyone enjoys.
  
• ⅔ Cup Shredded coconut – I prefer sweetened coconut, it adds a tropical aroma that fills the kitchen as you mix everything.
  
• 1 1⁄4 Cups Whipped cream or sour cream – I usually go with whipped cream for lightness, but sour cream adds a tangy twist that’s surprisingly delicious.
  

Optional: nuts like pecans or walnuts (⅓ cup, chopped) – I sometimes sprinkle a few on top for a little crunch; it’s my personal touch that friends always notice.

🥣 How to Make Ambrosia Salad?

Making Ambrosia Salad is simple and fun  and it tastes like a little tropical getaway in every bite. Here’s how I do my version  and trust me this recipe will hit you too 

1. Drain the fruits

Drain the pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries well. This keeps the salad from getting watery. I like to pat them dry with a paper towel for extra assurance.

2. Whip the cream

In a large bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. If you’re using sour cream, fold it in gently for a creamy, slightly tangy flavor.

3. Combine everything

Add the drained fruits, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts for a little crunch. Fold everything together gently so the salad stays light and fluffy.

4. Chill before serving

Cover and refrigerate ambrosia salad recipe for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and the marshmallows soften, giving that perfect creamy texture.

🍍 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition for one serving of this Ambrosia Salad Recipe. These values are approximate but give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying with each creamy, fruity bite. If you want to learn more about the health benefits of fruits like pineapple, oranges, and coconut, check out this guide to fruit nutrition.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	215 kcal	11%
Total Fat	7 g	9%
Saturated Fat	3.5 g	18%
Cholesterol	5 mg	2%
Sodium	50 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrates	35 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	7%
Sugars	30 g	—
Protein	2 g	4%
Vitamin A	100 IU	2%
Vitamin C	15 mg	17%
Calcium	20 mg	2%
Iron	0.1 mg	1%
Potassium	150 mg	4%

🍽 Serving Suggestions & Tips

I love serving Ambrosia Salad chilled straight from the fridge. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any family gathering. You can garnish it with a few extra cherries or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a little crunch & to make it look extra festive.

For a fun twist, serve it alongside a hearty dish like my Turkey Sloppy Joe or crispy Blinis for a complete holiday or party spread. If you’re in a hurry, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. The flavors actually get better after chilling.

Tip:Whenever I want a slightly tangy flavor, I use sour cream instead of whipped cream, or mix them together for the best of both worlds.

🥡 Making Ahead & Storage

One of the best things about Ambrosia Salad is how easy it is to make ahead of time. I often prepare it a few hours or even the day before a holiday gathering & the flavors actually get better as it chills.

Storage tips

• Keep the salad covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  
• Avoid freezing, as the whipped cream and marshmallows don’t freeze well.
  
• Give it a gentle stir before serving to fluff it back up and redistribute any settled juice.
  

Making it ahead means less stress on the day of your party, and you’ll still have that creamy, fruity perfection ready to enjoy.

🥭 Classic Ambrosia Salad

This is the version I grew up with. My mom used to make this on holidays and now I’m making this for my family and it’s still my favorite for family gatherings. The mix of juicy pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows folded into whipped cream is timeless. Every bite feels like a little celebration.

🍶 Ambrosia Salad with Sour Cream

If you like a slightly tangy twist, this version is for you. I love folding in sour cream along with whipped cream. It adds a creamy richness and balances the sweetness of the fruit perfectly. It’s always a hit at potlucks.

❄️ Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip

For those who want a lighter, fluffier salad, Cool Whip is the way to go. This is my husband’s favorite & he often asks me to make this salad for him. I also make this when I need a quick dessert for holidays. It’s airy, sweet, and comes together in minutes. Everyone always asks how I made it so light.

🥥 Ambrosia Salad without Coconut

Not everyone loves coconut, and that’s totally fine. In this version, you can simply leave it out or replace it with extra mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even diced apples for a little crunch. 

The salad stays just as creamy and fruity, but with a slightly different texture that’s perfect for anyone who prefers a milder flavor. It’s a great option for kids or guests who aren’t fans of coconut.

🥛 Ambrosia Salad with Condensed Milk

If you people love richer, creamier versions, you can mix in sweetened condensed milk with your whipped cream. It adds a luxurious sweetness that makes this salad feel extra indulgent & perfect for holiday desserts or special occasions.

👩‍🍳 Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad

This version is inspired by the popular Pioneer Woman recipe and is always a hit at gatherings. I love how it combines fresh and canned fruits, marshmallows, and a creamy base.

 It’s simple to make but looks so impressive on the table. Whenever I make it for friends, they’re always amazed at how flavorful and festive it is. You can also check out the original recipe here if you want some extra inspiration.

🥄 Mini Ambrosia Parfaits

These little parfaits are always a hit at parties. I love serving Ambrosia Salad in small glasses or jars as they look so pretty and everyone gets their own individual portion. My friends always ask for seconds whenever I make these, and they’re a fun, festive way to enjoy this classic dessert. You can even add a few extra fruits or nuts on top for a colorful, crunchy finish.

🎉 Final Thoughts

The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe is one of those desserts that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, fruity, and easy to make. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun variations like adding sour cream, Cool Whip, or skipping coconut, it’s sure to bring smiles at any gathering.

I hope you give this recipe a try at your next holiday, potluck, or family dinner.  Give it a try people. It’s simple to prepare, makes a beautiful dish, and is guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table! Don’t forget to chill it before serving for the best flavor and texture. Your friends and family will thank you.

🥥 Frequently Asked Questions