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Colorful Ambrosia Salad served in a white bowl with cherries, marshmallows, and creamy whipped topping.
Sonia Khan

Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe – A Creamy Fruit Classic

The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a creamy, fruity, and refreshing dessert made with a delightful mix of juicy fruits, marshmallows, and whipped or sour cream.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, southern US
Calories: 215
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¼ Cups Pineapple chunks
  • 1 ¼ Cups Mandarin oranges drained
  • ⅔ Cup Maraschino cherries halved
  • ⅔ Cup Mini marshmallows
  • ⅔ Cup Shredded coconut
  • 1 ¼ Cups Whipped cream or sour cream
  • nuts like pecans or walnuts ⅓ cup, chopped

Equipment

  • 1 medium size bowl

Method
 

  1. 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.
    draining fruits to make ambrosia salad.
  2. 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.
    Whipping cream for ambrosia salad.
  3. 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. 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.
    best ambrosia salad ready to serve.

Notes

  • Chill salad for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • Gently fold whipped cream to keep it light and fluffy.
  • Optional: Toast coconut or add nuts for extra texture.
  • Add marshmallows last to prevent them from getting soggy.