Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a creamy, dreamy fruit salad that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious, look no further than this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe. Brimming with juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple, fluffy marshmallows, and a cloud of whipped topping, every spoonful is a celebration of color and texture. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering, potluck, or holiday feast, this retro dessert always draws a crowd and brings back the best kind of memories. Let’s dive into the world of this beautiful, easy-to-make treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
Fruits & Mix-ins
- 1 ½ cups mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1 ½ cups pineapple tidbits (drained)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries (halved and drained)
Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, whipped topping, and honey or sugar if you’re using it. Stir gently until everything is smooth and well blended. This creamy mixture is the foundation that brings all the fruits and mix-ins together, so take a moment to appreciate its lusciousness!
Step 2: Add the Fruits and Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, sweetened shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and nuts if you’re feeling extra fancy. Be gentle here—fold rather than stir vigorously—to keep the fruit intact and the salad fluffy. Every bite should be a perfect mix of all the good stuff!
Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is key for the Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe, allowing the flavors to blend and the marshmallows to soften slightly. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, give the salad one gentle stir and spoon it into a pretty serving bowl. If you like, top with a few extra cherries or a sprinkle of coconut for flair. Serve cold and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe with a flourish of extra maraschino cherries, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or even a scatter of toasted nuts on top. These little touches make your dish look as festive as it tastes and add an inviting pop of color and texture.
Side Dishes
This salad is the ultimate potluck companion! Pair it with savory classics like baked ham, roasted turkey, or a simple brunch spread of quiche and muffins. It’s also a cheerful addition to any holiday table, balancing out rich mains with its light, fruity sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe in individual parfait glasses, small mason jars, or even hollowed-out orange halves. Not only does this make for a striking presentation, but it also gives everyone their own personal serving—perfect for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the marshmallows and fruit may soften further over time. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the creamy dressing.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the whipped topping and fruits can separate and become watery once thawed. The texture just won’t be the same as fresh, so it’s best enjoyed from the fridge.
Reheating
This dish is all about staying cool and refreshing! There’s no need to reheat Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe. Simply serve it straight from the fridge and enjoy its creamy, chilled goodness.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, making it the night before gives the flavors extra time to meld and the marshmallows to soften perfectly. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use a light whipped topping if you prefer a lower-calorie version. The salad will still be creamy and delicious, just with a little less richness.
What fruits can I swap or add?
Feel free to get creative! Some people love adding grapes, chopped apples, or even bananas. Just be sure to drain any canned fruits well to prevent the salad from getting watery.
How do I keep the salad from getting runny?
Drain all the canned fruits and cherries thoroughly before adding them to the mix. This step is key to keeping your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe creamy rather than watery.
Is Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your whipped topping and marshmallows to be sure they’re certified gluten-free if you have concerns.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe has stood the test of time—it’s easy, vibrant, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone at the table. If you haven’t made it yet, now’s the perfect time to discover why it’s a beloved favorite. Whip up a bowl, share it with friends or family, and let this sweet, creamy tradition become part of your own celebrations!
Print
Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Ambrosia Salad is a creamy, sweet fruit salad featuring mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries, all tossed together with sour cream and whipped topping. This nostalgic American dessert is easy to prepare, vibrant, and perfect for holidays or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
Fruits & Mix-ins
- 1 ½ cups mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1 ½ cups pineapple tidbits (drained)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries (halved and drained)
Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, whipped topping, and honey or sugar if using. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in fruits and mix-ins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, halved maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts if using. Mix carefully to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the fruit.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving cold. Enjoy as a festive dessert or a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- Drain fruits and cherries well to prevent a watery salad and maintain a creamy texture.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
