Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad is creamy, fluffy, and loaded with sweet-tart fruit for the easiest holiday “salad.” With just five minutes of prep and the fridge doing the rest, it’s a no-fuss, make-ahead side that’s perfect for celebrations.

What is Ambrosia Salad: A classic marshmallow fruit salad with pineapple, mandarins, coconut, and a creamy, chilled base.
Flavor: Sweet and creamy with a lightly tangy base that balances the fruit and coconut.
Skill Level: Also called 5 cup salad, this recipe is so easy to prepare. It needs just five ingredients and 5 minutes of prep.
Serving Suggestions: Like frog eye salad and watergate salad, I love serving this as either a side dish or dessert for the holidays.

coconut , pineapple , oranges , sour cream , marshmallows with labels to make Ambrosia Salad

What Is in Ambrosia Salad?

Sour Cream/Yogurt: Use sour cream for a classic flavor, or replace it with plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a sweeter flavor.
Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows add sweetness and fluff. For some extra color, use fruit-flavored marshmallows!
Fruit: The classic mix is sweetened coconut, canned mandarin oranges, and pineapple. Drain fruit very well so the salad stays thick, not watery. For a fresh twist, add halved seedless grapes. For a festive look, stir in well-drained maraschino cherries.
Optional Add-Ins: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch. For a lighter option, fold in 1 to 2 cups of whipped topping.

ingredients for ambrosia salad in a glass bowl

Mixed ingredients for ambrosia salad in a bowl

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Combine all ingredients (full recipe below), folding in the mandarins last.
Chill for 4 hours or overnight before serving.

For Thick Salad: Drain the fruit in a strainer for 10 minutes and gently blot with paper towels.
To Keep Mandarins Intact: Fold them in last using a rubber spatula.
For Extra Thickness: Use Greek yogurt, or chill the mixed base for 30 minutes before adding the oranges.
About Whipped Topping: It makes the salad fluffier but slightly less rich. Taste after chilling and adjust the sweetness next time with a sweeter yogurt if needed.
If It Tastes Too Tangy: Let it chill before adjusting. The marshmallows and coconut sweeten the base as it rests.
For Cleaner Scoops: Chill overnight if possible. Give it one gentle stir before serving.
For Potlucks: Keep it well chilled. Serve the bowl nested in ice for the best texture.

Chill Scoop Repeat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing isn’t recommended. For best results, make it at least 4 hours ahead. Stir before serving, and if it loosens, fold in a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream to thicken.

Cozy Holiday Classics

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image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Chill Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

In a large bowl, add sour cream, marshmallows, coconut, and pineapple tidbits. Stir until combined.
Gently fold in mandarin oranges.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve chilled.

Make ahead to allow the flavors to blend and to soften the marshmallows.
Be sure to drain all fruit well to prevent the dish from being watery.
Mandarin oranges are fragile and break easily, so gently fold them in last.
Greek, plain, or vanilla yogurt can serve as the base. I prefer sour cream, which is sweetened by the coconut and marshmallows.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dessert, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

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