Creamy Fruit Ambrosia

This classic ambrosia salad recipe has been a staple at our family gatherings for generations. The creamy, fruity combination creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that always disappears quickly from the buffet table.

I first made this ambrosia salad for a summer barbecue when I needed something quick and refreshing. It became such a hit that now my children request it for every family gathering, regardless of the season.

Ingredients

• Crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and tropical flavor. Look for canned pineapple in 100% juice rather than syrup for best results
• Mandarin oranges provide bright citrus notes and gorgeous color. The canned variety works perfectly as they're already peeled and sectioned
• Maraschino cherries give festive pops of color and sweet flavor. Choose cherries without artificial dyes if you prefer
• Frozen whipped topping creates the fluffy, creamy base. Let it thaw completely for the smoothest texture
• Mini marshmallows contribute pillowy sweetness and nostalgic charm. The mini size distributes better than large marshmallows
• Sour cream balances the sweetness with a subtle tang. Full-fat provides the richest flavor
• Sweetened shredded coconut adds wonderful texture and tropical flavor. Toast it lightly first for enhanced flavor if you have time

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the fruit

Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly by pressing it in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess liquid. This prevents your salad from becoming watery. Drain the mandarin oranges gently to keep segments intact. Quarter the maraschino cherries after removing stems and pits.

Combine base ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cherries. Use a rubber spatula to avoid crushing the fruit while ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Add creamy elements

Carefully fold in the thawed whipped topping, mini marshmallows, and sour cream until just combined. The mixture should look fluffy and evenly coated but not overmixed which can deflate the whipped topping.

Incorporate coconut

Add the sweetened shredded coconut and fold gently until distributed throughout the mixture. The coconut adds wonderful texture and flavor that makes this classic ambrosia truly special.

Chill before serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the marshmallows to slightly soften for the perfect ambrosia texture.

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My grandmother always insisted on adding an extra handful of cherries to her ambrosia salad. She claimed the bright red color brought luck and happiness to whoever ate it. While I can't prove the luck part, I can confirm it always brings smiles to faces when I serve it.

Storage Tips

Ambrosia salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to develop and meld together, making it taste even better on day two. If you notice any liquid pooling at the bottom after storage, simply give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the creamy mixture. For best presentation, I sometimes reserve a few fresh mandarin segments and cherries to sprinkle on top just before serving refreshed leftovers.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes many adaptations based on what you have on hand. You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for added protein and a slightly different tang. Fresh pineapple works wonderfully in place of canned, though you'll need to dice it small. For a tropical twist, try adding diced mango or banana slices just before serving. If you prefer a less sweet version, use unsweetened coconut and add it to taste. During holiday seasons, I sometimes swap regular mini marshmallows for the colored Christmas or pastel Easter varieties for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Ambrosia salad shines as both a side dish and a light dessert. For summer gatherings, serve it alongside grilled meats and picnic favorites. During holiday meals, it provides a refreshing counterpoint to rich, heavy dishes. For an elegant presentation, portion individual servings into clear glass dishes or pretty dessert cups. I love to garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut and a perfect maraschino cherry on top. For a more substantial dessert, layer ambrosia with pound cake cubes in a trifle dish, creating beautiful strata of color and texture that guests can't resist.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?

Yes, Ambrosia Salad is perfect for making ahead! Simply prepare it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. For best results, make it 4-24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. The marshmallows will soften slightly over time, creating that classic ambrosia texture.

→ What substitutions can I make for the whipped topping?

While the recipe calls for frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), you can substitute freshly whipped cream if preferred. Whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 3-4 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. For dairy-free options, coconut-based whipped toppings like CocoWhip work well.

→ Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

While traditional Ambrosia Salad uses canned fruit for convenience and consistent sweetness, you can substitute fresh fruit. Consider using fresh pineapple chunks, orange segments, and fresh or frozen cherries. Just note that fresh fruit may release more juice over time, potentially thinning the creamy base.

→ How long does Ambrosia Salad last in the refrigerator?

When properly stored in an airtight container, Ambrosia Salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The texture may change slightly as the marshmallows continue to soften and the fruits release more juice, but it remains delicious.

→ What can I add to customize my Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia Salad is wonderfully adaptable! Consider adding sliced bananas, diced apples, chopped pecans or walnuts, or even colored mini marshmallows for visual appeal. Some variations include folding in 1/2 cup of sour cream for tanginess, adding a splash of vanilla extract, or incorporating drained fruit cocktail.

→ Is Ambrosia Salad gluten-free?

Most ingredients in Ambrosia Salad are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on marshmallows and whipped topping as some brands may contain gluten. To ensure it's completely gluten-free, use certified gluten-free marshmallows and verify that your whipped topping doesn't contain any gluten ingredients.