There’s something magical about a bowl of classic Ambrosia Salad. This vintage dessert, beloved at family gatherings and holiday celebrations, is a no-bake, five-minute recipe packed with creamy, fruity goodness. Whether you remember it from childhood potlucks or you’re discovering it for the first time, this retro fruit salad with marshmallows is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.

Ambrosia Salad is more than just a mix of fruit and whipped topping—it’s a nostalgic blend of juicy mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, fluffy marshmallows, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. Some versions add maraschino cherries, chopped nuts, or sour cream for extra flavor, but the result is always the same: a sweet, tangy, and irresistibly creamy dessert that everyone loves.

Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a summer cookout, this easy Ambrosia Salad recipe is a quick make-ahead dish that gets even better as it chills. Plus, it’s the perfect balance of light, refreshing, and satisfyingly sweet, making it a go-to side or dessert for any occasion.

Few recipes have stood the test of time like this old-fashioned Ambrosia Salad. With its silky smooth texture, bursts of citrus, and coconut-infused sweetness, it’s a comforting yet refreshing dessert that pairs perfectly with any meal. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, it’s the kind of dish that’s both effortless and unforgettable.

Whether you’re looking for a potluck-friendly dessert, a holiday side dish, or a sweet summer treat, Ambrosia Salad fits the bill. Make it ahead, let it chill, and watch as it disappears from the bowl in no time. If you love easy, nostalgic desserts, this quick and easy Ambrosia Salad recipe is bound to become a family favorite for years to come.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS AMBROSIA SALAD

• Easy to Make – Just mix, chill, and serve! No baking or complicated steps required.
• Light & Refreshing – A creamy, fruity treat that’s not too heavy but still satisfying.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The sweetness of fruit, tangy citrus, and creamy dressing create a delicious harmony.
• Great for Any Occasion – A staple at potlucks, holidays, or summer gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling, making it a stress-free dessert.
• Kid & Crowd Approved – The mix of marshmallows, coconut, and fruit is always a hit!
• Customizable – Easily swap or add ingredients like nuts, extra fruit, or Greek yogurt for a personal touch.

INGREDIENTS FOR AMBROSIA SALAD

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Drained pineapple tidbits
• Drained mandarin oranges
• Drained maraschino cherries (stems removed)
• Sweetened shredded coconut
• Mini marshmallows

HOW TO MAKE THIS AMBROSIA SALAD

First Step: Prepare the Whipped Cream Base

• In a large bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar.
• Using an electric hand mixer, whip the mixture until stiff peaks form—be careful not to overmix, as that can cause clumping.
• Gently fold in the sour cream to create a smooth, creamy base.

Second Step: Incorporate the Fruit and Coconut

• Add the pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut to the whipped cream mixture.
• Carefully fold everything together until evenly combined, preserving the light texture of the cream.

Third Step: Chill to Enhance Flavors

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Fourth Step: Final Touch with Marshmallows and Serve

• Just before serving, gently fold in the mini marshmallows to maintain their delightful texture.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of creaminess and fruit crunch.

Additional Notes:

• Marshmallow Texture Options: If you prefer a softer texture, you can add the marshmallows with the fruit instead of just before serving.
• Using Cool Whip Alternative: For a twist, substitute the fresh whipped cream with a container of thawed Cool Whip. In this case, simply omit the powdered sugar.
• Sour Cream Considerations: The sour cream introduces a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. If sour cream isn’t to your liking, feel free to replace it with extra heavy cream—no need to adjust the powdered sugar.
• Chilling Is Key: Always allow the salad to chill for at least an hour before serving. This step is crucial for the flavors to fully develop and blend together.

STORAGE OPTIONS

Refrigerate: Store ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, but the fruit may release moisture over time. Stir before serving.

Freeze: Not recommended. The creamy base may separate, and the fruit can become watery once thawed, affecting texture.

Reheat: No need! Ambrosia salad is best served chilled straight from the fridge.

VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Base Options – Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or whipped topping for a creamier or lighter texture.
• Fruit Substitutions – Replace mandarin oranges with pineapple chunks, mango, or peaches for a tropical twist.
• Nutty Crunch – Add toasted pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds for extra texture.
• Coconut Alternatives – Skip the shredded coconut if you prefer, or substitute with extra marshmallows or chopped white chocolate for sweetness.
• More Sweetness – Stir in maraschino cherries, chopped dates, or dried cranberries for added flavor and color.
• Extra Flavor – Mix in a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for depth.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut yogurt or dairy-free whipped topping instead of sour cream or whipped cream.

SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Ambrosia Salad

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

1 hour hour

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• Cream Mixture:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fruit & Add-ins:
• 1 20‑ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1 15‑ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 10‑ounce can maraschino cherries, drained and pitted (stems removed)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

• Prepare the Cream Mixture:
• In a large bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Using an electric hand mixer, whip the mixture until stiff peaks form. (Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a clumpy texture.)
• Gently fold in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
• Combine the Fruits and Coconut:
• Add the drained pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut to the bowl. Carefully fold the fruits and coconut into the cream mixture until evenly distributed.
• Chill:
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more cohesive taste.
• Finish with Marshmallows:
• Just before serving, gently fold in the mini marshmallows. Serve immediately to maintain their texture.

Notes

• Marshmallow Texture:
  If you prefer softer marshmallows, feel free to mix them in with the fruit during the initial combination instead of adding them just before serving.
• Using Cool Whip:
  To substitute fresh whipped cream with Cool Whip, use one 8‑ounce container of thawed Cool Whip in place of the heavy whipping cream mixture. In this case, omit the powdered sugar.
• No Sour Cream?
  If you’re not a fan of sour cream, replace it with an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream. There’s no need to adjust the powdered sugar amount when making this swap.
• Chilling is Key:
  For the best flavor and texture, always chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.