Prepare to be whisked away on a dreamy trip down memory lane with this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe. Every spoonful is a blend of creamy, tangy, fruity goodness and a nostalgic reminder of family picnics, potlucks, and those special occasions where everyone lingers a little too long by the dessert table. This is one of those rare dishes that’s equal parts comfort and celebration—the perfect mixture of tropical fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and sweet coconut, all enveloped in a silky cloud of whipped topping and sour cream. If you crave a dessert salad that’s both effortless and guaranteed to please, you absolutely must try this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe!

Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fruit Salad:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base

Start by finding your favorite large mixing bowl—this is where all the magic happens! Gently fold together the sour cream and thawed whipped topping. You want a smooth, luscious base, so take your time and use a spatula. This creamy mixture sets the stage for all the fruity goodness to come.

Step 2: Add the Fruits and Fun

Next, carefully add the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, sweetened shredded coconut, and those irresistible maraschino cherries. If you’re a nut-lover, sprinkle those pecans or walnuts in as well. Gently stir everything together; light hands are the secret to keeping the fruit whole and uncrushed, which means every scoop will be just as beautiful as it is delicious.

Step 3: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and slide it into the fridge for at least two hours. This recipe is truly at its best when cold and just a little bit set—the wait lets all the flavors marry and the marshmallows become wonderfully pillowy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

When it’s party time (or simply dessert-for-one time), give your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe a gentle stir, scoop it into your prettiest serving dish, and get ready for smiles all around! Serve it chilled and savor that sweet, creamy, memory-filled bite.

How to Serve Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For that delightful finishing touch, decorate your ambrosia with a sprinkle of extra coconut, a few glossy maraschino cherries on top, or even some toasted nuts if you like a little contrast. Tiny orange segments or mint leaves also add a fun pop of color!

Side Dishes

This dish is a superstar on a picnic table, at brunch, or alongside a big holiday spread. Pair this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe with classic mains like honey-glazed ham, roasted turkey, or a vibrant green salad for contrast—it’s a side that complements pretty much any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination take charge! Serve ambrosia in clear glass cups for individual parfaits, layer it with extra fruit for a showy trifle, or use cute vintage bowls for a retro party vibe. Mini mason jars work perfectly for picnics or kid-friendly gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a bonus, but make sure you store your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, though it’s at its freshest within the first day or two.

Freezing

While technically you can freeze ambrosia salad, the texture changes quite a bit when thawed. The cream and fruit can separate, so this isn’t the best dish for the freezer. Stick to enjoying it freshly chilled for best results.

Reheating

No need to reheat—ambrosia is happiest served cold! If it’s been in the fridge for a while, just give it a gentle stir to freshen it up before you serve.

FAQs

Can I make the Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, making it a few hours or even a day ahead is ideal! The flavors mingle and the marshmallows soften up beautifully during chilling, making it even tastier.

What fruits can I swap in or add?

Feel free to play around—grapes, sliced bananas just before serving, or even diced apples add fun twists. Just be sure to drain everything well to prevent a watery salad.

Is there a way to lighten up the Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe?

Definitely! Use light or fat-free sour cream and whipped topping, and aim for fruit canned in juice instead of syrup if you’d like to cut down the sweetness and calories.

Do I have to use coconut?

If coconut isn’t your thing, you can safely leave it out. The salad will still taste wonderful, but you will miss out on some signature chewiness and subtle tropical flavor.

What’s the secret to a fluffy, not soupy, texture?

Pat the cherries dry thoroughly and make sure all canned fruit is very well drained. The less extra liquid, the fluffier and more decadent your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe will be!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple, joyful, and adored at every table, this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is it. It’s pure comfort, never fails to delight, and comes together in minutes. Gather your ingredients, let the salad chill, and get ready to watch everyone come back for seconds—happy mixing!

Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Classic Ambrosia Salad recipe is a delightful mix of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors in every bite. It’s a perfect side dish for potlucks, holidays, or simply as a refreshing dessert. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Salad:

1 cup sour cream
1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (8-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained

Add-Ins:

1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together sour cream and whipped topping until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, marshmallows, coconut, cherries, and nuts (if using). Gently stir to combine.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Serve: Serve cold and enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, use light sour cream and whipped topping.
This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Stir gently before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American