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Ambrosia Salad is one of those timeless, joy-sparking fruit salads that always draws a crowd with its creamy, dreamy blend of citrus, coconut, cherries, and pillowy marshmallows. Whether you’re pulling together a holiday feast, summer barbecue, or potluck with friends, this dessert-slash-side brings a burst of color and a refreshing touch of nostalgia every single time. It’s blissful simplicity in a bowl—easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and always the first dish to disappear from the serving table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fruit Salad:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks or tidbits (drained)
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and halved)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Blend the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and whipped topping. Stir them together until you have a smooth, uniform base; this is what will coat your fruit and marshmallows, and make every spoonful creamy and inviting.

Step 2: Fold in Fruits and Treats

Next, gently fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans (if using). Use a large spatula and a light touch—this helps keep the fruit intact and evenly coats every ingredient with the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Chill

Cover your Ambrosia Salad with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is key: chilling allows all the flavors to meld and the texture to become delightfully set and scoopable.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once nicely chilled, give your salad a gentle stir to fluff it up, then serve cold as a dessert or a festive side. Don’t be surprised if guests clamor for seconds!

How to Serve Ambrosia Salad

Garnishes

Top your Ambrosia Salad with a few extra maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra color and sweetness. Pecans or even a few orange zest curls add a special finishing flourish that makes your bowl truly pop on the buffet.

Side Dishes

Because Ambrosia Salad is both sweet and refreshing, it pairs brilliantly with classic comfort mains like baked ham, roast turkey, or BBQ chicken. For brunches, try serving it alongside quiches, breakfast casseroles, or battered French toast to balance savory with sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

Level up the nostalgia by serving your Ambrosia Salad in individual parfait glasses, vintage coupe dishes, or hollowed-out citrus halves. You can even layer it in a trifle bowl for dramatic, eye-catching presentation at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ambrosia Salad should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. If any liquid collects at the bottom, just give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing Ambrosia Salad isn’t recommended—the creamy base and marshmallows can become watery or mushy once thawed. For best results, enjoy your salad fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

No need for reheating! Ambrosia Salad is meant to be served cold, making it the perfect make-ahead treat for any occasion.

FAQs

Do I have to use pecans in Ambrosia Salad?

Not at all! Pecans are completely optional—they add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, but you can leave them out for a nut-free version or swap for walnuts if you prefer.

Can I use different fruits in my Ambrosia Salad?

Absolutely! While the classic mix includes mandarin oranges and pineapple, feel free to try fresh strawberries, grapes, or even diced apples to give it your own twist.

Is it possible to make Ambrosia Salad dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the sour cream and whipped topping with your favorite dairy-free alternatives—the results will still be deliciously creamy and crowd-pleasing.

How long in advance can I make Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia Salad is ideal for making ahead—prepare it up to 24 hours before you plan to serve for best flavor and texture. The salad improves as it chills and the flavors mingle.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

You bet! Homemade whipped cream brings a lovely fresh touch. Just make sure it’s whipped to soft peaks before folding in so your salad stays fluffy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing classic that brings instant smiles, you simply can’t go wrong with Ambrosia Salad. Give it a try at your next gathering—chances are, it’ll become a new favorite with your family and friends, just as it has with mine!