This fun and easy Ambrosia Salad is a delectable combination of fresh whipped cream, sour cream, mini marshmallows, coconut, mandarin oranges, pineapple, maraschino cherries and pecans. The end result is pure heaven and always a hot commodity at potlucks, family reunions, and holiday parties.
Spring and summer are right around the corner and with them brings lots of bright fun and festive side salads. This recipe, Best Broccoli Salad, Tomato Salad, and Carrot Salad are just a few of our favorites.
Why this recipe works!
- This beautiful bright and colorful salad is always a show stopper whether it is on the dinner table or at the office potluck.
- Even with fresh whipped cream this recipe only takes about 15 minutes of hands on time leaving you plenty of time for the rest of the meal.
- This classic salad is loved by multiple generations from the the grandparents right down to the little kiddos.
How to make Ambrosia Salad
Start by making the whipped cream. First chill the bowl and beaters for about 15-20 minutes. Then combine the whipping cream and powdered sugar in the chilled bowl. Beat on medium high speed until medium to stiff peaks form. Now add the sour cream, mini marshmallows, coconut, mandarin oranges, pineapple, maraschino cherries and pecans. Using a spatula gently fold the ingredients together. For best results chill for about 1 hour prior to serving.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- I like the taste of real whipped cream in this dish but in a pinch Cool Whip works as a good substitute.
- For even more color for a special occasion use rainbow mini marshmallows in place of the white mini marshmallows.
- You can substitute 1 cup of canned pineapple tidbits for the fresh pineapple.
- For added flavor toast the pecans. Toast them whole in a single layer on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes or until fragrant. As soon as you remove them from the oven transfer to a bowl to stop the cooking process.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It does not freeze well.
More fruit recipes you will love!
- Summer Fruit Salad
- Blackberry Cobbler
- Grape Salad
- Watermelon Salad
- Strawberry Mimosas
- Peach Dump Cake
Ambrosia Salad
This colorful and tasty classic Ambrosia Salad is a mixture of whipped cream, sour cream, fruit, marshmallows, nuts and coconut. It is always a huge hit at parties and one of the first sides to go.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: side
- Method: bowl and spoon
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple (cut in small bites)
- ½ cup maraschino cherries drained, stems removed
- ¾ cup toasted chopped pecans
Instructions
- Chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. Combine the whipping cream and powdered sugar in the chilled bowl. Beat on medium high speed until medium to stiff peaks form.
- Add the sour cream, mini marshmallows, coconut, mandarin oranges, pineapple, maraschino cherries, and pecans.
- Using a spatula gently fold the ingredients together. For best results chill for 1 hour prior to serving.
Notes
- I like the taste of real whipped cream in this dish but in a pinch Cool Whip works as a good substitute.
- For even more color for a special occasion use rainbow mini marshmallows in place of the white mini marshmallows.
- You can substitute 1 cup of canned pineapple tidbits for the fresh pineapple.
- For added flavor toast the pecans. Toast them whole in a single layer on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes or until fragrant. As soon as you remove them from the oven transfer to a bowl to stop the cooking process.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It does not freeze well.
Keywords: marshmallow fruit salad, how to make ambrosia salad, ambrosia fruit salad recipe, marshmallow fruit salad
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Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
I know for sure this Ambrosia Salad would be a huge hit in my house!
★★★★★
Jo
This ambrosia salad is AMAZING!! Seriously so much flavor and so delicious! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Dannii
This might actually be a salad I can get my husband to eat. It looks deliciously indulgent.
★★★★★
Kate
Oh my, what an incredible dessert – so many gorgeous things in there!! This would go down such a treat at a potluck supper – thanks for a great recipe! x
★★★★★
Kay
Great for the kids for an Easter treat. I will get them to help me make it!
★★★★★
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter
This is a real show stopper and would be a great addition to the Easter table!
★★★★★
katerina @ diethood.com
Ambrosia Salad is my favorite! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
★★★★★
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
Such a fantastic dessert! Everyone loved this Ambrosia Salad!!
★★★★★
Catalina
It’s a treat that my family will love it for sure! This Ambrosia salad looks so inviting!
★★★★★
Toni
We love this ambrosia salad! My kids are requesting this again!
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
This looks amazing! I’ve never tried this, but now I’m adding it to my list of must try recipes!
Rebecca Hubbell
I grew up eating Ambrosia Salad but hadn’t made it before, this recipe is a winner – so easy and so good! Thank you!
★★★★★
Lisalia
Yummy! My aunt always made this for family gatherings. So glad to finally have the recipe to make for my family. there are lots of variations on this recipe – but YOURS is like the one I had growing up. The ratios of fruit, nuts and dressing is SPOT ON!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I sure hope you enjoy it!
Karen Schott
This is SO delicious, even better than what my mom used to make! Thank you!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Karen! So glad that you liked it
Bek
I grew up having this salad at my grandmother’s house for EVERY major holiday, and I so looked forward to it! I’m thrilled to have this recipe in my possession again! Although I’ve already shopped for tomorrow, rest assured, this will make an appearance at both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, and every holiday going forward! It will also be included in the cookbook I’m putting together for my boys, “When BoBo (their grandmother) Used to Cook.” I’m thrilled that it will be a part of our family traditions again from now on!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
That is so awesome. Food can be so nostalgic. It is a little like a time machine.
Jenny
Beck, that sounds like a great cookbook! How did the name Bobo get started?
Beth, such a delicious, classic, super-unhealthy (lol) “salad”! Everyone loves it! Although, here it’s a dessert, like Pretzel “Salad” and Taffy Apple “Salad”! There probably will never be leftovers, but you’re right, it wouldn’t freeze well. It would be good with cereal or plain yogurt for breakfast the next day, or I have frozen it, then blended it into a smoothie with plain yogurt and any kind of frozen fruit! I can’t stand to waste food.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jenny for all those great ideas! I love the breakfast idea with a little granola.