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 a side dish that is pure heaven and always a hot commodity at potlucks, family reunions, and holiday parties with kids and adults alike.
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 dessert 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 large bowl. Beat on medium high speed until medium to stiff peaks form. Now stir in 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.
- Other fresh fruit to consider adding or substituting are grapes, blueberries, peaches, or bananas.
- Whipped topping like Cool Whip can be substituted for the whipping cream and powdered sugar.
- You can add vanilla Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or cream cheese but I like the texture of the whipped cream and sour cream.
- 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 leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It does not freeze well.
More fruit recipes you will love!
PrintAmbrosia Salad Recipe
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 sweetened coconut shreds
- 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
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