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 like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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 beautifully bright and colorful dessert salad is always a show stopper, whether it is on the Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner table or at the office potluck.
- Even with fresh whipped cream, this recipe only takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time, leaving plenty of time for the rest of the meal.
- This classic salad is loved by multiple generations, from the grandparents right down to the little kiddos.
How to make Ambrosia Salad
Start by making the whipped cream using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer. 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 orange slices, 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 fruit-flavored marshmallows instead of white mini marshmallows.
- Other fresh fruits to consider adding or substituting are grapes, blueberries, peaches, or bananas.
- 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 them to a bowl to stop the cooking process. Walnuts and pistachios work well too.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It does not freeze well.
More fruit recipes
Ambrosia Salad Recipe
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 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 rubber 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 Cool Whip works as a good substitute in a pinch.
- For even more color for a special occasion, use fruit-flavored marshmallows instead of white mini marshmallows.
- Other fresh fruits to consider adding or substituting are grapes, blueberries, peaches, or bananas.
- 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 them to a bowl to stop the cooking process. Walnuts and pistachios work well too.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It does not freeze well.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Kelly Astleford
A word of caution – use canned pineapple, not fresh for this salad, especially if using whipped cream instead of cool whip. Fresh pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain that reacts when combined with dairy which has a protein called casein. The casein is chemically chewed up by bromelain, which will result in peptides, or smaller protein pieces, that makes it unpleantly bitter. If you really want fresh pineapple, try heating your pineapple first to denatured the bromelain.
Amanda Dixon
I love ambrosia salad, and your version is just fabulous! It’s nice and light and fluffy, but it also has the perfect touch of decadent with the cream and sweet fruit. I’ll definitely use your recipe from now on!
Jacque Hooper
Such a light and tasty dish; love this classic recipe and yours was no exception! Delish!
Claudia Lamascolo
This was delicious I make it often!
Heather
I always head right for the ambrosia salad at potlucks, and this recipe sounds like a real winner! I love the look of an extra fluffy “dressing.”
Sara Welch
This was the perfect salad for a hot summer day! Light, easy and sweet; my whole family loved it!
Amy
What a great dessert idea, I can’t wait to try it!
Caroline
I like that you have a mix of colors in there, as well as flavors – a Southern classic.
Lauren Michael Harris
This ambrosia salad sounds so good! I’ve never had it before and will be making it asap now for the kids and I!
Sarah James
I love how easy it is to whip up your Ambrosia Salad and how adaptable the recipe is. Thanks for sharing.
Biana
Looks amazing, we love the Ambrosia salad around the holidays.
Mirlene
Definitely would love a heaping bowl of this to enjoy with a great book. Cant wait to make it.
Jacqueline Meldrum
I’ve never heard of this before but it sounds delicious! Who could resist?
Charla
Definitely different from the salads that I normally eat but willing to give it a try especially since I have a sweet tooth.
Dianne Sorensen
Hi, our family has made this for over 50 years. I’ve seen different versions, but still prefer the original recipe. There is no cream, except the sour cream. Adding the whipping cream, and the sugar, makes it into dessert, as some here have thought it to be. If you use only sour cream, it still us very sweet because of the marshmallows adding sweetness.
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.
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
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!
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!
Allyson Zea
This looks amazing! I’ve never tried this, but now I’m adding it to my list of must try recipes!
Toni
We love this ambrosia salad! My kids are requesting this again!
Catalina
It’s a treat that my family will love it for sure! This Ambrosia salad looks so inviting!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
Such a fantastic dessert! Everyone loved this Ambrosia Salad!!
katerina @ diethood.com
Ambrosia Salad is my favorite! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter
This is a real show stopper and would be a great addition to the Easter table!
Kay
Great for the kids for an Easter treat. I will get them to help me make it!
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
Dannii
This might actually be a salad I can get my husband to eat. It looks deliciously indulgent.
Jo
This ambrosia salad is AMAZING!! Seriously so much flavor and so delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
I know for sure this Ambrosia Salad would be a huge hit in my house!