Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

This Classic Ambrosia Salad is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of potlucks, holiday dinners, and family gatherings. With its creamy texture, sweet fruits, and little bursts of marshmallow goodness, it’s the perfect dish to serve when you want something that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Plus, it comes together in a flash! Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this ambrosia salad has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad is incredibly easy to make, and you can have it ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect last-minute addition to any meal.
• Crisp and Creamy: The contrast between the juicy fruits and the creamy dressing creates a delightful texture that’s irresistibly good.
• A Crowd Favorite: This dish has the ability to bring people together. It’s sweet, satisfying, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need for a fantastic Classic Ambrosia Salad:

• Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are a classic choice for ambrosia. They provide a soft, sweet bite that complements the creamy base of the salad. Feel free to use either regular or mini marshmallows, but mini ones are easier to mix in.
• Whipped Topping: This is the base of the creamy dressing for the salad. You can use store-bought whipped topping or make your own if you prefer. Either way, it helps bind everything together beautifully.
• Sour Cream: Adds a slight tanginess to balance out the sweetness and gives the salad a rich, creamy texture.
• Canned Pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks are ideal here—just make sure to drain them well so you don’t end up with a soggy salad. You can also use fresh pineapple if you prefer.
• Mandarin Oranges: These sweet, juicy segments add bursts of citrus flavor that really brighten up the salad. Canned mandarin oranges work well, but fresh ones are even better if you can find them.
• Coconut Flakes: For a subtle tropical flavor and some texture, shredded coconut is a must. It brings that beachy vibe and pairs so well with the other ingredients.
• Cherries: Maraschino cherries make for the perfect garnish. They not only add a pop of color, but their sweet-tartness balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Variations

While the Classic Ambrosia Salad is absolutely perfect as is, here are a few variations to shake things up:

• Add More Fruit: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like diced apples, grapes, or bananas. These fruits complement the tropical vibe and add extra crunch and sweetness.
• Nuts for Crunch: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of texture.
• Greek Yogurt Twist: Swap out half of the whipped topping for Greek yogurt to give the salad a slightly tangier flavor and boost its protein content.
• Marshmallow Madness: If you love marshmallows, add extra mini marshmallows for even more chewy goodness.

How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by draining the pineapple and mandarin oranges well. You don’t want any excess liquid to water down the salad. Once drained, chop any large pineapple chunks into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the whipped topping and sour cream. Stir them together until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Add the Fruit and Marshmallows

Add the pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut to the creamy mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Garnish and Chill

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and top with maraschino cherries for a burst of color and sweetness. Then, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once chilled, serve it up as a refreshing side dish or light dessert. You’ll notice how well the flavors have blended, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Drain Your Fruit Well: It’s crucial to drain the canned fruit thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the salad soggy. You can even pat the fruit dry with paper towels to absorb any remaining liquid.
• Make it Ahead: Ambrosia salad benefits from sitting in the fridge for a while. The flavors have time to blend together, and it becomes even more delicious after a few hours or overnight.
• Customization: Don’t hesitate to adjust the ingredients based on your personal preferences. Love coconut? Add more! Want a citrusy kick? Add more mandarin oranges.
• Chill Time: Make sure to let the salad chill long enough to firm up a little, ideally 2 hours or more. This helps everything set and become a cohesive dish.

How to Serve

Ambrosia Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas for pairing:

• As a Side Dish: This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats, like barbecued chicken or ribs, as its sweetness complements smoky flavors beautifully.
• As a Dessert: It can easily be served as a light dessert after a hearty meal, offering a sweet and creamy end to your feast.
• On Its Own: It’s so good you could even serve it as the main dish for a brunch or potluck. A chilled bowl of Ambrosia Salad is sure to steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad may soften slightly, but it will still taste delicious.

Freezing

Ambrosia Salad is not ideal for freezing. The whipped topping and fruit textures can change once thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or after being refrigerated.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad! Serve it chilled, straight from the fridge, for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple, mandarins, and even fresh coconut flakes can be used. Just make sure to cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces and drain it well to avoid too much liquid.

2. How far in advance can I make Ambrosia Salad?
You can make it up to a day ahead of time. In fact, it’s often better if you let it chill in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) so the flavors can meld together.

3. Can I use a different type of topping?
While whipped topping is traditional, you can substitute it with whipped cream for a more homemade feel. Greek yogurt is also a great option if you prefer something a little tangier and healthier.

4. Is Ambrosia Salad a good option for a potluck?
Yes! Ambrosia Salad is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings because it can be made in large quantities and it’s a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to transport in a covered dish.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Ambrosia Salad is a wonderful dish that’s both refreshing and nostalgic. It’s simple to make, customizable, and sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side or a dessert, this salad will become a favorite in no time. Give it a try at your next gathering, and watch it disappear quickly!

Print