Our ambrosia salad recipe is an American classic. Tangy citrus, red cherries, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and chewy shredded coconut make this vintage dessert salad a favorite in many American homes. This pretty dessert is perfect for a crowd.
If you love easy, creamy dessert salads like this one, be sure to browse my No-Bake Desserts collection, then try 5 Cup Salad, Cherry Fluff, or Strawberry Fluff next — they’re all simple, make-ahead favorites that are perfect for sharing.
Ambrosia Salad Ingredients
- Cool Whip: Cool Whip will stabilize the dessert, so it doesn’t deflate like real whipped cream.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a little tang. Reduced-fat sour cream can also be used.
- Pineapple: I use crushed canned pineapple.
- Mandarin Oranges: Canned whole segments are best.
- Maraschino Cherries: This preserved fruit is a classic ingredient.
- Shredded Coconut: I use sweetened shredded coconut, which adds chewy sweetness.
- Pecans: I prefer pecans for a little crunch. You can also use walnuts.
- Fruity Marshmallows: Fluffy, fruity, and chewy goodness adds texture and interest to this dessert.
Tips
- Party Perfect! Serve ambrosia salad in a pretty bowl and bring it to serve at large summer parties like on the Fourth of July, summer barbecues, potlucks, and Sunday suppers!
- Remember Chill Time: This dessert salad comes together in minutes. A one to two-hour refrigeration time is needed before serving.
Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead
- How Long Can You Keep This in The Fridge? Once prepared, your ambrosia fruit salad will last up to four days in the fridge.
- Can You Freeze This? I do not recommend freezing.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dessert ahead of time. Just cover and store it in the refrigerator.
- Food Safety: If you’d like more info on food safety check out this link.
Serving Recommendations
What DOESN’T this salad go with, honestly? Easter ham, tater tot breakfast casserole or Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole for a perfect brunch, million dollar chicken, buttermilk roasted chicken, Mississippi pot roast, chicken spaghetti casserole, crack chicken casserole, and American goulash.
More summer-time dishes we love this salad with: Greek chicken, cilantro lime chicken, chicken gyro, beer brats, shish kabob, spiced beef kabobs, and barbecue smoked ribs— the tart sweetness of this salad makes every dish taste better!
How To Make Ambrosia Salad
- Stir together the Cool Whip and sour cream.
- Fold the rest of the ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Serve.
***See the full instructions below.
More No-Bake Desserts You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more easy, make-ahead treats like this one, these no-bake favorites are always a hit:
- Peanut Butter Lasagna – rich, creamy layers of peanut butter, chocolate, and whipped topping in a crowd-pleasing dessert
- Lemon Lush – light, refreshing layers with a buttery crust and bright lemon flavor
- Butterscotch Delight – sweet, silky layers with rich butterscotch flavor and a fluffy topping
- Oreo Pie – a smooth, cookies-and-cream pie that’s always a favorite
- Heaven on Earth Cake – soft, creamy layers with a light, luscious texture
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a review, I love hearing your feedback! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and stems removed
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 cups mini fruity marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together Cool Whip (8 ounces) and sour cream (1/2 cup).
- Carefully fold the rest on the ingredients in using a rubber spatula. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.
Fans Also Made:
Notes
- Party Perfect! Serve ambrosia salad in a pretty bowl and bring it to serve at large summer parties like on the Fourth of July, summer barbecues, potlucks, and Sunday suppers!
- Remember Chill Time: This dessert salad comes together in minutes. A one to two-hour refrigeration time is needed before serving.
I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed an ambrosia salad. This looks wonderful.
Yaaay! I’m glad you’re enjoying this again. Thanks, Velva! Enjoy 🙂
I just tried your cherry fluff, I gotta have this on 4th of July 🙂
Hi Amy! I’m so happy you like it! I’m making it for the 4th too!