This easy Ambrosia Salad is a nostalgic marshmallow fruit salad made with colorful fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy pecans for a perfect mix of textures.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Did your mom or grandma ever serve a marshmallow fruit salad or Jell-O salad?

Ambrosia Salad was never intended to be a dessert – this side dish started appearing on American holiday tables as a side dish alongside mashed potatoes and turkey starting in the mid-1800s. The name ambrosia was a reference to the decadence and luxury of these once-hard-to-find ingredients: pineapple, oranges, shredded coconut, etc.

Some versions use only a whipped cream base, while others opt for sour cream. For us, I love mixing the two together to make a tangy and sweet cream base to add all of our wonderful mix-ins to.

It’s a perfect cornucopia of flavors, all of them sweet but deepening the flavor profile in their own way:

• tart citrus fruits
• juicy maraschino cherries
• earthy shredded coconut
• nutty richness of toasted pecans
• tangy and sweet Cool Whip-sour cream base

And to top it all off, little bites of fluffy marshmallows mixed throughout.

You can serve ambrosia salad as a holiday side dish, as originally intended, or serve it as an easy weeknight dessert or even a fruit dip!

It’s so simple to make that I often just set out the ingredients for the kids and let them whip it up. They are so proud to serve their ambrosia salad and you can also use it to introduce new fruits.

You can make this salad a couple of hours before you plan to serve it, or prep it the night before. True traditionalists will require you to make it the night before as that’s when the different ingredients start to really “mesh” together, but I like it a bit more when you can taste each flavor individually in the salad.

Check out our quick recipe video to see how to make your own ambrosia salad – and then don’t forget to scroll down to grab your free printable recipe card:

— Jennifer

Ambrosia Salad Ingredients

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• 8oz cool whip
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 11 oz mandarins
• 20 oz crushed pineapple
• 10 oz maraschino cherries
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 2 cups fruity rainbow mini marshmallows
• 3/4 cups crushed pecans, optional

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon
• Large Mixing Bowl

Instructions

Combine cool whip and sour cream in a large container until sour cream is completely incorporated.

Stir in the drained mandarins and pineapple, followed by the coconut and rainbow marshmallows. Add in the pecans, if using.

Drain and press the cherries between two sheets of paper towel, then carefully stir into the ambrosia salad to prevent bruising.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time? Yes, Ambrosia Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few hours or overnight can enhance the taste of the salad. However, it’s best to add the marshmallows just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Do I have to use the same fruits as this recipe? Ambrosia Salad is quite versatile, and you can customize it to your liking by adding or omitting fruits based on your preferences. Common variations include adding grapes, strawberries, canned fruit cocktail or diced apples.

Is Ambrosia Salad healthy? While Ambrosia Salad contains fruits and coconut, which are nutritious, it is often made with whipped cream or sweetened condensed milk, which can contribute to its high sugar and calorie content. To make a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream as a lighter alternative to the traditional creamy dressing.

How long does Ambrosia Salad last in the refrigerator? Ambrosia Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, keep in mind that the texture of the salad may change over time as the fruits release their juices, and the marshmallows may become softer. It’s best to consume it within a couple of days for optimal freshness.

Grab your free printable recipe card for our ambrosia salad recipe:

Pin this Easy Marshmallow Fruit Salad for a fun dessert perfect for any occasion:

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