Ambrosia Salad is a creamy no-bake fruit salad made with pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut and miniature fruit-flavored marshmallows. It can be served as a side dish or dessert and it’s great for holiday meals and when you’re entertaining!
What is Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia salad is an easy dessert salad from the southern US. It’s also a type of fluff salad and is similar to Watergate Salad. The difference between the two is that Watergate Salad has nuts and Ambrosia does not. Ambrosia usually has more fruit and coconut too.
This recipe can also be called Five Cup Salad. That was because traditionally it was made with five different ingredients and you used 1 cup of each one to get 5 cups. This recipe is a tweaked version of that classic recipe.
Why We Love Ambrosia Marshmallow Salad
- Sweet and creamy flavor everyone enjoys
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
- Nostalgic recipe is a classic from childhood and holiday tables
- No cooking or baking required
- Great for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings
- Easily customizable with your favorite fruits or nuts
- Both kids and adults enjoy it!
Ingredients
The ingredients list for this dessert salad is super simple and you can find everything you need at the grocery store.
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Sour cream
- Pineapple chunks
- Mandarin oranges
- Fruit mini marshmallows
- Sweetened coconut flakes
- Maraschino cherries
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Equipment
You’ll also need a few things from the kitchen to make banana fluff dessert.
- Large mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups
- Serving bowl
Step By Step Instructions
This recipe makes 8 servings. It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and I recommend 30 minutes to 1 hour of chill time before serving.
Step 1. Drain the pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cherries. Cut the pineapple chunks and cherries in half.
Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the Cool Whip and sour cream until well combined.
Step 3. Then fold in the pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, coconut, and cherries.
Step 4. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. Stir and serve in a serving bowl. Top with maraschino cherries and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
You can cover any ambrosia salad with plastic wrap (or put it in an airtight container) and keep it up in the refrigerator for up to three days. When serving leftovers, gently stir the marshmallow salad before serving again.
Can I Make This Dessert Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this is an easy make ahead dessert recipe! I recommend you chill it for at least 30 minutes but you can also make it the night before and chill until you’re ready to serve. If you are going to prepare it the night before, I recommed waiting to add the marshmallows until right before you’re going to serve this easy Cool Whip fruit salad for best texture.
Is Ambrosia Salad a dessert or a side dish?
Ambrosia Salad can be both a dessert and a side dish. Many people serve it as a sweet side during holiday meals, picnics, or potlucks. Others enjoy it as a light, fruity dessert after a meal. Its creamy, sweet flavors let it fit either category, depending on your menu and tradition.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure that your whipped topping is thawed so that it will mix in smoothly and you’ll get the fluffy texture. Be sure to use Cool Whip and not just whipped cream. They have different textures and ithe texture won’t be quite right if you don’t use whipped topping.
- You can use white miniature marshmallows instead of the fruit ones, but the fruity ones do add extra color.
- You can also add more texture and crunch to this recipe by adding chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, and almonds.
- You can also swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream if you prefer.
More Fluff Salad Recipes
- Banana Pudding Fluff Salad
- Berry Cheesecake Fluff
- Strawberry Fluff Salad
- Banana Split Fluff
- Orange Fluff Salad
- Pistachio Fluff
- Pineapple Fluff Salad
- Cool Whip Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cool whip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 20 oz. pineapple chunks drained, and halved
- 15 oz. mandarin oranges drained
- 1 1/2 cups fruity mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/3 cup maraschino cherries drained, and halved (plus more for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cherries. Cut the pineapple chunks and cherries in half.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the Cool Whip and sour cream until well combined.
- Then fold in the pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, coconut, and cherries.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. Stir and serve in a serving bowl. Top with maraschino cherries and enjoy!
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