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5 SECRETS TO GETTING DINNER ON THE TABLE...FAST!

You are here: Home/Recipes/Dessert/ The BEST Ambrosia Salad

The BEST Ambrosia Salad

February 4, 2019

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This delicious Ambrosia Salad is so easy to make and always a big hit with kids and adults alike! Made in just one bowl, this classic dessert salad is the perfection addition to your next gathering! Love easy dessert salads? Make sure to try this Cherry Fluff, Reese’s Peanut Butter Fluff, or Pina Colada Fluff the next time you’re planning a party. 

Ambrosia Salad

Today I’m sharing an oldie but goodie with y’all – Ambrosia Salad! This easy dessert salad is always a hit and is a favorite of many in my family, especially my Aunt Judie. There is absolutely no reason to pick this up at the deli when making it at home is SO easy. I love this classic salad and I know you will too!

I seriously don’t think salads like this can ever go out of style…wanna know why? Because they taste AMAZING! They’re easy, fun and accessible. Kids like them. Adults like them. They’re great for parties, potlucks, barbecues. Have I convinced you yet?

I’ve been a long-time fan of Ambrosia. My Aunt Judie introduced it to me many, many moons ago. It’s her favorite. This is the thing though, if you want to buy it at the grocery store, it’s kinda ridiculously priced. Like a little tiny container is $5. I can make this whole salad for $5. So there. (And now so can you!)

What Is In Ambrosia Salad?

So what’s in this classic Ambrosia recipe anyways? A whole bunch of yummy stuff – that’s what!

  • mandarin oranges
  • crushed pineapple
  • coconut
  • maraschino cherries
  • marshmallows
  • Cool Whip

I have always used Cool Whip and sour cream in my Ambrosia recipe but many readers swap out the cool whip and make their ambrosia salad with just the sour cream. The salad will definitely not be as sweet this way or as creamy.

Nuts or No Nuts In Ambrosia?

Some people like theirs with nuts. Some don’t. I don’t judge either way. Sometimes, if I have the time, I’ll even toast the nuts which adds even more amazing flavor to this easy ambrosia salad. I used white miniature marshmallows in this salad but I’m also a big fan of using the multi-colored fruit flavored marshmallows. Those are always lots of fun and I love the color they add. Totally up to you!

There’s a lot going on in this salad and while I don’t technically addy any sugar, all the fruit has a lot of sweetness to it. I have a little secret ingredient for my recipe – sour cream! With all that sweetness going on, the sour cream adds a little creamy tang that helps to offset it. Greek yogurt would also work beautifully. It really helps to keep this ambrosia salad from being overly sweet.

Every little bite is pure bliss. Magic I tell you!

So if you want to really “wow” your guests, or your family on a Tuesday night (cause it’s just that easy…), give this Ambrosia Salad a try – I think you’ll agree that it really is the BEST.

Other Dessert Salads to Try

  1. Tropical Orange Jello Salad
  2. Watergate Salad or Pistachio Fluff
  3. Cherry Fluff
  4. The BEST Fluff Recipes for Holidays, Parties and more!
  5. Pina Colada Fluff

How To Make Ambrosia Salad

Print Pin
4.83 from 46 votes

Ambrosia Salad

This delicious Ambrosia Salad is so easy to make and always a big hit with kids and adults alike! Made in just one bowl, this classic dessert salad is the perfection addition to your next gathering!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword ambrosia, ambrosia salad, dessert
Prep Time 5minutes
Total Time 5minutes
Servings 12servings
Calories 234kcal
Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

  • 8ozCool Whip, lite is fine
  • 1/2cupsour cream, light is fine
  • 11oz mandarin orangesdrained
  • 20ozcrushed pineappledrained
  • 10ozmaraschino cherriesdrained, halved, and patted dry
  • 1cupsweetened coconut flakes
  • 2cupsminiature marshmallows
  • 3/4cupchopped nutspecans, walnuts, cashews optional

Instructions

  • Fold sour cream into Cool Whip in a large serving bowl.
  • Fold in remaining ingredients making sure the pineapple, oranges, and cherries have been properly drained.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 305IU | Vitamin C: 11.6mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Originally published August 4, 2015.

 

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  • 13188

By Trish - Mom On TimeoutFebruary 4, 2019Appetizers and Sides, Christmas, Christmas Recipes, Dessert, Easter, Easter Recipes, Fall, Favorites, Holiday Recipes, Kid-Friendly, Most Popular, Mother's Day, Popular Post, Recipes, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Recipes

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Comments

  1. Michelle Gsays

    September 11, 2021 at 8:48 PM

    Terrible. I made it and had to eat the whole bowl myself it was so good (over a couple days).
    I used salted cashews which brought the flavors, then also added a pint of raspberries I cut into quarters. That tartness just added a level

    Reply
    • Michelle Gsays

      September 11, 2021 at 8:50 PM

      (Part of the original comment).
      Added a level of flavour that took it from good to perfection.

      Reply
  2. Christine Paullsays

    November 24, 2020 at 6:37 PM

    Hi Trish! I made this evening for a treat tomorrow. I made my own whipped cream and added the oranges, cherries, marshmallows, pineapple and coconut to it. I found my husband nibbling later. He said it’s fantastic! Thanks for this great recipe!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeoutsays

      November 25, 2020 at 8:49 AM

      I’m so glad Christine! Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  3. Dianesays

    May 22, 2020 at 12:10 PM

    This was a lifesaver. I wanted it but couldn’t find my mother’s recipe! Thank you! I added a chopped small gala apple for some crunch and opted out of the nuts. Thank you!!!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeoutsays

      May 25, 2020 at 8:42 AM

      Mmmm! I bet the apple is great in this salad! Thanks Diane!

      Reply
  4. Alisonsays

    March 12, 2020 at 5:33 PM

    12 servings? Ha! You mean just one giant bowl for me!?!
    Recipe tasted just as I remembered, thank you for showing how easy it really is to make!
    The flavors marry pretty well for the next day, making ahead of time works!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeoutsays

      March 19, 2020 at 5:17 PM

      Lol! I could go for that! So glad you enjoyed the recipe Alison!

      Reply
  5. Eileensays

    December 27, 2019 at 2:12 PM

    OMG Trish. Thank you for this great recipe.

    Reply
  6. Fran Pignonesays

    November 26, 2019 at 5:18 PM

    I made this Ambrosia Salad last year. It was the best, my family loved it.

    Reply
  7. Marilyn Tsays

    November 22, 2019 at 5:05 AM

    Can this be made the day before serving to save time?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeoutsays

      December 8, 2019 at 8:15 AM

      Yes, it can!

      Reply
  8. Rahul Digitalsays

    October 4, 2019 at 8:45 PM

    It was my first time cooking ambrosia salad and it came out perfect. Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeoutsays

      October 18, 2019 at 10:43 AM

      So glad you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply
  9. Carolynsays

    August 5, 2019 at 12:01 PM

    Allergic to coconut, and many nuts—could use peanuts instead?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeoutsays

      December 8, 2019 at 8:15 AM

      You could use peanuts or just leave nuts out entirely.

      Reply
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Hi, I’m Trish!

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