Dessert

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Bylucas Pierce February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

Introduction

Ambrosia Salad is a classic, refreshing dessert that blends sweet fruits, creamy textures, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and colors in every spoonful.

A large white bowl filled with a colorful fruit salad shows several layers starting at the bottom with whipped cream, followed by chunks of bright yellow pineapple and orange mandarin slices scattered throughout. On top, there are shiny red cherries with stems, small white marshmallows, shredded white coconut, and pieces of chopped brown pecans sprinkled over the entire dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two smaller clear glass bowls containing the same salad partially visible to the side. The colors and textures create a fresh and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
1/2 cup sour cream
3 cups mini marshmallows
1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup halved maraschino cherries (stems removed), drained
3/4 cup toasted pecans

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip and sour cream, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, chopped pineapple, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill overnight before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute light Cool Whip and reduced-fat sour cream.
Add a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice for extra citrus brightness.
If you prefer a nut-free salad, omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Toast the coconut lightly in a dry skillet to enhance its flavor before adding.

Storage

Store Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the marshmallows and whipped topping, it’s best enjoyed fresh, as the texture may change after extended storage. If needed, gently stir before serving to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

This close-up image shows a layered dessert in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is white shredded coconut with a fluffy texture, topped on one side with small, bright red glazed cherries. Next to the cherries, there is a cluster of glossy orange segments with a juicy texture. Above the orange segments, there are medium brown pecan halves with a rough surface. Toward the top right, there are pale yellow pineapple chunks with a soft, slightly translucent look. Sitting atop the pineapples and pecans are two dollops of smooth, whipped white cream, with a soft and shiny texture, creating a nice contrast with the fruits and nuts below. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain frozen fruit well to avoid excess moisture that could make the salad watery.

How far in advance can I prepare Ambrosia Salad?

This salad is best prepared a few hours to a day ahead. Refrigerating overnight helps the flavors meld, but avoid storing it much longer to maintain the texture and freshness.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

A classic Ambrosia Salad combining a creamy mixture of Cool Whip and sour cream with sweet mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans. This refreshing and fruity dessert is perfect chilled and easy to prepare, making it a delightful addition to any potluck or family gathering.

Author: lucas
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Mixture

1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
1/2 cup sour cream
3 cups mini marshmallows

Fruit and Nuts

1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup halved maraschino cherries, stems removed, drained
3/4 cup toasted pecans

Instructions

Prepare the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip and sour cream. Stir them together until smooth and well blended, creating the creamy foundation for the salad.
Add the fruits and nuts: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, drained mandarin oranges, chopped pineapple, shredded coconut, halved and drained maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans. Stir carefully to distribute all ingredients evenly without breaking the fruit.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set. It can be chilled overnight for best results.

Notes

To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, stirring once.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and fat-free Cool Whip.
This salad is best served cold and consumed within 2 days to maintain freshness.
Shredded coconut can be toasted for extra flavor if desired – toast in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden.
Ensure all canned fruits are well drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Keywords: Ambrosia Salad, fruit salad, creamy dessert, potluck salad, holiday salad, tropical fruit salad

lucas Pierce

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