5-Minute Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Classic Creamy Fruit Salad

This Ambrosia Salad is a classic no-bake dessert salad that’s creamy, fluffy, fruity, and always a crowd favorite. Made with juicy pineapple, mandarin oranges, colorful marshmallows, coconut, whipped topping, and sour cream, this easy recipe comes together in just 5 minutes with no cooking required.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, BBQs, baby showers, and family gatherings, this old-fashioned Ambrosia Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with sweet tropical flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Ambrosia Salad

• Quick 15-minute recipe
• No baking required
• Sweet, creamy, and refreshing
• Perfect make-ahead dessert
• Great for holidays and potlucks
• Easy to customize with your favorite fruits
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

• 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped pecans
• Chopped walnuts
• Green grapes
• Fresh strawberries
• Blueberries
• Diced apples
• Bananas (add just before serving)

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges thoroughly.

Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Drain and halve the maraschino cherries.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Sour cream
• Whipped topping
• Vanilla extract (if using)

Fold together until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in:

• Pineapple
• Mandarin oranges
• Marshmallows
• Coconut
• Cherries

Mix carefully until evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Serve

Stir gently before serving.

Garnish with extra cherries, coconut, or fresh fruit if desired.

Serve chilled.

Tips for the Best Ambrosia Salad

• Drain canned fruit very well to prevent a watery salad.
• Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
• Fold gently to keep the fruit intact.
• Add bananas just before serving to prevent browning.
• Use full-fat sour cream for a richer texture.

Delicious Variations

Tropical Ambrosia Salad

Add:

• Mango
• Kiwi
• Papaya
• Fresh pineapple

Berry Ambrosia Salad

Mix in:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries

Pistachio Ambrosia

Mix in one package of pistachio pudding mix for a fun twist.

Cherry Ambrosia Salad

Double the maraschino cherries for extra sweetness.

Nutty Ambrosia Salad

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

What to Serve with Ambrosia Salad

• Grilled chicken
• BBQ ribs
• Ham
• Turkey
• Pulled pork
• Burgers
• Fried chicken
• Holiday dinners
• Picnic spreads

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy texture may separate after thawing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining the fruit thoroughly
• Overmixing the fruit
• Skipping the chilling time
• Adding bananas too early
• Using frozen fruit without thawing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s even better after chilling for several hours or overnight.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely. Freshly whipped cream makes this salad even richer and lighter.

Can I use fresh fruit?

Yes. Fresh pineapple, oranges, grapes, berries, and apples work beautifully.

Is Ambrosia Salad a dessert or a side dish?

It can be served as either, depending on the occasion.

Pro Tips

• Chill the serving bowl before adding the salad for extra freshness.
• Fold ingredients gently to maintain a fluffy texture.
• Garnish with toasted coconut for added flavor and crunch.
• Serve cold for the best taste and consistency.