Ambrosia Salad Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a refreshingly sweet, creamy treat that’s as nostalgic as it is delightful, this Ambrosia Salad Recipe is just what you need. I absolutely love how this salad combines bright citrus flavors with fluffy marshmallows and rich sour cream, making it a perfect side dish for potlucks, holiday dinners, or just a spontaneous afternoon snack. Stick around, because I’m sharing my best tips to make this classic recipe turn out fabulous every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a luscious and light salad with just the right amount of sweetness and texture. When shopping, look for canned fruit packed in juice rather than heavy syrup to keep the salad bright and fresh.

• Mandarin oranges: Choose canned oranges that are well-drained to avoid watery salad.
• Pineapple tidbits: Like the oranges, drain them well; fresh pineapple works in a pinch but is less convenient.
• Miniature marshmallows: These add a delightful chew and sweetness, so don’t skip them!
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Toast lightly for extra flavor or use as-is to keep it tender.
• Sour cream: Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest, most luscious result.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Ambrosia Salad Recipe to keep it fresh and suited to different tastes. Don’t be afraid to tweak the fruit or swap out ingredients to match the season or your dietary needs.

• Greek Yogurt Swap: For a lighter tang, I sometimes replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, which adds protein and cuts calories.
• Fresh Fruit Mix: Try adding fresh strawberries or grapes for added texture and color—I learned this trick at a summer picnic and everyone loved it!
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top give a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt to make it vegan-friendly without losing creaminess.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Fruit and Marshmallows

Start by draining your canned mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits very well—this prevents your salad from becoming watery. In a large bowl, gently fold together the drained fruit, miniature marshmallows, and shredded coconut. This mix is the heart of the salad, and I love how the marshmallows add a fun, pillowy texture.

Step 2: Add the Sour Cream and Mix Gently

Next, spoon in the sour cream and toss everything together with care. You want the fruit and marshmallows lightly coated without crushing them. I use a big spoon and fold gently—it keeps the marshmallows from dissolving or sticking together too much.

Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, though I prefer overnight. This resting time lets the flavors marry, and the coconut softens slightly, giving the salad its signature creamy, luscious taste. You’ll find it’s way better after some chill time than right after mixing.

How to Serve Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut or some toasted chopped nuts on top just before serving. Sometimes, a few bright maraschino cherries add that classic vintage look that catches everyone’s eye. The garnishes add little bursts of flavor and a pop of color that make this simple salad feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This Ambrosia Salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or ham for a balanced meal. It also makes a refreshing finish after a spicy barbecue or hearty casserole. At family dinners, I often serve it alongside roasted veggies and fresh bread – it’s that versatile!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I sometimes serve ambrosia in pretty glass parfait dishes with layers of pineapple and orange fragments on the bottom to show through. Another fun trick is chilling it in mini mason jars for easy individual portions that are perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh and tasty for about 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to fluff it back up.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite for this salad because the marshmallows and sour cream don’t freeze well—they can turn watery and separate. If you want to freeze fruit for future ambrosia, freeze separately and add fresh marshmallows and sour cream when thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold. I wouldn’t recommend reheating since it can ruin the texture. If it’s been chilled properly, you’re in for a refreshing and creamy treat right from the fridge!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ambrosia Salad Recipe holds a special place in my heart as my go-to easy dessert and crowd-pleaser. I used to struggle finding quick, no-bake options that felt like something homemade and special—this salad changed that for me. It’s sweet, creamy, and light all at once, with just enough texture to keep every bite interesting. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover how it brightens your meals and your gatherings just like it has mine! Give it a try—you’ll be hooked.

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