Ambrosia Salad Recipe – Ambrosia Salad is a classic American dessert that combines a delightful mixture of fruits, sweetness, and creamy textures. Traditionally, mandarin is made with oranges, pineapple pieces, and chopped coconut, it often includes Maraschino cherries and mini marshmallows for color and taste. The fruits are slowly converted into a mixture of whipped topping or sour cream, sometimes with curd or cream cheese for prosperity.
Cold ambrosia salad is an indifferent treatment that is frequently enjoyed at holidays and potlucks before service. Its fresh taste and simple preparation make it a timely favorite that brings a touch of sweetness to any table.
Ambrosia Salad Recipe
The Ambrosia salad recipe is a classic American fruit salad that mixes tropical and sweet tastes with a creamy, dreamy texture. Often served during holidays, picnics, or potlucks, ambrosia is as indifferent as it is delicious. Traditionally, mandarin is made with oranges, pineapple, chopped coconut, mini marshmallows, and whipped cream. These no-bake sweets are simple to prepare and prepare the salad. Whether you cool or serve it immediately, this vibrant dish is a timely treatment for all ages.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula or spoon
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Refrigerator-safe container or serving bowl
- 1 Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can pineapple tidbits or chunks, drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Drain the canned fruit and maraschino cherries well to prevent excess moisture. Halve the cherries and chop the nuts, if using.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream and whipped topping until smooth.
- Add the Goodies: Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, coconut, cherries, and nuts.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften.
- Serve Cold: Serve the ambrosia salad chilled, garnished with extra coconut or cherries if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh whipped cream for a homemade twist, though whipped topping holds up better over time.
- Add diced apples or grapes for more fruit variety.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the fruit intact and marshmallows fluffy.
Ambrosia Salad Nutrition
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 230 kcal |
Protein | 2 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 34 g |
Sugar | 25 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sodium | 45 mg |
Flavour Profile of Ambrosia Salad Recipe
1. Sweet and fruit
- Ambrosia salad has a bright, sweet taste with fruits like oranges, pineapples, cherries, and grapes.
- The mixture of fruits makes it juicy, tropical, and refreshing.
2. Creamy and light tangy
- Whipped cream, made with sour cream or curd, gives the salad a smooth, creamy texture with a light, tangy bend.
- This cream balances the sweetness of the fruit.
3. Light coconut taste
- The chopped coconut adds a light coconut taste, making the salad a little nutty and tropical.
- It also adds a soft, chewy texture.
4. Soft and fluffy texture
- When marshmallows are added, they become soft and pillowy, giving the salad a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- It adds a light, candy-like sweetness.
5. Sweet-like and bhogi
- Ambrosia tastes more like a sweet than a salad.
- It is rich, sweet, and satisfactory – often enjoyed in holiday food or parties.
6. Calm and fresh
- Cold served, salad has a cool, fresh taste, especially in summer or hot weather.
- Juicy fruits and creamy mix make every bite cool and soothing
FAQs
Q. What is Ambrosia Salad?
A. Ambrosia Salad is a sweet fruit salad that is made with mixed fruits, marshmallows, whipped creams and sometimes coconut or nuts. It is like a sweet salad that is often served in holidays or parties.
Q. What fruits can I use in ambrosia salad?
A. You can use:
- Pineapple
- Mandarin oranges
- Grape
- Cherry
- Banana (optional)
You can use fresh, canned, or frozen fruits.
Q. Do I have to use Marshmallow?
A. No, but Mini Marshmallow makes it alcoholic and sweet. If you like a light version you can leave them or use less.
Q. Can I create a premature ambrosia salad?
A. Yes!
- This is better if it is done early and kept in the fridge for a few hours.
- It helps to mix tastes well together.
Q. Is Ambrosia salad healthy?
- It is like a cure compared to a healthy salad.
- It has fruits, but also sweet creams and marshmallows.
You can make it lighter with Greek curd or less sugar

Hi, I’m Lauren Kossack — the recipe creator, food lover, and storyteller behind Perfect Meal Recipes! I’m based in the charming town of Zionsville, Indiana, where I share my passion for cooking simple, delicious, and family-friendly meals.
What started as a love for home-cooked comfort food has grown into a space where I create and collect the kinds of recipes that bring people together — whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty sandwich, or a sweet weekend treat.