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Home / Recipes
5 minutes
4.72 from 7 votes
2 Comments

Ambrosia Salad

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by: Joanna Cismaru
11.19.20
Updated: 11.19.20

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pin for ambrosia salad.

Ambrosia Salad is a staple for your holiday table! It’s super simple to make and a favorite with kids and adults alike. This American classic is made with sour cream, mini marshmallows, sweetened coconut, pineapple, mandarin and maraschino cherries.

I know, you’re probably thinking “Jo, what the heck are you talking about” and I know there may be some eyebrow raises. A strange fruit salad with marshmallows? Come again? But trust me! This ambrosia salad is a staple on most holiday tables! Creamy, sweet and full of a variety of bites of marshmallow, coconut, pineapple tidbits, mandarin pieces and maraschino cherries.

Why Make This Ambrosia Salad

  • Simple, Short Ingredient List
  • Easy To Make
  • Holiday Classic
  • Totally Delicious And So Much Fun

Ambrosia is more of a dessert than an actual “salad” – but if they’re calling mini marshmallows a salad ingredient, I’ll take it! Made with a short list of simple ingredients, it doesn’t get much easier than this. Creamy, sweet and for some, nostalgic! I know the kids will definitely want seconds, and as for the adults, well, don’t knock it until you try it. I know the first time I had it, I was in love with it instantly.

Ingredient Notes

overhead shot of all the ingredients needed to make ambrosia salad.
  • Sour Cream – Can be substituted with greek yogurt, whipped cream, or cool whip.
  • Mix-Ins – Sweetened, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, preferably the coloured ones since they’re more fun.
  • Fruit – We are using a combination of canned pineapple tidbits, canned mandarin and maraschino cherries, stems removed. If maraschino cherries aren’t your thing, just skip them.

How To Make Ambrosia Salad

process shots showing how to make ambrosia salad.
  1. Toss Ingredients: Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl, gently. Refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight. That’s it!
  2. Serve: Serve cold.

FAQs & Expert Tips

FAQs

What Is Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia Salad is an American variation on a traditional fruit salad, popular in the southern states. For many, ambrosia salad consists of canned (often sweetened) or fresh pineapple, canned mandarin orange slices or fresh orange sections, miniature marshmallows, and coconut. This is a dish often associated with holiday potlucks and occasionally gets a bad rap, along with the often scorned fruitcake, but when prepared correctly it can be light and delicious!

What Does Ambrosia Mean?

Ambrosia literally means “food of the gods” – The salad was a treat reserved for holidays and other special occasions, and named “ambrosia” after the Greek and Roman gods.

Can I Make This In Advance?

Yes! It’s actually ideal to make this ambrosia salad ahead of time and let it set in the fridge overnight. It will be perfect when you’re ready to serve the next day!

How To Serve

Ambrosia is a perfect addition to a summer barbeque or potluck and traditionally served at holiday gatherings because it looks so colorful and festive!

overhead of a a white bowl piled high with ambrosia salad and a maraschino cherry on top.

Tips

  • I used canned ingredients to make this super easy, feel free to use fresh fruit in this salad!
  • Make sure to drain all of the canned ingredients well!
  • Carefully fold in the ingredients as to not break them apart.
  • You want to make sure you let your ambrosia salad set for at least 4 hours. Overnight is preferred so your salad really has a chance to set and infuse together.

Storing

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Freezing

I do not recommend freezing this dish as the texture may alter, but if you insist on freezing, place the ambrosia salad in an airtight container, you can line it with parchment for easy removal. It will last in the freezer for 6 months.

Leave the Ambrosia Salad in the fridge to defrost if you would like to enjoy it fresh or serve while it is still frozen with an ice cream scoop.

closeup of ambrosia salad in a blue bowl.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Enchilada Sauce
  • Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Easy Pavlova
  • Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce
  • Pineapple Coconut Crescents

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Ambrosia Salad

4.72 from 7 votes
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 8
Print Pin Rate
Ambrosia Salad is a staple for your holiday table! It's super simple to make and a favorite with kids and adults alike. This American classic is made with sour cream, mini marshmallows, sweetened coconut, pineapple, mandarin and maraschino cherries.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup coconut shredded and sweetened
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup canned pineapple tidbits
  • 1 cup canned mandarin
  • ½ cup maraschino cherries stems removed
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Toss: Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl, gently. Refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight.
  • Serve: Serve cold.

Recipe Notes

  1. I used canned ingredients to make this super easy, feel free to use fresh fruit in this salad!
  2. Make sure to drain all of the canned ingredients well!
  3. Carefully fold in the ingredients as to not break them apart.
  4. You want to make sure you let your ambrosia salad set for at least 4 hours. Overnight is preferred so your salad really has a chance to set and infuse together.
  5. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-5 days.
  6. I do not recommend freezing this dish as the texture may alter, but if you insist on freezing, place the ambrosia salad in an airtight container, you can line it with parchment for easy removal. It will last in the freezer for 6 months.
  7. Leave the Ambrosia Salad in the fridge to defrost if you would like to enjoy it fresh or serve while it is still frozen with an ice cream scoop.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1servingCalories: 158kcal (8%)Carbohydrates: 19g (6%)Protein: 1g (2%)Fat: 9g (14%)Saturated Fat: 6g (38%)Cholesterol: 15mg (5%)Sodium: 32mg (1%)Potassium: 136mg (4%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 16g (18%)Vitamin A: 507IU (10%)Vitamin C: 11mg (13%)Calcium: 47mg (5%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Course:Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine:American
Keyword:ambrosia salad
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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