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
- 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
- Toss Ingredients: Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl, gently. Refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight. That’s it!
- Serve: Serve cold.
FAQs & Expert Tips
FAQs
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!
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.
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!
Ambrosia is a perfect addition to a summer barbeque or potluck and traditionally served at holiday gatherings because it looks so colorful and festive!
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.
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Ambrosia Salad
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
Instructions
- Toss: Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl, gently. Refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight.
- Serve: Serve cold.
Recipe Notes
- 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.
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- 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.
