If you’re searching for pure nostalgia in a bowl, look no further than Classic Ambrosia Salad: a cloud-like mix of juicy fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and a creamy, dreamy dressing that brings every holiday or family gathering straight to life. This timeless treat is sweet, tangy, and bursting with tropical notes, making it just as welcome on a festive buffet as it is on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Classic Ambrosia Salad perfectly balances freshness, crunch, and cozy flavors, creating the ultimate crowd-pleaser for everyone—from the tiniest tots to the fun-loving grandparents.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Mandarin Orange and Pineapple Mixture:
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks or tidbits, drained
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start mixing, make sure all your fruit is well-drained to prevent a watery salad. Lay the maraschino cherries on a paper towel to soak up any excess juice, and measure out your ingredients. Having everything prepped makes assembling Classic Ambrosia Salad a total breeze!
Step 2: Combine the Fruit and Coconut
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, and the sweetened coconut. Take your time folding them together so the fruit remains intact, and each bite has a perfect mix of flavors and colors.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Elements
Dollop in the sour cream and swirl in the whipped topping. Now, gently fold the ingredients until everything is evenly coated in the wonderful creamy mixture. This is what gives Classic Ambrosia Salad that irresistible, luscious texture!
Step 4: Finish with Cherries and Nuts
Scatter in the halved, thoroughly patted-dry maraschino cherries, and if you love a bit of crunch, throw in the chopped pecans or walnuts. Fold these in just enough so they’re well distributed but don’t break up the fruit or squish the marshmallows.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover your bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours—or, for maximum flavor, overnight. Chilling allows everything to meld and become extra delicious. Serve your Classic Ambrosia Salad cold and get ready for major smiles all around.
How to Serve Classic Ambrosia Salad
Garnishes
A final flourish is never out of place! Try garnishing with a few extra maraschino cherries on top, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even a twist of orange zest. These little touches make your Classic Ambrosia Salad look just as fun as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with other classic retro favorites. Try serving it alongside glazed ham, roast turkey, or your favorite brunch casseroles. Its cool creaminess is also the perfect partner to spicy dishes or savory grilled meats.
Creative Ways to Present
Crowd coming over? Scoop your Classic Ambrosia Salad into individual parfait cups or mason jars for a party-ready presentation. Or, serve it in a large glass trifle bowl to show off those pretty layers and colors. Sprinkle with a little extra coconut for a finishing touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Classic Ambrosia Salad actually improves after a night in the fridge, as the flavors continue to meld and soften. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container, and enjoy within 3 days for peak freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While it’s technically possible to freeze Ambrosia Salad, the texture will change considerably—marshmallows can become rubbery, and the creamy dressing may separate after thawing. For best results, stick to refrigerating and whip up a fresh batch when needed.
Reheating
No need to reheat—Classic Ambrosia Salad is meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge! If it’s too firm after chilling, simply give it a gentle stir before serving to loosen up the creamy dressing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarins and pineapple can be wonderful in Classic Ambrosia Salad. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and drain off any excess juice to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
How far in advance can I make Classic Ambrosia Salad?
You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. In fact, making it ahead gives all the wonderful flavors extra time to meld—but aim to serve within two days for best texture.
What’s the best way to keep the salad from getting watery?
Draining your canned fruit thoroughly and patting the cherries dry are key! If you’re using fresh fruit, you can set it on paper towels for 10–15 minutes before mixing.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the dressing?
Yes, you can swap out the sour cream and whipped topping for their dairy-free counterparts, many of which are available at grocery stores. The salad will still have that classic creamy texture and flavor.
Do I have to add nuts?
Nuts are totally optional in Classic Ambrosia Salad. If you have allergies or just prefer without, you can leave them out—there’s still plenty of crunch from the coconut and marshmallows!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Classic Ambrosia Salad at home, you’re in for a treat that’s equal parts fun, festive, and deliciously old-fashioned. Whether you’re sharing it at a holiday feast or just feeling nostalgic, this dreamy, creamy salad is ready to brighten up any occasion. Give it a whirl and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe box!
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Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Ambrosia Salad is a delightful combination of fruity sweetness and creamy goodness. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a dessert, this no-bake salad is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Mandarin Orange and Pineapple Mixture:
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks or tidbits, drained
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, coconut, and sour cream.
- Add the whipped topping and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the maraschino cherries and chopped nuts, if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve cold.
Notes
- Make sure the fruit is well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming runny.
- For a lighter version, use light sour cream and reduced-fat whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
