Ambrosia Salad is a classic creamy fruit salad that is easy to whip up and is as much a dessert as a salad. Try my Cookie Salad for another no-bake, quick dessert salad to enjoy.
Ambrosia Salad
Is it a dessert? Is it a salad? Let’s just call this a dessert salad and cover both bases. Ambrosia (meaning food of the Greek and Roman Gods or something pleasing to taste or smell) salads started with three ingredients–sliced oranges, grated coconut, and sugar. Today, the idea of a traditional ambrosia salad can vary quite a bit. This recipe is sweet enough with all the fruit and is a light, fluffy, and refreshing treat.
Salad Ingredients
As mentioned, there are a lot of ways to make this salad the way you like it. The ingredients in this recipe are what I like, but add or replace any of them with your preferences.
Fruit: Be sure to drain the fruit before adding it to the salad. You could also add more fruit, like grapes, bananas, and strawberries.
Coconut: Although it is a common ingredient in Ambrosia salad, you could leave out the coconut. However, it does give the salad a crunchy texture.
Whipped Topping: Use storebought cool whip for this recipe, or make your own homemade whipped topping!
How to Store Ambrosia Salad
This salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If stored properly, ambrosia salad will keep for 2-3 days.
More No Bake Treats
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 jar (16 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 8 ounces whipped topping, such as cool whip
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Toss to mix.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, up to overnight, before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
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Used whipped cream and left out the marshmallows (yuk, too sweet) added some unsweetened coconut. Delicious.
The recipe does not say how much each serving is only that it’s a total of eight servings could you provide that information please
I need an ambrosia with angel food cake
Yes! My mom would slice an angel food cake horizontally, scoop out a trench and fill with this, replace the top and frost with whipped cream
This sounds like my moms recipe. She would also add in mini marshmallows. Can’t wait to try it!
Thank you.
She has mini marshmallows in her recipe!
Thank you for making me remember that I love this we had it every Christmas you brought back a very lovely memory now I have it ,a wonderful surprise for any get together
I make this with fruit cocktail and it is delicious
i have made it with fruit cocktail as well
but did not know about sour cream
I DON’T USE WHIPPED CREAM AS COOL WHIP AT ALL. I USE I CAN OF FRUIT COCKTAIL, DRAINED. I BAG OF SMALL MINIATURE MARSHMELLOWS. AND I MEDIUM CONTAINER OF SOUR CREAM. SINCE I AM ALLERGIC TO ORANGES, I DON’T USE THEM. THE PINEAPPLE WOULD HAVE TO BE DRAINED AND NOT USED ALSO. THE MARACHINO CHERRIES WOULD ALSO, HAVE TO BE DRAINED. THE COCONUT, I DON’T USE FOR COST TOO MUCH. THAT IS THE WAY MY MOM TAUGHT US AND WE HAVE HAD GREAT SUCCESS WITH IT. THE WHIPPED CREAM MAKES IT TOO SOUPY. I LIKE MINE THICK AND SO DO ALOT OF MY FRIENDS. THX.
Does no one read the recipe? It says “drained” lol
I always add pecans.