Description
Classic Ambrosia Salad is a sweet and creamy fruit salad featuring a luscious blend of whipped topping, sour cream, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and Maraschino cherries. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or dessert for gatherings, this no-cook recipe combines tropical flavors and a delightful texture that comes together after chilling for a few hours.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed (e.g., Cool Whip brand)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup Maraschino cherries, halved (plus more for garnish, if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and whipped topping until smooth and well mixed, forming a creamy foundation for the salad.
- Add fruit and mix-ins: Add the drained pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and halved Maraschino cherries to the creamy base.
- Fold ingredients together: Gently fold all ingredients together to evenly coat the fruit and marshmallows with the creamy mixture, taking care not to break up the fruit.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Garnish and serve: When ready to serve, garnish the Ambrosia Salad with additional Maraschino cherries for an appealing pop of color and extra sweetness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat whipped topping and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing or omitting marshmallows if preferred.
- Make the salad a day ahead to enhance the flavor melding.
- Use fresh fruit if desired, but drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Keep the salad refrigerated until serving to maintain its best texture and freshness.
