If you’re looking for an easy, creamy, old-fashioned dessert that always disappears quickly, this Creamy Ambrosia Salad is a recipe worth saving.

This classic-style fruit salad combines sweet pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, fluffy mini marshmallows, and cherries with a rich and creamy dressing. It’s sweet, refreshing, colorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Unlike complicated desserts that require hours in the kitchen, this easy ambrosia salad comes together in just a few minutes. Simply drain the fruit, mix the creamy dressing, fold everything together, and let it chill.

The result is a fluffy, creamy fruit salad with just the right amount of sweetness and texture.

Creamy Ambrosia Salad is especially popular for family gatherings, potlucks, holiday dinners, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer cookouts, and Sunday meals. It can be served as a side dish, dessert, or sweet addition to a holiday buffet.

The combination of juicy fruit, soft marshmallows, chewy coconut, and creamy dressing makes every spoonful delicious.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Ambrosia Salad

• Quick and easy: No baking required.
• Creamy and fluffy: The whipped cream gives it a light texture.
• Sweet and fruity: Pineapple and mandarin oranges provide plenty of flavor.
• Colorful: Maraschino cherries make it beautiful on a dessert table.
• Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after chilling.
• Perfect for gatherings: Easy to prepare in a large bowl.
• Family-friendly: A classic recipe loved by kids and adults.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Ambrosia Salad

• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ cup chopped pecans, optional

For Garnish

• Extra maraschino cherries
• Mandarin orange segments
• Shredded coconut
• Mini marshmallows
• Chopped pecans

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Creamy Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Drain the Fruit

Place the crushed pineapple in a fine-mesh strainer.

Press gently with a spoon to remove as much excess juice as possible.

Drain the mandarin oranges thoroughly as well.

This step is extremely important.

If the fruit contains too much liquid, the finished ambrosia salad can become watery.

Set the drained fruit aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Sour cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

The sour cream provides a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the fruit, marshmallows, and coconut.

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Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, add the heavy whipping cream.

Beat with an electric mixer until it begins to thicken.

Add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.

Continue beating until soft-to-stiff peaks form.

Be careful not to overbeat.

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Step 4: Combine the Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the sour cream mixture.

Use a spatula and fold slowly.

This creates a light, fluffy dressing rather than a heavy mixture.

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Step 5: Add the Fruit

Add the drained pineapple and mandarin oranges to the creamy mixture.

Fold gently until the fruit is evenly coated.

Try not to crush the mandarin orange segments.

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Step 6: Add Coconut and Marshmallows

Fold in the shredded coconut and mini marshmallows.

Mix gently until everything is distributed throughout the salad.

The marshmallows will absorb some of the creamy mixture as the salad chills, giving them a soft, fluffy texture.

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Step 7: Add the Cherries

Gently fold in the halved maraschino cherries.

Save a few whole cherries for decorating the top.

The cherries add a beautiful pop of color and a sweet flavor that works especially well with the pineapple and coconut.

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Step 8: Add Pecans

If using pecans, fold in the chopped nuts.

For the best flavor, lightly toast the pecans first and allow them to cool completely.

If you’re serving children or guests with nut allergies, simply leave them out.

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Step 9: Chill

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

For the best flavor and texture, allow the ambrosia salad to chill for approximately 4 hours or overnight.

This gives the flavors time to blend together.

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Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir.

Top with:

• Whole maraschino cherries
• Mandarin orange segments
• Shredded coconut
• A few mini marshmallows
• Chopped pecans

Serve chilled.

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🍍 What Is Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia salad is a classic American fruit-based salad traditionally made with ingredients such as oranges, pineapple, coconut, marshmallows, and a creamy dressing.

Although it’s called a “salad,” it is often served as a sweet side dish or dessert.

Different families have their own versions. Some use whipped topping, while others use sour cream, yogurt, cream cheese, or whipped cream.

This creamy version combines sour cream and homemade whipped cream for a smooth, fluffy texture with a balanced sweetness.

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🍊 Best Fruit for Ambrosia Salad

The classic combination is pineapple and oranges, but you can customize the recipe.

Pineapple

Crushed pineapple works especially well because it distributes throughout the salad.

Mandarin Oranges

Their juicy sweetness and bright citrus flavor complement the creamy dressing.

Maraschino Cherries

These add sweetness, color, and a festive appearance.

Coconut

Sweetened shredded coconut gives ambrosia its signature tropical flavor.

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🍓 Variations

Strawberry Ambrosia Salad

Add 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries.

For the best texture, add the strawberries shortly before serving.

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Fruit Cocktail Ambrosia

Replace some of the pineapple and oranges with a can of drained fruit cocktail.

Make sure the fruit is thoroughly drained.

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Banana Ambrosia

Add sliced bananas just before serving.

Because bananas brown quickly, don’t add them too far in advance.

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Cream Cheese Ambrosia

For an extra-rich version, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth and fold it into the creamy dressing.

This creates a thicker, cheesecake-like ambrosia salad.

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Marshmallow Ambrosia

If you love marshmallows, increase the amount to 3 cups.

The extra marshmallows create an especially fluffy texture.

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Pecan Ambrosia

Add ¾ cup toasted chopped pecans.

The crunchy nuts provide a wonderful contrast to the soft fruit and marshmallows.

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Tropical Ambrosia Salad

Add:

• Diced mango
• Toasted coconut
• Chopped pineapple
• Mandarin oranges

A little lime zest can also add a bright citrus flavor.

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🍒 Cooking Notes

The most important part of making Creamy Ambrosia Salad is properly draining the canned fruit.

Even though the fruit juice is flavorful, too much liquid will thin the creamy dressing.

Drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges separately and allow them to sit in a strainer for several minutes.

For an especially thick and fluffy salad, chill it overnight.

If the salad becomes slightly watery after sitting, gently fold in a little additional whipped cream before serving.

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⭐ Tips for the Best Creamy Ambrosia Salad

1. Drain the fruit well

This prevents watery ambrosia.

2. Use cold heavy cream

Cold cream whips much more easily.

3. Don’t overbeat the cream

Stop when you reach the desired peaks.

4. Fold gently

This keeps the salad light and fluffy.

5. Use firm mandarin oranges

They hold their shape better.

6. Add bananas last

They can brown and soften quickly.

7. Toast the pecans

This gives them a deeper, richer flavor.

8. Chill before serving

At least 2 hours is recommended.

9. Garnish right before serving

Fresh toppings make the salad look more appealing.

10. Don’t add too much liquid

Avoid adding canned fruit syrup or juice unless the recipe specifically calls for it.

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🥥 Should You Use Sweetened or Unsweetened Coconut?

For this recipe, sweetened shredded coconut works especially well because it complements the tartness of the sour cream.

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can use unsweetened coconut.

The final salad will have a more subtle coconut flavor and less overall sweetness.

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🍍 Can I Use Fresh Pineapple?

Yes.

Fresh pineapple can be used, although canned pineapple is traditional and convenient.

If using fresh pineapple, cut it into very small pieces and drain away any excess juice before adding it.

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🍊 Can I Use Fresh Oranges?

Absolutely.

Mandarin oranges are convenient, but fresh orange or clementine segments can be delicious.

Remove as much pith and membrane as possible before adding them.

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🧊 How to Store Ambrosia Salad

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator.

It will generally keep for approximately 2–3 days.

For the best texture, enjoy it within the first 24–48 hours.

If you’ve added fresh bananas or strawberries, the salad is best served sooner.

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❄️ Can You Freeze Ambrosia Salad?

Freezing is not recommended.

The creamy dressing can separate after thawing, while the fruit and marshmallows can become watery or change texture.

For the best results, prepare this salad fresh and refrigerate it until serving.

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🍽️ What to Serve With Ambrosia Salad

Creamy Ambrosia Salad works wonderfully alongside savory meals.

Serve it with:

• Baked ham
• Roast turkey
• Fried chicken
• BBQ chicken
• Pulled pork
• Grilled chicken
• Burgers
• BBQ ribs
• Baked chicken
• Holiday casseroles

It’s especially delicious alongside salty and savory dishes because the sweet, creamy fruit provides a refreshing contrast.

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🎉 Perfect for Holidays and Gatherings

This colorful fruit salad is ideal for:

• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• Easter
• Mother’s Day
• Father’s Day
• Summer cookouts
• Family reunions
• Potlucks
• Sunday dinners
• Birthday parties
• Holiday brunches

For a holiday table, serve it in a large glass bowl so the colorful layers and cherries are visible.

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🍨 Make-Ahead Instructions

Ambrosia Salad is an excellent make-ahead recipe.

Prepare the salad several hours before serving.

Cover tightly and refrigerate.

If you want the freshest appearance, reserve a few cherries, orange segments, coconut, and marshmallows for garnish and add them immediately before serving.

This is especially useful when preparing multiple dishes for a holiday meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ambrosia salad a dessert or a side dish?

It can be either. Many families serve it as a sweet side dish alongside dinner, while others consider it a dessert.

Can I make ambrosia salad the night before?

Yes. In fact, chilling overnight can improve the flavor and texture.

Why is my ambrosia salad watery?

The most common reason is that the canned fruit wasn’t drained thoroughly enough.

Can I use Cool Whip?

Yes. Prepared whipped topping can replace the homemade whipped cream if you prefer a faster version.

Can I leave out the coconut?

Yes. Although coconut is traditional, the salad will still be delicious without it.

Can I leave out the marshmallows?

Yes, although marshmallows provide the classic fluffy texture.

Can I use Greek yogurt?

Yes. Plain Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the sour cream for a slightly tangier, thicker version.

Can I add cream cheese?

Yes. Cream cheese makes the salad richer and gives it a cheesecake-inspired flavor.

How long does ambrosia salad last?

It is best consumed within 2–3 days when properly refrigerated.

Can I add fresh fruit?

Yes. Strawberries, grapes, bananas, mango, and blueberries can all be added.

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⏱️ Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2–4 hours
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10–12

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🥄 Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used.

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Sugar: 29g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

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❤️ Conclusion

This Creamy Ambrosia Salad is a delicious throwback dessert that’s still perfect for today’s family gatherings.

Juicy pineapple, sweet mandarin oranges, chewy coconut, fluffy marshmallows, and bright maraschino cherries are combined with a smooth, creamy dressing to create a dessert that’s colorful, comforting, and incredibly easy to make.

Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, a summer cookout, Sunday dinner, or a simple family meal, this classic ambrosia salad is sure to bring plenty of smiles.

Make it ahead, let it chill, and serve it cold for the best flavor.

Creamy, fruity, fluffy, and full of nostalgic flavor—this is one old-fashioned recipe that’s always worth bringing back! 🍊🍍🥥🍒

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