Ambrosia Salad Recipe (Classic, Creamy & Easy) — The Best No-Bake Fruit Dessert for Holidays, Potlucks & Summer Parties
Ambrosia is a very popular American fruit salad that is light, tropical, and crowd-pleasing. This easy creamy fruit salad is perfect for holidays, potlucks, summer parties, and quick no-bake desserts. Ready in minutes, customizable for various diets (Greek yogurt, keto, sugar-free), and loved by kids and adults alike. This Ambrosia salad recipe can be made in just 10 minutes and requires no baking.
To be honest, it takes very little time to prepare, but once you place it on the dinner table, it won’t take long to be completely finished (in other words, “vanish”). This old fashioned Ambrosia Salad recipe balances creamy sweetness and bright tropical fruit so well that guests keep coming back for seconds. So, let’s quickly learn the recipe.
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Ambrosia Salad Recipe (Classic, Easy & Creamy Dessert Salad)
This Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a quick, easy, and no-bake dessert featuring tropical fruits, marshmallows, whipped topping, and coconut. It’s one of the most popular American holiday dessert recipes, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1 cup frozen whipped topping (thawed) – Cool Whip or any brand
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (white or fruit-flavored)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, halved, drained & dried
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (balances sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, fold together sour cream, whipped topping, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. - Add the fruits:
Gently fold in pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cherries. Do not overmix; it keeps the fruits intact. - Mix in textures:
Add mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and nuts (if using). - Chill:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours. This helps the flavors combine and the marshmallows soften slightly. - Serve:
Scoop into dessert bowls and garnish with cherries, coconut flakes, or pecans. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Drain fruits completely to prevent a watery salad.
- For a low-calorie Ambrosia salad, use Greek yogurt + sugar-free whipped topping.
- Add fresh oranges for a high-quality, premium dessert result.
- Chill overnight for maximum flavor.
- Add a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness if fruits are tart.
- For a healthier version, use unsweetened coconut and less marshmallow.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a holiday dessert, summer BBQ dessert, Christmas side dish, or potluck salad.
- Pair with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or ham for a festive meal.
- Perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, picnics, and buffet tables.
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What Is Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia Salad is a wonderful combination where sweet, pillowy marshmallows meet juicy citrus and tropical fruit, all wrapped in a light, creamy dressing. Originating in the United States as a celebratory side/dessert, Ambrosia blends convenience (canned fruit and Cool Whip are classic) with nostalgia, making it a staple at family dinners, church potlucks, and holiday tables.
The classic version usually includes canned pineapple tidbits, canned mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, sweetened shredded coconut, and a creamy binder such as whipped topping, sour cream, or a mix of both. Modern spins swap in Greek yogurt, fresh mango, or toasted nuts for texture and health-minded variations.
Ambrosia Salad is an old-fashioned American dessert salad — a creamy, fruit-forward mix of canned or fresh tropical fruits (pineapple, mandarin oranges), mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and a whipped cream or sour-cream dressing. It’s a no-bake, potluck-friendly holiday dessert popular at Christmas, Easter, and summer gatherings.
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Step-by-Step Instructions — Ambrosia Salad Recipe (Easy, No-Bake)
Chill your bowl & prep ingredients
Pop a large mixing bowl in the fridge for 5–10 minutes – cold bowls keep whipped topping and sour cream fluffy. Drain canned fruits (pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges) thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer and pat cherries dry with kitchen paper. This small step prevents a watery Ambrosia salad.
Use a clean tea towel to press out extra liquid from the canned fruit — this is the most common reason Ambrosia becomes runny.
Make the creamy base (quick & flexible)
Combine 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier swap) and 1 cup thawed whipped topping in the chilled bowl. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt. Fold gently until smooth — this is your creamy fruit salad dressing: light but stable, perfect for holidays and potlucks.
Fold in fruits — gently
Add drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, and halved maraschino cherries. Fold with a flexible spatula — think gentle scoops, not stirring — so fruit pieces keep their shape. This yields the best texture for a creamy fruit salad.
Add texture: marshmallows, coconut & nuts
Fold in 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1 cup shredded coconut, and ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional). Marshmallows give the classic pillowy bite while coconut adds the tropical note that makes this Ambrosia salad stand out at potlucks and holiday tables.
For a lower-sugar recipe, use unsweetened coconut and reduce marshmallows by half — still delicious and good for “low sugar dessert”.
Taste, adjust & chill
Taste the salad. If you prefer it sweeter, add a drizzle of honey or 1–2 tablespoons of the syrup from the fruit (sparingly). Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours — chilling melds flavors and softens marshmallows to the perfect texture for serving.
Chill overnight for the best make-ahead dessert for parties — it’s a true time-saver when hosting holiday dinners.
Serve with style
Scoop into chilled bowls or mason jars. Garnish with extra toasted coconut, a halved cherry, or a few pecan halves for contrast.
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Flavor Variations — Reinvent Ambrosia Salad Recipe (Tropical, Healthy, Keto & More)
I hope you remember that I said at the beginning that this Ambrosia salad is a very versatile recipe and you can customize it as per your wish. I have come up with some amazing variations for you. I hope you like them.
Classic Southern Ambrosia
If you want the familiar, crowd-pleasing Ambrosia everyone remembers, this is it. Light, sweet, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, and family reunions. Use canned pineapple and mandarin oranges for consistent texture.
Tropical Hawaiian Ambrosia
Turn Ambrosia into a tropical festival—great for summer BBQs, luau-themed parties, and Instagram-ready bowls. Use fresh mango and pineapple; toast the coconut for texture and aroma.
- Try: diced mango, fresh pineapple, kiwi, toasted coconut, macadamia or toasted almonds, lime zest.
Healthy Greek Yogurt Ambrosia
Perfect for brunch, meal-prep, or anyone who wants a lighter dessert option. Keeps well for breakfasts and makes a great healthier potluck contribution.
- Try: nonfat Greek yogurt, a touch of honey or maple syrup, fresh berries, unsweetened shredded coconut, chopped nuts for crunch.
Keto / Low-Carb Ambrosia
This version minimizes carbs while keeping a creamy mouthfeel. Replace marshmallows with whipped mascarpone or sugar-free marshmallow alternatives and choose low-sugar fruits like raspberries and strawberries.
- Try: heavy cream whipped, mascarpone, erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, raspberries, sliced almonds, unsweetened coconut.
Ambrosia with Cottage Cheese (Protein Boost)
Cottage cheese adds a savory creaminess and a protein lift. Blend until smooth for a mousse-like texture or keep curds for body.
- Try: lowfat cottage cheese, small scoop Greek yogurt, fresh pineapple, drained mandarin oranges, a few mini marshmallows for familiarity.
Elegant Ambrosia — No Marshmallows
Skip the marshmallows for a more sophisticated presentation. Use segmented citrus (supremes), a touch of crème fraîche or mascarpone, and finish with micro-mint and toasted pistachios.
- Try: orange supremes, grapefruit segments, mascarpone or creme fraiche, toasted pistachios, lime zest.
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Serving Suggestions — How to Serve Ambrosia Salad (Beautiful, Easy, Potluck-Ready)
Presentation & Plating — Make It Look Irresistible
Simple tricks turn this classic into a statement dessert.
Family-style platter: For casual gatherings, place Ambrosia in a shallow bowl, top with chopped pecans and extra fruit slices so guests serve themselves.
Mason jars (single-serve): Layer Ambrosia with a small mint sprig and toasted coconut on top — perfect for grab-and-go potlucks.
Glass trifle bowl: Use a clear bowl to show the colorful layers (pineapple, mandarin, cherries, marshmallows).
Individual coupe glasses: Serve in short stemware for dinner parties — garnish with a maraschino cherry and a dusting of coconut for a polished look.
Menu Pairings & Ideal Serving Times
Pair Ambrosia with savory mains and plan when to serve for maximum enjoyment.
- Holiday dinner (Christmas/Thanksgiving): Serve Ambrosia as a light, sweet finish after heavy mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham.
- Potlucks & picnics: Chill until serving—place on a cool tray with ice packs underneath for outdoor events. Tagline: best dessert for potlucks.
- Brunch & baby showers: Offer mini servings alongside light pastries and mimosas for a refreshing choice.
- Pairings: Roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, grilled lemon chicken, or a cheese board with mild cheddar and brie balance the sweetness well.
Serving temperature: Always serve chilled (40–45°F / 4–7°C). Avoid leaving out for more than 2 hours when dairy is used.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Ambrosia Salad is a classic American creamy fruit salad traditionally made with canned pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut and a whipped dairy base such as Cool Whip or sour cream. Originating in the late 19th–early 20th century, it became a Southern & holiday staple—perfect for potlucks, Christmas, Easter and family gatherings.
Watery Ambrosia ruins the texture. Drain canned fruit well and pat mandarin segments dry. Use a slotted spoon to remove excess syrup. If using fresh fruit, lightly toss in a little cornstarch or drain juices after macerating. Finally, fold ingredients gently; over-mixing releases fruit juices.
If you want fresher flavor or a healthier swap, use whipped heavy cream folded with Greek yogurt or full-fat sour cream. For lower-calorie options, plain Greek yogurt + a little honey gives tang and body.
Yes — you can make Ambrosia up to 8–12 hours ahead. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. If you need to prep earlier, keep marshmallows and coconut separate and fold them in within an hour before serving to keep texture fresh.
Most classic Ambrosia ingredients — fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and whipped cream/sour cream — are naturally gluten-free. However, always check labels: some marshmallows or packaged toppings may contain cross-contaminants. For nut-free or dairy-free needs, substitute with coconut whipped cream and omit nuts.
Absolutely. Use sugar-free marshmallows or omit marshmallows, swap canned fruit for lower-carb berries, and use sugar-free whipped topping or mascarpone mixed with a low-calorie sweetener.
For a tropical upgrade add fresh mango, papaya, kiwi, and toasted macadamia or toasted coconut. For premium parties, use freshly segmented oranges, drained pineapple tidbits, and halved fresh strawberries instead of canned fruit.
Freezing is not recommended — the texture of fruit, whipped base, and marshmallows changes when thawed.
Scale linearly: multiply ingredient quantities by headcount. Mix in a large non-reactive bowl and keep extra marshmallows/coconut in separate bowls to add last-minute. Transport: pack dressing and fruit separately and combine at venue to avoid soggy transport.
Short on coconut? Toasted oats or finely chopped nuts add crunch. No canned mandarin oranges? Use fresh orange segments. No marshmallows? Mini meringues or chopped dried fruit can add chew.
Look for tested recipes from reputable food sites and cookbooks; when buying ingredients, recognizable brands for canned fruit and toppings reduce variability. Consider linking to product pages for affiliate opportunities (cool whip, quality canned pineapple, marshmallows).
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