Description
Classic Ambrosia Salad is a sweet and creamy fruit salad featuring a mix of mandarin oranges, pineapple, maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and a whipped topping blend. This refreshing and easy-to-make dessert is perfect for gatherings and holidays, chilled to meld the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed or chunk pineapple, drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, halved and drained
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Drain Fruit: Completely drain the canned mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries to remove any excess liquid, preventing the salad from becoming soggy.
- Mix Base: In a large bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping and sour cream. Mix together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the base of the salad.
- Fold in Ingredients: Gently fold in the pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and nuts if using. Be careful not to crush the fruit while mixing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up. For best results, chill overnight.
- Serve: Serve the ambrosia salad chilled. Optionally, garnish with extra maraschino cherries, nuts, or shredded coconut for a decorative touch.
Notes
- Ensure all canned fruits are well drained to avoid excess liquid in the salad.
- For added texture, substitute or add your favorite nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- If preferred, fresh fruit can be used, but adjust the sweetness accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use a light whipped topping.
