Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ambrosia Salad is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and is a crowd favorite with its refreshing sweetness and creamy texture. The combination of fruit, marshmallows, and nuts gives you a nice contrast of flavors and textures that complement each other perfectly. And with the Cool Whip base, it’s incredibly light and fluffy, making it an irresistible treat.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a dessert, Ambrosia Salad is always a hit, especially for holiday dinners or casual summer gatherings.

Ingredients

1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Cool Whip
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the fruit: Drain the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple thoroughly. Chop the maraschino cherries into small pieces and set aside.
Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and Cool Whip. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Add the fruit and marshmallows: Fold in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, shredded coconut (if using), and chopped cherries. Gently mix everything together until evenly distributed.
Add the nuts: If you’re using nuts, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy, fruity delight!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Fruit Mix: Feel free to switch up the fruit according to your taste! You can add sliced grapes, diced apples, or even strawberries for a new twist.
Add More Nuts: For extra crunch, you can add a variety of nuts, like almonds or cashews, depending on what you prefer.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the sour cream and Cool Whip with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream and non-dairy whipped topping to make it dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Store any leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Refrigerating: This salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving, which helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh fruit like fresh pineapple, mandarins, and cherries. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces and drain any excess liquid.

Can I make Ambrosia Salad in advance?

Yes! In fact, making it ahead of time is ideal as it allows the flavors to meld together. Just store it in the fridge and serve when you’re ready.

Can I skip the nuts in the recipe?

Of course! The nuts are optional, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer a nut-free version.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the Cool Whip and sour cream you use don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients if you want a fully vegetarian version.

Can I freeze Ambrosia Salad?

While you can technically freeze it, the texture might change when thawed, especially the Cool Whip and fruit. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Can I add more marshmallows?

Absolutely! If you love marshmallows, feel free to add more to your liking for an even sweeter, fluffier texture.

Is there a way to make Ambrosia Salad lighter?

You can reduce the fat content by using low-fat or fat-free Cool Whip and sour cream, though the texture might be a bit lighter.

Can I add other fruits like bananas or grapes?

Yes! Adding grapes, diced apples, or even bananas can give the salad extra texture and sweetness. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor and a little added protein.

Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a more homemade touch, though the texture might differ slightly.

Conclusion

This Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip is the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and crunchy that makes it a hit at any event. Its simplicity and versatility allow you to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences, whether you want extra fruit, nuts, or marshmallows. With minimal effort and a little chill time, you can create a dessert everyone will rave about. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or summer barbecues, this creamy delight is sure to become a go-to recipe!

Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Cool Whip: A Creamy Delight

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Ambrosia Salad is a classic, creamy dessert made with fruit, marshmallows, and nuts, all blended with a fluffy Cool Whip base. This sweet, fruity salad is perfect for any occasion, and it’s quick and easy to prepare.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Dessert, Side Dish
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained

1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained

1 cup shredded coconut (optional)

1 cup mini marshmallows

1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

1 cup sour cream

1 cup Cool Whip

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Drain the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple thoroughly. Chop the maraschino cherries into small pieces and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and Cool Whip. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Fold in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, shredded coconut (if using), and chopped cherries. Gently mix everything together until evenly distributed.
If you’re using nuts, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy, fruity delight!