Ambrosia Salad

This easy ambrosia salad recipe is packed with pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut and miniature marshmallows. This recipe was a staple in my grandmother's traditional Southern kitchen.

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5 from 2 votes

A classic fluff salad, this ambrosia salad recipe is packed with pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut and miniature marshmallows. This recipe was a staple in my grandmother’s traditional Southern kitchen.

This simple homemade treat comes together quick and easy. It’s fun to serve for a snack, treat or to take along with you to a potluck. No one can say no to this light, fluffy, yummy treat. Check out this pistachio salad for another fun classic fluff salad recipe we all love. You might like to make this Banana Pudding as well — it’s another classic treat we love.

Ambrosia Salad:

Ambrosia is a variation of a traditional fruit salad. Most ambrosia recipes contain pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut and miniature marshmallows. Some identify it as a Southern treat. I identify it as incredibly delicious and I’m sure after one bite, you’ll agree.

Many of my favorite recipes come from my Nannie’s recipe box. She has so many delicious recipes that our whole family enjoys. Like the ambrosia salad we’re talking about today. The delicious, fresh fruit flavors are hard to resist. 

Ingredients to make Ambrosia Salad:

• cream cheese
• whipped topping
• mandarin oranges
• crushed pineapple
• maraschino cherries
• marshmallows
• shredded coconut
• chopped walnuts

Some variations use sour cream, Jello, cottage cheese or suggest making it with yogurt. Of course, I think my Nannie’s recipe is the best and most traditional of these options.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

I love how simple this treat is to put together. It only takes a few minutes and my guys love to help me with it. In a large bowl, cream the cream cheese on low until smooth. Then add the whipped topping, a third at a time, mixing on low speed.

Stir in oranges, pineapple, cherries, coconut and marshmallows. Spoon into serving bowl and garnish with chopped walnuts and cherries.

My boys sometimes prefer me to leave off the walnuts. I’ve also used slivered almonds before and they were good as well.

How to Store

If you don’t eat all the salad in one serving, just scoop into an airtight container and store in the fridge. It’ll last for a few days.

I love how colorful it looks in the serving glasses. Light, fluffy and flavorful. And those cherries! Such beautiful bursts of color and yumminess on top.

There may have been times that I’ve eaten it straight from the mixing bowl and it never made it to the cute serving glasses. It’s that good. 😉 I suggest you make this ambrosia salad to enjoy with your family soon… you won’t be disappointed.

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Ambrosia Salad

This easy ambrosia salad recipe is packed with pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut and miniature marshmallows. This recipe was a staple in my grandmother's traditional Southern kitchen.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: ambrosia salad, ambrosia salad cool whip, best ambrosia salad recipe, classic ambrosia salad recipe, Easy Ambrosia Salad, how to make ambrosia salad, recipe for ambrosia salad with cool whip

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 397kcal

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese room temp
• 1 container whipped topping
• 1 15 ounce can mandarin oranges drained
• 1 20 ounce can crushed pineapple drained
• 1 12 ounce jar maraschino cherries drained and cut in half (plus more for garnish)
• 1 cup marshmallows
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• chopped walnuts

Instructions

• In a large bowl, cream the cream cheese on low until smooth.
• Add the whipped topping, a third at a time, mixing on low speed.
• Stir in oranges, pineapple, cherries, coconut and marshmallows.
• Spoon into serving bowl and garnish with chopped walnuts and cherries.

Video

Notes

Substitute the walnuts for slivered almonds, if you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 397kcal

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