Ambrosia Salad

Never Think About What to Make for Dinner for the Next Two Months with My Lazy Cooking Bundle

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 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 For Ambrosia Salad

You will need:

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

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 Classic 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.

STEP ONE: In a large bowl, cream the cream cheese on low until smooth.

STEP TWO: Add the whipped topping, a third at a time, mixing on low speed.

STEP THREE: Stir in oranges, pineapple, cherries, coconut and marshmallows.

STEP FOUR: Spoon into serving bowl and garnish with chopped walnuts and cherries if desired.

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

Storing this recipe

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.

Ambrosia salad is the perfect summertime treat. It is light, fluffy and flavorful with the unique mix of fruit, marshmallows, and whipped topping. And those cherries! I suggest you make this ambrosia salad to enjoy with your family soon… you won’t be disappointed.

More Recipes You Will Love

• Monkey Bread
• Jello Pie
• Cheesy Potato Casserole
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 506kcal

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese room temp
• 8 oz 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 for garnish

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 if desired.

Video

Notes

Substitute the walnuts for slivered almonds, if you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 366mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 65g | Vitamin A: 1538IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 1mg

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