Classic Ambrosia Salad is a quick and easy side dish that has been around forever and always a hit at potlucks and summer BBQs. Our version is loaded with pineapple, cherries, and mandarin oranges coated in fresh whipped cream!
Another fruit salad that tastes like dessert is Grape Salad, which is also crazy delicious!
Easy Ambrosia Fruit Salad
When it comes to quick and easy summer side dishes, you can’t go wrong with a classic ambrosia salad. This simple fruit salad takes a whopping 8 minutes to prepare and needs just an hour of chill time, so you can make it the day you need it. The creamy base of fresh whipped cream and sour cream, combined with the citrusy pineapple and mandarin oranges, creates just the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
What is Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia salad is a classic that’s been around forever! It’s one of these recipes with a million different versions, and at least one was in every grandma’s cookbook.
So what’s in ambrosia salad? This varies greatly from recipe to recipe but the base is always a variety of citrus fruits, a creamy base (usually whipped cream), and some coconut for texture. In my case, I used a variety of canned fruits, fresh whipped cream, and shredded coconut, along with marshmallows. I’ve also included suggestions below for other add-ins if you want to switch it up.
Ambrosia Salad Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this easy ambrosia salad.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Heavy whipping cream – For making the homemade whipped cream.
- Powdered sugar – Combined with the heavy whipping cream for sweetness.
- Sour cream – Adds a little tang to balance out the sweetness.
- Vanilla – For flavor.
- Canned fruits – I used pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries. (See below for other possibilities.)
- Sweetened shredded coconut – Added for texture and flavor.
- Mini marshmallows – You can use the multi-colored ones if you want a fun, colorful twist.
Other Fruit Add-Ins
The great thing about this easy fruit salad recipe is that you can essentially add in any fresh or canned fruits you’d like. You can even use a drained canned fruit cocktail too. Here are a few of my favorite fruits to mix into the salad:
- Canned diced peaches
- Diced apples
- Canned diced pears
- Grapes (whole or cut in half)
- Fresh orange segments
- Grapefruit
- Fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries
This salad is also great with some chopped nuts. I love to add pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a bit of crunch.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
This easy summer side dish comes together with just a few easy steps.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Make the fresh whipped cream. Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in the sour cream.
- Add the fruit. Add in the drained fruit and coconut. Fold everything together.
- Chill. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour.
- Serve. Stir in the marshmallows and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
Here are a few things I’ve learned about making the best ambrosia salad:
- For softer marshmallows, add them with the fruit. I like to add the marshmallows just before serving so they don’t dissolve too much. I like to have that marshmallow texture through the salad, but if you like them softer, you can add them in with the fruits.
- Can I use Cool Whip instead of fresh whipped cream? If you want to make Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip, you can use an 8-ounce container of thawed Cool Whip in place of the fresh whipped cream. If you are using Cool Whip, do not add the powdered sugar.
- What if I don’t like sour cream? The sour cream gives it a slight tang and doesn’t make it overly sweet. If you don’t like sour cream, add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream, no need for additional powdered sugar.
- Chill before serving. Always allow the salad to chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors time to meld and truly get the best taste out of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Ambrosia salad is a summer must! I regularly make it for BBQs and potlucks but I also make it at home when I need a quick side dish or even a light dessert. It pairs well with burgers and hot dogs for a simple summer dinner, or grilled chicken breasts or grilled steak, too.
How to Store Leftovers
- How long does ambrosia salad last? This salad keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days, just keep it covered or in an airtight container. It may start to separate slightly but just give it a good stir and it will be good to go. Keep in the mind that the longer it sits, the marshmallows will soften and break down.
- Can you freeze ambrosia salad? I do not suggest freezing this as it will become watery and the texture will change when it thaws. Plus fresh whipped cream does not freeze well in general.
More Classic Summer Salads:
- Pea Salad
- Grape Salad
- Creamy Waldorf Salad
- Creamy Deli Fruit Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Pineapple Cucumber Salad
- Watermelon Salad
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits , drained
- 15 ounce can mandarin oranges , drained
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries , drained, stems removed
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Place the heavy cream in a large bowl with the powdered sugar. Using an electric hand mixer, whip to stiff peaks (do not overmix or it will get clumpy.) Fold in the sour cream.
- Add the pineapple, oranges, cherries, and coconut. Gently fold everything together until combined.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
- Add the marshmallows and fold them in, serve immediately.
