Ambrosia Salad is a classic Southern dessert made with sweet fruit, fluffy whipped topping, coconut, and marshmallows. This nostalgic no-bake recipe is a staple at holiday dinners, family reunions, Easter celebrations, and summer cookouts.
Light, creamy, and bursting with fruity flavor, it's always a crowd favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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No-bake dessert
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Easy to make
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Perfect for holidays
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Great potluck dish
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Family favorite
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Make-ahead friendly
Ingredients
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1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
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1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
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1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
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2 cups mini marshmallows
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1 cup maraschino cherries, halved
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1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Fruit
Drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges thoroughly.
Pat dry if needed.
Step 2: Make The Creamy Base
In a large bowl combine:
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Whipped topping
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Sour cream
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Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add The Ingredients
Fold in:
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Pineapple
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Mandarin oranges
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Coconut
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Marshmallows
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Cherries
Mix gently until combined.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with extra cherries and coconut before serving.
Tips For The Best Ambrosia Salad
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Drain fruit completely.
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Chill before serving.
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Use fresh whipped cream if preferred.
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Fold ingredients gently.
What To Serve With Ambrosia Salad
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Sweet Potato Pie
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Peach Cobbler
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Banana Pudding
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Holiday Ham
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Easter Dinner
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BBQ Cookout Favorites
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More Dessert Recipes You'll Love
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Sweet Potato Pie
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Peach Cobbler
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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
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Apple Pie Cookies
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Pumpkin Pie
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Cherry Pie
Final Thoughts
This Ambrosia Salad is creamy, fruity, sweet, and incredibly easy to make. It's a timeless Southern dessert that belongs at every holiday gathering and family celebration.