There is nothing quite as joyful and refreshing as this Ambrosia Salad Recipe to brighten up any gathering or family meal. Bursting with juicy pineapple, tangy mandarin oranges, and the delightful chew of miniature fruit-flavored marshmallows, this creamy fruit salad offers a perfect harmony of sweet and tropical flavors. The shredded coconut adds a lovely texture and subtle nuttiness, while the whipped topping and vanilla yogurt provide a smooth, luscious base that ties everything together. Whether you need a quick dessert or a colorful side dish, this Ambrosia Salad Recipe is your go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding a different ingredient. From top left clockwise, the first bowl contains bright orange mandarin segments with a glossy texture. Next, a bowl holds shiny, yellow pineapple chunks. The next bowl is filled with deep red maraschino cherries, smooth and glossy. Below that, a bowl contains white creamy whipped cream, smooth and swirled. Another bowl next to it holds white cream cheese with a soft, thick texture. The next bowl has small, colorful pastel mini marshmallows in pink, green, yellow, and white. Below and to the left, there is a bowl filled with white shredded coconut, fluffy and fine. In front, a wooden scoop holds chopped pecans, brown and chunky. Scattered around the bowls are whole bright orange tangerines with green leaves attached. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Ambrosia Salad Recipe lies not only in its flavor but also in the simplicity and accessibility of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color, making this dish as visually inviting as it is tasty.

Frozen whipped topping (8 ounces, thawed): Acts as the airy and creamy foundation that lightly sweetens and binds the salad components.
Vanilla yogurt (½ cup): Adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the sweetness with a hint of freshness.
Shredded sweetened coconut (1 cup): Infuses tropical flavor and a chewy texture that complements the fruit perfectly.
Canned mandarin oranges (11 ounces, drained): Brings vibrant citrus notes and juicy bursts of sweetness.
Canned pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple (8 ounces, drained): Offers tropical brightness and tender fruit pieces.
Preserved cherries (1 cup, drained): Adds a pop of color and a sweet-tart contrast against the other fruits.
Chopped pecans (½ cup, optional): Provides a delightful crunch and subtle nutty richness for texture variety.
Mini fruit-flavored marshmallows (1 ½ cups): Introduce softness and playful pops of fruity flavor that make this salad fun to eat.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the creamy base

Start by combining the thawed frozen whipped topping and vanilla yogurt in a large bowl. Give them a gentle stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this base will beautifully envelop the fruit and marshmallows, blending flavors while keeping the salad light and airy.

Step 2: Fold in the fruit and mix-ins

Next, take a rubber spatula and carefully fold in the shredded sweetened coconut, drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, and preserved cherries. If you’re adding pecans, toss those in as well. Lastly, fold in the miniature fruit-flavored marshmallows. This gentle folding technique ensures everything stays tender and fluffy, avoiding smashing the fruit or deflating the whipped topping.

Step 3: Chill to meld flavors

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad Recipe for at least an hour before serving. Chilling helps all the flavors meld together harmoniously and gives the marshmallows time to soften slightly, enhancing the creamy texture and taste.

How to Serve Ambrosia Salad Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy fruit salad made of mixed fruits like yellow pineapples, red cherries, and green pieces covered in a white creamy dressing. The salad is topped with a bright red cherry and a few small green mint leaves scattered around. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a peeled orange and whole oranges with green leaves placed nearby. A silver fork and extra mint leaves are placed to the side, adding to the fresh look of the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Ambrosia Salad Recipe even more inviting, garnish it with a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut or a few preserved cherries on top for vibrant pops of red against the creamy base. A few fresh mint leaves can add a hint of refreshing aroma that complements the fruitiness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Ambrosia Salad Recipe makes a fantastic side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or holiday dinners, pairing wonderfully with savory trays like grilled chicken, ham, or roasted vegetables. Its sweet tropical flavors offer a delightful contrast that balances heavier mains beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Ambrosia Salad Recipe in individual parfait glasses layered with additional fresh fruit or granola for some crunch. Alternatively, hollow out a pineapple half and use it as a natural serving bowl to impress guests with a striking presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Ambrosia Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but it’s best enjoyed sooner to keep the marshmallows intact and the coconut from getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Ambrosia Salad Recipe because the texture of the whipped topping and marshmallows changes significantly when thawed, resulting in a less desirable consistency.

Reheating

This salad is intended to be served chilled and is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not advised. If you want to refresh the texture after chilling, give it a gentle stir just before serving to fluff it back up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned for the Ambrosia Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh mandarin segments and pineapple chunks can be delicious in this salad. Just make sure to drain any excess juice so the salad doesn’t become watery.

Is there a non-dairy version of this Ambrosia Salad Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the frozen whipped topping with a coconut or almond milk-based whipped topping and use non-dairy yogurt alternatives to keep the salad creamy while making it dairy-free.

Can I make the Ambrosia Salad Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Certainly! Make the salad a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just remember to give it a gentle stir before serving to bring back its fluffy texture.

What can I do if I don’t have mini fruit-flavored marshmallows?

If mini fruit marshmallows aren’t available, regular mini marshmallows work fine, though they won’t add the fruity flavors. Alternatively, you can leave them out or try adding some diced fresh fruit for extra sweetness.

How can I make this Ambrosia Salad Recipe more nutritious?

You can boost the nutrition by adding chopped nuts, seeds, or even substituting vanilla yogurt with Greek yogurt for added protein. Reducing the amount of marshmallows can also cut down on sugar while keeping the fun texture.

Final Thoughts

Inviting, sweet, and utterly refreshing, this Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a timeless classic that will bring smiles to any table. It’s effortless to make, wonderfully versatile, and full of bright, tropical flavors that make every bite feel like a mini celebration. So next time you’re craving something delightfully creamy and fruity, give this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite that everyone asks to bring back again and again.