Description
This classic Ambrosia Salad is a creamy and refreshing fruit salad featuring pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries, all combined in a luscious whipped topping and sour cream base. Perfect as a sweet side dish or dessert, it’s easy to prepare and best served chilled after a few hours of refrigeration to allow the flavors to meld.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed (e.g., Cool Whip brand)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup Maraschino cherries, halved (plus more for garnish, if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and whipped topping until well blended to create a smooth and creamy salad base.
- Add the fruit and mix-ins: Drain the pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges thoroughly. Then add them to the bowl along with the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and halved Maraschino cherries.
- Combine ingredients gently: Fold all the ingredients together carefully to ensure everything is coated evenly with the creamy base without breaking up the fruit.
- Refrigerate to meld flavors: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to blend and the salad to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with extra Maraschino cherries to add color and sweetness. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to drain canned fruits well to avoid a watery salad.
- For a tangier twist, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Mini marshmallows add a fun chewy texture but can be omitted for a less sweet version.
- The salad is best served within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Ambrosia salad can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
