Sweetened coconut, marshmallows, and fruit are mixed with whipped cream and vanilla yogurt to make this classic Southern Ambrosia Salad.
For as long as I can remember, Ambrosia Salad has found its way to the dinner table whenever a holiday comes around. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or even the 4th of July, this salad is always present for our feast! It’s hardly any surprise that it’s so easy to make, requires simple staple ingredients, and most importantly, it tastes incredible! This side dish is so versatile. Serve it as a side dish, dessert, or both!
AMBROISA SALAD
The juicy, refreshing fruit is another huge selling point because who doesn’t love a bowl of all of their favorite fruits wrapped up in a light and creamy whipped cream mixture? It’s a crowd-pleasing party dish for any occasion! To make this heavenly salad, simply add all the ingredients to a bowl, mix them all, then place them in the fridge to chill for a couple of hours! It’s so straightforward that even your kids could whip it up! To say the least, this Ambrosia Salad truly lives up to its Greek roots. The word Ambrosia actually means “the food of the gods”, and it couldn’t be truer. From the first to the last bite of this fruit-filled salad, you truly feel like you’re eating something heaven-sent.
Find my expert tips on how to make this ambrosia salad from scratch below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ambrosia Salad Recipe:
- Quick & Easy-To-Make Side Dish: Ready in just minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfect For Any Occasion: Great for holidays, potlucks, BBQs, or family gatherings.
- Vibrant & Beautiful Presentation: Naturally colorful and eye-catching on any dinner table.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill before serving for a cool, creamy treat.
- A Southern Classic: A timeless favorite that never goes out of style!
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks drained
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges drained
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries drained and rinsed
- 1 cup green seedless grapes sliced in half
- 1 small red apple cut in small pieces
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup Greek vanilla yogurt
- 1 container (8 ounces) cool whip, thawed OR fresh sweetened whipped cream
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, grapes, apples, marshmallows, and coconut. Add vanilla Greek yogurt and whipped topping to the bowl. Using a spatula, fold the mixture together gently until all is combined.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator 2 to 4 hours before serving. Enjoy!
Servings
Yields: 6 servings.
Storage
Store Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container or tightly covered bowl in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving to refresh the texture. Avoid freezing, as the whipped cream and fruit can become watery once thawed.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Ambrosia Salad:
- Drain Fruit: Excess liquid from the canned fruit can make the salad watery. Let the fruit sit in a strainer for a few minutes before mixing.
- Apple Tip: If you are making this dish ahead or you’re worried about the apples browning, toss the chopped apples in a little lemon juice before mixing them into the salad to keep them fresh and bright.
- Rinse Cherries: Rinsing maraschino cherries removes extra syrup, keeping the salad from turning pink.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Chill the fruit, yogurt, and whipped topping before mixing for a fresher, fluffier texture.
- Fold Gently: Use a spatula to fold the ingredients. Don’t stir too hard or the fruit will break apart.
- Add Crunch Or Variety: Try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips for a fun twist on this Southern classic side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, Ambrosia Salad can be made up to one day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and stir gently before serving to refresh the texture.
Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream works beautifully. Just sweeten it lightly with sugar or vanilla for the best flavor.
Of course! Feel free to swap or add fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi—just make sure they’re drained and patted dry to avoid extra moisture.
Use dairy-free whipped topping and coconut or almond milk yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a delicious dairy-free version.
Ambrosia Salad is naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free certified ingredients. Most fruits, marshmallows, and dairy products don’t contain gluten, but always check labels to be extra safe, since some brands may include additives or flavorings with gluten.
Similar Recipes
Craving something similar? Make my Creamy Fruit Salad next.
Looking for an easy party-ready snack? Look no further than this Easy Fruit Dip, made from only two simple ingredients.
Can’t get enough of fruit salad recipes? My Summer Fruit Salad contains the best flavors of summer all tossed in a slightly sweet and tangy dressing.
Wanting something more filling? My Rainbow Fruit Salad is a delicious and refreshing fruit salad with honey and lime flavors. We like to serve this at backyard barbecues and potluck dinners!
In the mood for something different? My Grape Salad is full of fresh, sweet grapes, tossed in a sweet cream cheese dressing, then sprinkled with brown sugar and pecans. It’s perfect for spring and summer parties, holidays, or really any occasion!
Have you made this Ambrosia Salad recipe? 🍎
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #AmbrosiaSalad #SideDishRecipe #FallBreakfast #LifeInTheLofthouse
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks drained
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges drained
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries drained and rinsed
- 1 cup green seedless grapes sliced in half
- 1 small red apple cut in small pieces
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup Greek vanilla yogurt
- 1 container (8 ounces) cool whip, thawed OR fresh sweetened whipped cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, grapes, apples, marshmallows and coconut. Add vanilla Greek yogurt and whipped topping to bowl. Using a spatula, fold mixture together gently until all combined.
- Cover and chill in refrigerator 2 to 4 hours before serving. Enjoy!
I make mine with Pinapple,mandarin oranges,cherries sometimes blueberries ,mini marshmallows,sugar and real homemade whipped cream .have been making this for over 30 yrs. every party or occasion I am asked to make.
How much sugar do you add. Thank you Irene
I used to put a jar of grated coconut that you can buy at the oriental store and instead of flaky grated coconut from a bag. Also I use a can of condense milk and 1 philadelphia cream cheese. Soften the cream cheese first and add a can of condense milk stir together and pour all the fruits mentioned above. Oh! you can also add a container of Jello either orange or red the one in a container with cream in it? It is so good together because the jello is already cut up into cube already. Mix all together and viola !!! it is so creamy.
I may also add a pecan nut in it along with the rest of the fruits and container of Jello cream,pick what flavor you like either orange and cherry. Mix all of them with the fruits.
I love mine with sour cream – makes it sweet & sour – so good!