Ambrosia salad is creamy, fluffy, and loaded with sweet-tart fruit for the easiest holiday “salad.” With just five minutes of prep and the fridge doing the rest, it’s a no-fuss, make-ahead side that’s perfect for celebrations.
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Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- What is Ambrosia Salad: A classic marshmallow fruit salad with pineapple, mandarins, coconut, and a creamy, chilled base.
- Flavor: Sweet and creamy with a lightly tangy base that balances the fruit and coconut.
- Skill Level: Also called 5 cup salad, this recipe is so easy to prepare. It needs just five ingredients and 5 minutes of prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Like frog eye salad and watergate salad, I love serving this as either a side dish or dessert for the holidays.
What Is in Ambrosia Salad?
- Sour Cream/Yogurt: Use sour cream for a classic flavor, or replace it with plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a sweeter flavor.
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows add sweetness and fluff. For some extra color, use fruit-flavored marshmallows!
- Fruit: The classic mix is sweetened coconut, canned mandarin oranges, and pineapple. Drain fruit very well so the salad stays thick, not watery. For a fresh twist, add halved seedless grapes. For a festive look, stir in well-drained maraschino cherries.
- Optional Add-Ins: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch. For a lighter option, fold in 1 to 2 cups of whipped topping.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
- Combine all ingredients (full recipe below), folding in the mandarins last.
- Chill for 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Chill Scoop Repeat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing isn’t recommended. For best results, make it at least 4 hours ahead. Stir before serving, and if it loosens, fold in a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream to thicken.
Cozy Holiday Classics
Did your family love this Ambrosia Salad? Leave a comment and rating below!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream or plain or vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows fruit flavored or white
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits well drained
- 1 cup mandarin oranges well drained
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add sour cream, marshmallows, coconut, and pineapple tidbits. Stir until combined.
- Gently fold in mandarin oranges.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve chilled.
Video
Notes
- Make ahead to allow the flavors to blend and to soften the marshmallows.
- Be sure to drain all fruit well to prevent the dish from being watery.
- Mandarin oranges are fragile and break easily, so gently fold them in last.
- Greek, plain, or vanilla yogurt can serve as the base. I prefer sour cream, which is sweetened by the coconut and marshmallows.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
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Delicious!!
This is my daughter’s family tradition recipe for Thanksgiving. I had her start making it when she was three and she helps make it or makes it on her own every year. She loves it! It’s a yummy fun addition to the table.
we made this often when I was growing up but we always called it ” 5 Cup Salad”.