Ambrosia Salad

A classic ambrosia salad recipe that is sure to impress – this vintage salad features fruit tossed in a creamy dressing with marshmallows!

Many people will remember their Grandma’s Ambrosia salad and have fond memories of it. Some versions are simply fruit with coconut and skip the marshmallows and creamy dressing entirely, while others are similar to the one I am sharing today.

Unfortunately I do not have my Grandma’s ambrosia salad recipe simply because my family never served Ambrosia salad. I don’t know if that is because our family mostly stuck with English party foods like mini sausage rolls, or if it just wasn’t as big of a thing in Canada when I was a kid.

Ambrosia salad is a wonderful mix of sweet and tangy fruit tossed in a creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing loaded with mini marshmallows.

It’s perfect party food, and if you haven’t tried it yet, it’s a must!

Why You Will LOVE This Ambrosia Salad

• Classic ambrosia salad recipe
• Creamy, tangy, and sweet
• Perfect side dish or dessert
• A must for holiday parties
• A favourite at potlucks and cookouts

What is Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia salad is a vintage dish that originated in the United States during the late 19th century, and remains very popular in the south. It is named after the ancient Greek gods’ food, which was believed to grant them immortality and eternal youth.

Traditionally served during holiday dinners or special occasions, ambrosia salad is a light and refreshing dish. It combines a variety of sweet ingredients such as marshmallows, pineapple, oranges, coconut flakes, and often maraschino cherries for a colorful and flavorful treat tossed in a creamy dressing.

No matter the occasion or who you share it with, ambrosia salad will always bring a sweet and special touch to the table. Whether you prefer traditional recipes or put your own spin on it, this dish will always be a crowd pleaser!

Is Ambrosia Salad a Side Dish or Dessert?

Ambrosia salad is an interesting dish because it can be served as either a side dish or a dessert.

As a side dish, it pairs nicely with meat-based dishes such as roast chicken or ham. The sweet and tangy flavours balance out the savoury flavors of the main dish, creating a unique flavour combination.

If served as a dessert, the creamy dressing and sweet fruit make it an irresistible treat!

No matter how you serve it, ambrosia salad will always be a treat! When made right, this classic recipe is sure to please everyone around the table.

Ambrosia Salad Variations

Change up your fruit fillings and nuts. This salad is easily customisable.

• Want more flavour? Try using a flavoured greek yogurt or instant pudding like coconut.
• Swap out the classic canned fruits and the grapes for fresh berries. Strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries are divine in the ambrosia dressing along with the coconut!
• Add other fruit like fresh sliced bananas (should be added just prior to serving to avoid browning.)
• More ideas listed in the section about ingredients!

Tips for Making the BEST Ambrosia Salad

• Carefully fold together the dressing and the fruit so you don’t break apart the fruit pieces.
• Make sure to give it some time to chill before serving. It’s worth the wait. The marshmallows will soften and soak in all the flavors and fruit juices.
• Drain the fruit and cherries as much as possible so that the cream does not get too watery as it sits.

How to Store Leftover Ambrosia Salad

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Ambrosia is best served the day of but leftovers will be perfect for the next few days. If stored any longer the marshmallows will become unpleasantly soggy and mushy from sitting in the cream and fruit juices.

I do not recommend freezing Ambrosia salad.

About the Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad

Cool whip – You can use a light/low fat frozen whipped topping instead or make a homemade stabilised whipped cream.

Yogurt – Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream both work well in this recipe but you can also use instant vanilla pudding mix. If using instant vanilla pudding, you can use some of the canned fruit juice to mix in with the pudding powder. Another great option is softened cream cheese – just cream it with a hand or stand mixer first. Some people use miracle whip instead, so feel free to make that swap if you prefer.

Oranges – You can also use fresh orange, mandarin or clementine sections, but canned mandarins are just so good and easy.

Pineapple – I used canned pineapple, but fresh pineapple works really well here and is my preference.

Grapes – Use seedless grapes. Green globe grapes are a good choice, their slight tanginess works well with the sweetness of the salad. I love cotton candy grapes but they might be too sweet here.

Cherries – You can substitute with halved pitted cherries if you prefer. Make sure you drain the cherries really well, and to completely avoid a pink tinged salad you will want to pat them dry with paper towels as well.

Marshmallows – Only mini marshmallows will do, skip the regular sized marshmallows. Regular or the fruit flavoured ones will work.

Coconut – If you aren’t into coconut you can omit. Use sweetened or unsweetened coconut according to your own preference.

Walnuts – Also optional, adds a little texture and a contrast in flavour. Pecan pieces are a good substitute.

Looking for More Dessert Salads?

Check out more of my favourite fruit and fluff salads!

Honey Lime Fruit Salad is made with seasonal fruit and tossed in a fresh lime and honey dressing for a crowd-pleasing summer salad.

With just 6 simple ingredients you can make this creamy, fluffy, and tasty Oreo Fluff Salad recipe. Perfect for parties or special occasions!

Whip up this banana split fluff salad for a fun and delicious summer treat that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or just because.

Packed full of island flavours, our easy tropical fruit fluff salad recipe is a perfect dessert or side dish for any occasion!

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Yields: 12 servings | Prep time: 15 Minutes | Chill time: 4 Hours

Ingredients:

• 8 ounce Cool Whip, thawed
• 8 ounce plain greek yogurt OR sour cream
• 30 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained well
• 40 ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained well
• 1 ½ cups green grapes
• 16 ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained well
• 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows, regular or fruit flavored
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, fold together the Cool Whip and greek yogurt with a rubber spatula until fully incorporated.

Add the remaining ingredients and fold to combine until all is coated with the cream.

Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the flavors to really set in.

Garnish with shredded coconut, nuts, and maraschino cherries and serve chilled. Enjoy!