Ambrosia Salad
A classic Southern fruit salad that's creamy, sweet, and incredibly easy to throw together. Juicy mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, sweet coconut, and mini marshmallows are folded into a cloud of whipped cream and tangy sour cream. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need a refreshing no-bake dessert.
For 6 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Drain the canned fruit thoroughly.
Empty the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks into a fine mesh strainer. Let them drain well for at least 5 minutes. Pat gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture — any leftover juice will thin the dressing and make the salad watery.
- prep · ~2 min
Halve the maraschino cherries.
After draining the cherries, slice each one in half. Set aside a few whole or halved cherries for garnish if you like.
TIPPat the cherry halves cut-side down on a paper towel so their juice doesn't bleed pink streaks into the white cream. - mix · ~3 min
Whip the cream into soft peaks.
Pour the cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form — the cream should hold its shape but still look silky and not stiff or grainy.
TIPChill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand; the cream whips faster and fluffier. - mix · ~1 min
Fold in the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla.
Add the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until smooth and no white streaks remain. The sour cream cuts the sweetness and adds a subtle tang that balances the salad.
- mix · ~2 min
Fold the fruit, coconut, and marshmallows into the cream.
Add the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, cherry halves, sweetened shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows to the bowl. Fold gently with the spatula until every piece is well coated. Be careful not to crush the fruit.
- rest · ~60 min
Chill the salad for at least 1 hour.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — and up to overnight. This rest lets the marshmallows soften slightly, the coconut hydrate, and all the flavors meld together into that signature ambrosia taste.
TIPThe salad looks prettiest served within 8 hours. After a full day the fruit releases more water, so stir gently before serving and spoon off any excess liquid. - garnish · ~1 min
Garnish with reserved cherries and a sprinkle of coconut before serving.
Give the salad one final gentle fold. Spoon into a serving bowl or individual dessert cups and top with the reserved maraschino cherry halves and a pinch of extra shredded coconut.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Drain the canned fruit in a fine-mesh strainer for at least 5 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels to prevent a watery salad.
- 2Chill the mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping cream — it whips faster and fluffier.
- 3Pat halved maraschino cherries cut-side down on a paper towel so their juice doesn't bleed pink streaks into the cream.
- 4Fold the fruit gently with a rubber spatula in broad, sweeping motions to keep the marshmallows and fruit intact.
- 5For the best texture, chill the salad for at least 1 hour and serve within 8 hours — after 24 hours, the fruit releases liquid.
- 6If using fresh pineapple instead of canned, crush or chop it very finely and drain it thoroughly, as fresh pineapple contains enzymes that can curdle the cream.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lighter
Replace heavy cream with 1 cup of thawed light whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip) and use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream to cut calories while keeping the creamy texture.
no marshmallowNo-marshmallow
Omit the mini marshmallows and add 1/2 cup of toasted pecan or walnut pieces for a crunchy, nutty twist that adds texture and a toasty flavor.
tropicalTropical
Add 1/2 cup of diced fresh mango and 1/2 cup of small-diced banana (tossed in a little lemon juice to prevent browning) for extra tropical sweetness and a softer fruit texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Vitamin C Boost from Citrus
Mandarin oranges provide a good dose of vitamin C, which supports immune health and helps the body absorb iron from other foods.
Digestive Aid from Pineapple
Pineapple chunks contain the enzyme bromelain, which can help break down proteins and aid in digestion.
Source of Healthy Fats
Coconut and heavy cream supply medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and saturated fats that provide quick energy and help keep you feeling full.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you must drain fresh fruit very well — especially pineapple, which is more watery than canned. Fresh pineapple also contains enzymes that can break down cream, so it's best added just before serving.
