4.9 from 48 votes
Ambrosia Salad
The Best Ambrosia Salad is a fluffy salad made with fresh pineapple, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, coconut, marshmallows, fresh whipped cream, a touch of sour cream, and sugar. This is a nostalgic, classic side dish or dessert recipe.
Prep Time
15 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Servings: 8
Calories: 487 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Dessert
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple (cut into small pieces)
- 15-ounce can mandarin oranges (drained)
- 14 ounces Maraschino cherries (drained)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 3 cups marshmallows
- 1 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 3 Tablespoons sugar (add more if you want it sweeter)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup green grapes (cut into half)
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the heavy cream and sugar and whip until soft peaks form. Carefully fold in the sour cream. If you want a sweeter ambrosia salad, add more sugar to taste.
- Cut the pineapple into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, add pineapple, drained mandarin oranges, drained maraschino cherries, coconut flakes, and mini marshmallows. Make sure to thoroughly drain the fruit so this ambrosia fruit salad isn't runny.
- Carefully fold in the whipped cream mixture. Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Can I use Cool Whip in this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can make ambrosia salad with Cool Whip. I would suggest adding 12 ounces of Cool Whip.
- Can I add nuts?
- Yes! You can add your favorite type of nuts. I usually see pecans added to homemade ambrosia salad.
- Can I add more fruit to this recipe?
- Of course! You can add green grapes or even fresh strawberries to this creamy marshmallow fruit salad.
Nutrition Information
Calories
487kcal
(24%)
Carbohydrates
62g
(21%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
27g
(42%)
Saturated Fat
17g
(85%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
Cholesterol
47mg
(16%)
Sodium
46mg
(2%)
Potassium
238mg
(7%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
49g
(98%)
Vitamin A
673IU
(13%)
Vitamin C
22mg
(24%)
Calcium
79mg
(8%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 487
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 487kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 21% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 46mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 238mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 49g | 98% |
| Vitamin A | 673IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 79mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.