Ambrosia Fruit Salad is the ultimate nostalgic treat—a creamy, colorful medley of fruits, marshmallows, and coconut that’s been gracing Southern tables for generations. Whether you’re making it for a holiday spread, summer barbecue, or a sweet side dish for your kids, it’s one of those recipes that never goes out of style. In this post, we’ll walk through the best way to make this delightful salad, how to adjust it to your taste, and clear up the differences between ambrosia and similar classics like Watergate Salad. Let’s dive into this timeless recipe together!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Making the Perfect Ambrosia Salad
Making the perfect Ambrosia Fruit Salad is all about using the right mix of sweet fruit, creamy base, and just enough texture from marshmallows and coconut it’s like making a fruit jam.. This classic Salad recipe is simple, classic, affordable, and a favorite at nearly every family gathering.
Here’s everything you need for a batch that serves about 6 to 8:
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, well drained
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and drained
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whipped topping (optional for extra creaminess)
This traditional Ambrosia Fruit Salad uses just a handful of ingredients, but every bite is packed with flavor and nostalgia. It’s the kind of dish that goes from prep bowl to fridge in under ten minutes. If you’re serving a crowd, it’s easy to double or triple this Ambrosia Fruit Salad recipe—and trust me, there won’t be leftovers.
Sour Cream vs. Whipped Cream in Ambrosia Fruit Salad
The creamy base of your Ambrosia Fruit Salad can totally transform the flavor. Some stick with whipped topping only, but I always blend in sour cream. That touch of tangy richness is what sets this Ambrosia Fruit Salad apart and balances the sweetness of the fruit and marshmallows.
If you want a healthier twist, Greek yogurt works beautifully in Ambrosia Fruit Salad too. And for those ultra-decadent occasions, folding in a little cream cheese gives it a dessert-like quality.
Make sure your Ambrosia Fruit Salad chills for at least two hours, regardless of how you construct it. That resting time lets the flavors blend and gives it the perfect creamy texture everyone loves.
Variations and Regional Twists on Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Ambrosia salad has evolved quite a bit over the decades. While the traditional mix of pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, marshmallows, and coconut is still beloved, home cooks have found plenty of ways to make it their own. This creamy fruit salad is incredibly versatile—perfect for personalizing to suit any occasion or dietary need.
For a healthier twist, many families substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Others prefer vanilla yogurt for a touch of sweetness without adding extra sugar. If you want to go all out for dessert, mixing in softened cream cheese creates a rich, cheesecake-like texture. Fruity marshmallows can add extra color and flavor, while fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries bring a seasonal pop.
Nuts are another optional ingredient. Chopped pecans or walnuts give this soft salad a satisfying crunch—especially when served at holiday meals. At our house, I sometimes stir in sliced green grapes or even diced apples for extra bite and variety. However you spin it, ambrosia salad is endlessly customizable.
Ambrosia vs. Watergate Salad: What’s the Difference?
Ambrosia salad and Watergate salad are often mentioned together, but they’re completely different in taste and texture. Ambrosia is citrus-forward and creamy, often made with a combination of sour cream and whipped topping, and loaded with fruit and coconut. It’s bright, soft, and tropical.
Watergate salad, by contrast, features pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping. It has a pale green color and a distinct pistachio flavor, and usually includes chopped nuts for crunch.
So while both are classic creamy fruit salads that show up at potlucks and holidays, ambrosia salad is more fruit-based, while Watergate leans more dessert-like with its pudding base.
Serving Tips and Storing Ambrosia Salad the Right Way
Can You Make Ambrosia Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. In fact, ambrosia salad tastes even better when made a few hours in advance. Letting it chill in the fridge gives the ingredients time to mingle and the marshmallows a chance to soften, which adds to that creamy, dreamy texture everyone loves. If you’re hosting a brunch, dinner, or holiday gathering, prepping your ambrosia salad the night before is a smart move.
To make it ahead, simply combine all your ingredients in a large bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate. The salad will be ready to serve in just a couple of hours, but it can sit overnight without a problem. To refresh the texture, simply whisk it gently before serving.
I always include this creamy fruit dish in my holiday lineup, right next to Southern Banana Pudding and No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie—they’re all great for make-ahead prep.
How long can you keep ambrosia salad in the refrigerator?
When stored properly, classic ambrosia salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Be sure to keep it covered tightly to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors. The marshmallows will continue to soften over time, and the fruit may release a bit of juice, so it’s best enjoyed within the first 48 hours.
If your ambrosia has both sour cream and whipped topping, you’ll find that the texture holds up a little longer. Still, for the best taste and consistency, try to enjoy leftovers within a few days.
Avoid freezing ambrosia salad. The fresh fruits and creamy base don’t thaw well, and freezing can cause separation or an unpleasant texture. Luckily, this salad is so well-loved that you probably won’t have leftovers for long.
To turn it into a portable dessert, scoop single servings into small mason jars for parties or lunchboxes. However you serve it, ambrosia salad brings a cool, creamy finish to any meal.
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Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe – Classic Creamy Fruit Delight
A creamy, fruity Southern-style salad made with mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, coconut, marshmallows, and sour cream.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and drained
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whipped topping (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and cherries.
2. Add in marshmallows and coconut; gently stir.
3. Fold in sour cream and whipped topping (if using).
4. Stir gently until fully combined and evenly coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add chopped pecans or green grapes.
Best enjoyed within 3 days of preparation.
Can be made the night before and chilled overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Frequently Asked Questions About Ambrosia Salad
What was the original ambrosia?
Ambrosia Fruit Salad was first created in the late 19th century as a straightforward Southern dessert. It typically featured only fresh orange slices and grated coconut, sometimes layered with sugar. Over time, this early version evolved into what we now know as ambrosia salad, with canned fruits, whipped topping, marshmallows, and even nuts added for extra texture and sweetness.
What’s the difference between ambrosia and Watergate salad?
Mandarin oranges, pineapple, maraschino cherries, marshmallows, coconut, and a base of whipped or sour cream are some of the ingredients that go into making the creamy fruit dish known as ambrosia fruit salad. Watergate salad, on the other hand, uses pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and chopped nuts. The flavor profiles are totally different—ambrosia is citrusy and tropical, while Watergate has a nutty, pudding-like texture with a pale green color.
What exactly is ambrosia?
Ambrosia is a sweet, creamy fruit salad traditionally served as a side dish or dessert. It combines canned or fresh fruits with shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and a creamy binder like sour cream or whipped topping. The name “ambrosia” comes from ancient mythology and means “food of the gods,” fitting for a dish as nostalgic and well-loved as this one.
How much sour cream do you put in ambrosia?
For a standard Ambrosia Fruit salad serving 6 to 8 people, one cup of sour cream is ideal. It adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the fruit and marshmallows. You can adjust the amount based on your taste or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of ambrosia salad.
Conclusion
Ambrosia Fruit salad is more than just a creamy fruit mix—it’s a recipe full of nostalgia, flavor, and charm. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, summer barbecue, or just want to bring a little sweetness to a weekday dinner, this simple dish never disappoints. With its combination of citrusy fruits, coconut, mini marshmallows, and tangy sour cream, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love.
I hope this guide helps you make the best version of ambrosia fruit salad for your family. And don’t be afraid to make it your own—try adding fresh fruit, nuts, or different bases to keep things interesting. However you serve it, this creamy classic always brings smiles.
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