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Ambrosia Fruit Salad: a simple and delicious fruit salad that is combined with sweet whipped topping and sprinkled with shredded coconut. Great for large gatherings, picnics and more!
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
I don’t know about you but anytime we have a large family gathering, holiday party, or picnic there is always some form of a fruit salad or jello dish to pass around. Some of our favorites include Pistachio Pudding, Creamsicle Fluff, Cherry Coke Jello Salad (which my husband loves) or one of my personal favorites Strawberry Raspberry Pretzel Jello salad. They make the menu feel complete and are more often than not very budget friendly because they feed a small crowd for very little expense. This classic ambrosia salad recipe is just as simple to put together and has a delicious tropical taste which is perfect for the Spring and Summer months, but can of course be enjoyed all year round! We love to serve this for Easter, Thanksgiving or even Christmas!
What ingredients do I need to make Ambrosia Fruit Salad?
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this classic ambrosia salad and you can swap out ingredients that you or your family don’t like!
- Coolwhip
- Sour Cream
- Pineapple tidbits
- Mandarin oranges – we used canned mandarin oranges – be sure to drain them!
- Sweetened shredded coconut
- Colorful mini marshmallows
- Red maraschino cherries
How to make Ambrosia Salad?
This ambrosia salad couldn’t be easier! You can use one bowl from start to finish which means less mess in the kitchen!
- In a large bowl whisk together sour cream and frozen whipped topping until well combined.
- Fold remaining fruit ingredients and mini marshmallows into whipped topping. Chill before serving.
- Top with a bit of shredded coconut and cherry.
How long does Ambrosia salad last in the refrigerator?
As with most fruit and jello salads I personally think they taste best after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours. This allows the flavors to blend together. We prefer to enjoy our ambrosia salad the day it’s made or the very next day. This is a perfect recipe to make ahead to save time! This ambrosia fruit salad lasts about 3 days in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator. Much longer and I think the marshmallows get too soggy and the water from the fruit starts to separate the “cream.”
What are some other additions I can add to this Easy Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia salad has many different bases that can be used. Some like to use yogurt or cottage cheese but we prefer to use a sour cream and whipped cream base. Pineapple and mandarin oranges are a classic additon to this fruit salad but you can also add apples or fruits such as bananas and grapes. If you decide to add bananas to your fruit salad be sure to add these right before serving as they brown quickly. You can also add nuts such as pecans if desired.
Can I make Homemade Whipped Cream?
You sure can! Add some chilled heavy whipping cream to a large bowl and use an electric mixture or stand mixer to whip until soft peaks form. Add a teaspoon of sugar, or more to your desired sweetness, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form, being careful not to over beat.
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces CoolWhip, thawed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 11 ounce can pineapple tidbits, well drained
- 1 11 ounce can mandarin oranges, well drained
- 1 jar red maraschino cherries, well drained
- 1 bag marshmallows, colorful
- 1/2 – 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a large bowl whisk together thawed CoolWhip and sour cream until well combined.
- Add remaining fruit ingredients and marshmallows. Stir until everything is covered with the Cool whip mixture. Chill for 1-2 hours before serving
- Top with sweetened shredded coconut and a few maraschino cherries right before serving. Enjoy!
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Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also pretty too! Thanks!
So yummy! This is my favorite dessert/side to make in the summer.
So many delicious recipes, can’t wait to try them, ,
There simple an quick, n thats my main reason, I love it
I don’t like long strung out recipes, I refuse to make them
Thanks for them
It’s not Easter without Ambrosia Salad!! Fabulous recipe!!
This is so colorful and fun…easy too!
I loved it! So fun and festive!!
The perfect potluck salad. We love this dish!
I love how easy this is! It’s a great addition to any meal.