Classic Creamy Ambrosia Salad (The Best 10-Minute Dessert)

Classic Creamy Ambrosia Salad is the ultimate nostalgic 10 minute dessert!

Made with fruit, creamy whipped topping and fluffy marshmallows, this crowd pleasing salad is an unrivaled "make-ahead" salad recipe that can also be served as a side dish and or as a dessert.

Why this recipe works.

This is a simple recipe that is made with simple ingredients. The ingredients are mostly pantry ingredients that you may already have on hand.

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• We love that this is a "fix-it-and-forget-it" recipe that gets better as it sits and chills.
• There is a perfect balance of flavors textures in this recipe thanks to the tangy sour cream, sweet whipped topping, and of course the fruit.
• This is a classic and nostalgic salad that works as a summer dessert or holiday side.
• Customizing this salad is as easy as swapping out the fruit or using Greek yogurt as part of the base.

Have you tried my recipe for 7up Biscuits?

Made with just four ingredients, those biscuits are fluffy, soft, and full of flavor. This Ambrosia salad when served with those biscuits at your next gathering or holiday celebration.

Sweetened coconut flakes are added for both flavor and to add a bit of texture to this salad. You can find sweetened coconut flakes here.

Ingredients you will need.

• Frozen Whipped Topping. Such as Cool Whip.
• Sour Cream This adds a nice 'tang' to the salad as well as a creamy texture.
• Pineapple Chunks The pineapple should be drained and sliced in half. Tidbits or crushed pineapple could also work in this recipe.
• Mandarin Oranges. Use canned oranges that have been drained.
• Mini Marshmallows For added color and flavor, "Fruity Mini Marshmallows" were used in my salad.
• Sweetened Coconut Flakes Shredded can also work in this recipe depending on your desired texture.
• Maraschino Cherries Drained and sliced in half. This is used in the salad and for serving.

How to Make Old Fashioned Ambrosia Salad

• Prep Time 10 minutes .
• Chill Time 30 minutes .
• Servings 8 .
• How to serve : Serve as a dessert or side dish.
• Notes: You will need a large bowl, whisk, and rubber spatula or large spoon.

1. Cream. In a large bowl, use a whisk to combine together the cool whip and sour cream until blended and smooth.
2. Fold. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then use a rubber spatula or similar item to gently fold in the pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, coconut, and cherries.
3. Chill. Cover and refrigerate the ingredients for at least an hour.
4. Serve. Gently stir the ingredients and then top with the remaining cherries for serving.

Tips for making the best Ambrosia Salad with Sour Cream and Cool Whip

Since we are enjoying the convenience of using canned fruit, it is essential that the fruit is well drained as excess liquid can affect the texture of the salad and can "pool" at the bottom of the bowl. If your fruit seems to be too 'wet' after draining, you can try using clean paper towels to pat the fruit dry .

More helpful tips for you.

1. Fold the fruit and marshmallows into the other ingredients gently, avoiding over-mixing. Stirring too vigorously can break the delicate mandarin orange segments and deflate the whipped topping.
2. While this salad can be served after an hour of chilling, chilling the salad longer (four to six hours) can give the marshmallows time to absorb moisture from the fruit and soften into a pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency without completely dissolving.
3. The extra cherries added on top should be added just before serving. This keeps the colors from the cherries from bleeding into the salad.

FAQ

• Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
  Yes! as ambrosia salad is even better when you do. Chilling the ambrosia longer (six hours or so) allows the marshmallows to soften and the flavors of the coconut and fruit to meld into the creamy base.
• What can I use instead of sour cream
  Plain or Vanilla Greek Yogurt can work in this recipe in place of the sour cream.
• Why is my Ambrosia Salad watery?
  The most common cause of watery ambrosia salad is not draining the fruit well enough. For the best results, drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges in a colander and then pat them dry with a paper towel before folding them into the cream mixture.
• Can I use Fresh Fruit?
  Part of the convenience of this recipe is being able to use the canned stuff.
  When it comes to the pineapple, fresh pineapple contains bromelain that can break down the proteins in dairy (like the sour cream and whipped topping), causing the salad to become runny.
• What if I hate cherries?
  Grapes are a nice alternative. You would have to use fresh ones since it may be hard to find canned grapes.

Variations.

• Add a crunchy element. Fold in ½ cup of toasted pecans or chopped walnuts just before serving. The earthy, savory crunch creates a perfect contrast to the sweet fruit.
• Make it pink. Add a tablespoon of the maraschino cherry juice to the cream mixture. This turns the entire salad a beautiful pastel pink—perfect for Easter, Valentine’s Day, or baby showers.
• Pina Colada Fun Hear me out on this one.. Double the coconut and add a teaspoon of rum extract for a tropical flair.

How to Store Ambrosia Salad.

Leftover Ambrosia Salad should be covered and refrigerated. When properly stored, it is best enjoyed within 24 to 48 hours. After a couple of days, the fruit begins to release its natural juices, which can make the dressing watery, and the marshmallows may start to dissolve too!

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