Ambrosia Salad Recipe

This ambrosia salad recipe is a creamy, fruit-filled classic made with juicy oranges, pineapple, cherries, and marshmallows in a sweet dressing. This no-bake dish comes together fast and is perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings!

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Easy ambrosia salad is a creamy, fruity classic that takes minutes to make! Juicy mandarin oranges, pineapple, and sweet cherries mix with fluffy mini marshmallows and coconut for the perfect no-bake treat. A creamy dressing brings everything together for a light, refreshing side dish or dessert. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or holiday dinners, this simple recipe will be a hit with everyone!

This easy recipe comes together fast, and you can follow the step-by-step guide below. We’ve included photos and directions to make everything simple. Plus, find pro tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked recipe questions!

Ambrosia salad comes together in just ten minutes with a sweet, creamy dressing and loads of juicy fruit. It's the perfect no-bake dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday tables.

Fluffy mini marshmallows and coconut add a fun texture, making every bite a mix of creamy and chewy goodness. This classic dessert salad is always a crowd-pleaser and will disappear fast!

What you'll need to make this ambrosia salad recipe:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 (8-ounce) container of whipped topping
• 1 (15-ounce) can of mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 (20-ounce) can of crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 (12-ounce) jar of maraschino cherries, drained and cut in half (plus more for garnish)
• 1 cup of shredded coconut flakes
• 1 cup of mini marshmallows
• chopped walnuts (optional, for garnish)

Make your easy, creamy fruit salad even better by switching up ingredients and adding fun extras! These simple swaps let you customize the recipe to match your taste. Try these top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Sour Cream: Swap it for Greek yogurt to add a tangy twist while keeping the creamy texture.
• Add Sliced Bananas: For extra sweetness, mix in fresh banana slices just before serving.
• Substitute Pecans: Swap them for walnuts or slivered almonds for a nutty crunch.
• Add Maraschino Cherry Juice: For a bolder cherry flavor, mix in a splash of the juice before stirring everything together.
• Substitute Mandarin Oranges: Use fresh clementine segments for a juicy, vibrant flavor.
• Add Mini Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle in some chocolate chips for a fun, dessert-like twist.
• Substitute Sweetened Coconut: Try unsweetened shredded coconut for a milder coconut flavor with less sweetness.

These simple swaps keep the classic ambrosia flavors while making it just the way you like!

FIRST STEP: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese on low until smooth.

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, easy instructions, and helpful tips to make the best and easiest ambrosia. We’ll show you exactly how to mix everything for a creamy, fruity, and delicious dish. Let’s get started!

SECOND STEP: Add the whipped topping, a third at a time, mixing on low speed.

THIRD STEP: Stir in the mandarin orange slices, pineapple, cherries, coconut, and marshmallows.

FOURTH STEP: Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped walnuts and cherries if desired.

You can serve this easy salad for holidays, parties, or any time you want a sweet, creamy treat. Kids and adults love the fluffy texture and fruity flavors. Here are some fun ways to enjoy this classic recipe:

• Holiday Feasts: This no-bake side dish is perfect for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner. It adds a bright, refreshing touch to the table. Pair it with roasted ham, sweet potato casserole, or buttery dinner rolls for a complete holiday spread.
• Summer Barbecues: The cool, creamy texture makes it a great side for hot summer days. Serve it at backyard cookouts with burgers, BBQ chicken sliders, or baked beans for a fun and easy meal.
• Potlucks and Parties: This salad is always a crowd favorite and travels well. Make it ahead, chill it, and bring it to share. Serve it with ham and cheese sliders, buffalo chicken dip, or double chocolate chip cookies for a tasty spread everyone will love!

This ambrosia salad recipe has been a favorite for generations, and it’s easy to see why. It’s simple, quick, and packed with sweet, creamy goodness. Here’s why our readers keep coming back to this classic dish:

• Quick and Easy: No baking, no fuss—just mix everything in one bowl and chill. It’s ready in minutes!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dinner, summer barbecue, or potluck, this dish always fits right in.
• Sweet and Creamy: The combination of juicy fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy dressing makes every bite delicious.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill it in the fridge for a stress-free dish that’s ready when you need it.
• Kid-Approved: The fun mix of textures and fruity flavors makes this a favorite for little ones and grown-ups alike.

Ambrosia salad is a classic for a reason, and we know you’ll love making it again and again!

Can I make easy ambrosia salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Let it chill for a few hours to blend the flavors.

Why is my ambrosia salad too runny?
If your salad is too runny, drain the canned fruit well before mixing. Extra liquid makes the dressing too thin.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit instead of canned. Peel and chop everything into small pieces for the best texture.

Do I need to toast the coconut before adding it?
No, you don’t need to toast the coconut for ambrosia salad. However, toasting adds a nutty flavor if you prefer it.

Can I mix the salad right before serving?
Yes, but ambrosia salad tastes better after chilling. The dressing thickens, and the flavors blend when it sits in the fridge.

How do I keep bananas from turning brown in ambrosia salad?
To keep bananas from turning brown in ambrosia salad, toss the slices in lemon juice before adding them to the mix.

Should I serve ambrosia salad chilled or at room temperature?
Always serve ambrosia salad chilled. The creamy dressing thickens in the fridge, and the flavors taste best when cold.

Can I serve ambrosia salad as a dessert or side dish?
Yes, ambrosia salad works as both a sweet side dish and a light, fruity dessert. It’s great for any occasion.

How can I make ambrosia salad look extra festive for holidays?
Garnish with extra cherries, coconut, or whipped cream before serving. A fun dish adds color and makes it look special.

Can I serve ambrosia salad in a trifle bowl?
Yes, layering ambrosia salad in a trifle bowl makes it look great on the table. It also keeps everything easy to scoop.

What’s the best way to serve ambrosia salad at a picnic?
Keep it in a chilled container until serving. Use disposable cups or bowls to make it easy to grab and enjoy.

Follow the tips below to keep your easy ambrosia salad fresh and creamy. Learn how to store it properly, make it ahead, and reheat leftovers without losing texture.

Can I make ambrosia salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make ambrosia salad ahead of time. Let it chill for a few hours so the flavors blend perfectly.

What’s the best way to store leftover ambrosia salad?
Store leftover ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and creamy for up to two days.

Can I freeze ambrosia salad for later?
No, freezing ambrosia salad is not recommended. The creamy dressing and fruit texture change when thawed, making it watery.

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Ambrosia Salad

This ambrosia salad recipe is a creamy, fruit-filled classic made with juicy oranges, pineapple, cherries, and marshmallows in a sweet dressing. This no-bake dish comes together fast and is perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings!

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 30 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 8 ounces whipped topping
• 15 ounces mandarin oranges (drained)
• 20 ounces crushed pineapple (drained)
• 12 ounces maraschino cherries (drained and cut in half (plus more for garnish))
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup marshmallows
• chopped walnuts (for optional garnish)

DIRECTIONS

 

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese on low until smooth.
• Add the whipped topping, a third at a time, mixing on low speed.
• Stir in oranges, pineapple, cherries, coconut and marshmallows.
• Spoon into serving bowl and garnish with chopped walnuts and cherries if desired.

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Notes

• Substitute the walnuts for slivered almonds if you prefer.
• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so that you don’t end up with any lumps in your cream mixture.
• Stir all of the ingredients together carefully, as you don’t want to break apart the fruit pieces.
• If you have the time, allow this salad to chill for several hours in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to mingle together in your salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 67g | Vitamin A: 1091IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 1mg

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