Print

Best Ever Ambrosia Salad Recipe

4.5 from 66 reviews

This Best Ever Ambrosia Salad is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy fruits mixed with creamy cool whip and sour cream, complemented by chewy marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and shredded coconut. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert, this salad is easy to prepare and loved for its vibrant flavors and pleasing textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 8 ounce Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Fruits & Mix-ins

  • 1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
  • 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved and stemmed
  • 3 cups multicolored flavored marshmallows
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed Cool Whip and sour cream. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and fully blended to create a creamy base for the salad.
  2. Add the Fruits and Mix-ins: Carefully fold in the drained mandarin oranges, chopped fresh pineapple, halved maraschino cherries, multicolored marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans into the creamy mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ambrosia salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together. For best results, chill overnight before serving to enhance taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for a brighter taste, but canned pineapple can be substituted if needed.
  • Ensure the canned mandarin oranges are well-drained to avoid excess liquid making the salad watery.
  • For added texture, toast the pecans lightly before adding.
  • This salad tastes best when chilled overnight, allowing flavors to blend perfectly.
  • Can be customized by adding other fruits like grapes or bananas, but add bananas just before serving to prevent browning.

Keywords: ambrosia salad, fruit salad, marshmallow salad, cool whip dessert, easy dessert, no-bake salad