Ambrosia Salad is a classic no-bake dessert that’s bright, sweet, and full of fun textures. It usually brings together a mix of juicy oranges, sweet pineapple, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy whipped topping, sometimes with a handful of coconut for extra flavor. It’s light and refreshing, making it a great choice when you want something cool and easy without turning on the oven.
I love making Ambrosia Salad for family gatherings or summer barbecues because it feels like a special treat without much fuss. What I really enjoy about it is how the flavors just blend effortlessly, and the marshmallows add such a fun, soft bite that everyone seems to smile at. Plus, you can tweak it however you like – add cherries, nuts, or even a little yogurt to change things up.
Serving Ambrosia chilled out of the fridge is my favorite way to enjoy it. It’s perfect on a warm day or as a light finish to a big meal. I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s one of those desserts where everyone feels like a little kid again – sweet, creamy, and just so nostalgic. If you want a quick, no-fuss dessert that makes people happy, Ambrosia Salad is a wonderful pick.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Mini marshmallows
- These add a soft, chewy texture and sweetness. You can skip them if you prefer a lighter salad or substitute with small fruit chunks like diced apples for crunch.
- Grapes and citrus fruits
- Fresh grapes add juiciness, and using seedless keeps it easy to eat. Mandarin oranges and pineapple bring bright, tangy sweetness. If fresh fruit isn’t handy, canned or frozen (thawed) works well—just drain well.
- Coconut and nuts
- Sweetened shredded coconut brings tropical flavor and a bit of chew, while almonds add crunch. If you avoid nuts, try toasted sunflower seeds or omit entirely. Unsweetened coconut also works for a less sweet taste.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- These create creamy texture and mild tang that balance sweetness. Use full-fat for richness or low-fat for a lighter dish. Greek yogurt makes it a bit healthier and thicker.
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- This keeps the salad fluffy and light. If you prefer, substitute with homemade whipped cream or use all yogurt/sour cream for a less airy but still creamy salad.
How Do You Keep the Fruit Fresh and the Salad from Getting Watery?
Ambrosia Salad looks best when fruits stay firm and the creamy dressing doesn’t become watery. Here’s how to make it right:
- Drain canned fruits well: Whether mandarin oranges or pineapple, squeeze out excess juice to avoid sogginess.
- Fold ingredients gently: Mix carefully to keep fruit pieces intact and avoid crushing the tender segments.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit for at least two hours helps the flavors blend, but don’t wait too long or the marshmallows might get mushy.
- Add crunchy toppings just before serving: If using nuts or coconut, sprinkle some on top at the last minute to keep them crisp.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – big enough to mix all the fruit and dressing easily without spilling.
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon – perfect for gently folding ingredients without crushing the fruit.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your portions just right for a balanced flavor.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for halving grapes and chopping nuts if using.
- Plastic wrap or airtight container – to keep your salad fresh while it chills in the fridge.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the pineapple for fresh mango chunks for a tropical twist that’s juicy and sweet.
- Add maraschino cherries for bursts of bright color and a pop of extra sweetness.
- Try using chopped pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor and crunch.
- Mix in a few spoonfuls of cottage cheese or cream cheese for extra creaminess and a slight tang.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad, The Perfect No-Bake Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit and Mix-ins:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup green grapes, halved
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ cup sliced almonds or chopped nuts (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, mostly spent assembling the ingredients. After mixing, you should chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let all the flavors meld together and for the salad to become nicely chilled and refreshing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with the whipped topping until smooth and well blended. Add the honey or sugar and vanilla extract if you’re using them, and stir until everything is nicely mixed.
2. Add the Fruit and Mix-ins:
Carefully add mini marshmallows, mandarin orange segments, pineapple chunks, halved red and green grapes, shredded coconut, and the sliced almonds or nuts (if using). Gently fold everything together to mix thoroughly but try to keep the fruit pieces intact.
3. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors blend and keeps the salad cool and refreshing. Before serving, stir the salad gently once more, then spoon it into a pretty bowl and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Fruit in Ambrosia Salad?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen fruit completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the salad to avoid watery results.
Can I Make Ambrosia Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the texture.
What Can I Substitute for Whipped Topping?
You can use homemade whipped cream or more Greek yogurt or sour cream for a less airy but equally creamy salad.
How Should I Store Leftover Ambrosia Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again to redistribute any settled liquid.