Why You’ll Love this Creamy Ambrosia Salad
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and crowd-pleasing, this Creamy Ambrosia Salad hits all the right notes.
The bright mandarin oranges and juicy pineapple chunks create a perfect sweet-tart balance, while those mini marshmallows add a pillowy softness that kids and adults can’t resist.
I love how versatile this recipe is.
Need to feed a crowd? Double it.
Want to make it healthier? Add kiwi or apples.
The combination of coconut and sour cream creates that signature creamy texture that’s somehow both light and indulgent.
Trust me, your family will scrape the bowl clean.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Ambrosia Salad?
This classic Ambrosia Salad combines a delightful mix of fruits, marshmallows, and a creamy base that creates the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and tropical flavors.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just a handful of ingredients that blend together into something truly special. I always find that chilling the ingredients beforehand, as suggested in the recipe, makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.
- 1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded coconut
- 1 pint sour cream
While these five ingredients form the core of a traditional Ambrosia Salad, don’t be afraid to make it your own.
The recipe notes suggest several delicious variations – adding walnuts for crunch, kiwi and apples for freshness, or even raisins for a chewy texture.
And for those who prefer a lighter, sweeter base, mixing the sour cream with Cool Whip creates a fluffier consistency.
How to Make this Creamy Ambrosia Salad
Making this dreamy ambrosia salad couldn’t be simpler, but the little details truly elevate it from good to spectacular. First, I recommend chilling all your ingredients before you begin mixing. This might seem like an unnecessary step, but trust me, it makes a noticeable difference in how the finished salad comes together. Cold ingredients help maintain the integrity of the fruits and keep the marshmallows from melting into the creamy base too quickly.
Once everything’s properly chilled, grab a pretty glass bowl (presentation matters!) and combine the 15-ounce can of drained mandarin oranges and 16-ounce can of drained pineapple chunks. Remember, thorough draining is essential here—nobody wants a soupy ambrosia.
Next, add the 8-ounce package of shredded coconut and gently fold in the pint of sour cream until everything is evenly coated. The coconut will start to absorb some of the creaminess, creating that signature ambrosia texture.
Finally, fold in the 10-ounce package of miniature marshmallows last. Adding them at the end prevents them from breaking down too much and preserves their pillowy texture. Some folks like to let the salad chill for an hour or two before serving to allow the flavors to meld, but honestly? It’s delicious right away, too.
Creamy Ambrosia Salad Substitutions and Variations
While traditional ambrosia salad remains a timeless classic, countless delicious variations and substitutions can transform this creamy treat to suit any dietary need or flavor preference.
I’ve experimented with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, protein-packed version—works beautifully with a touch of honey. Not a coconut fan? Try toasted nuts instead.
For fruit swaps, fresh berries, sliced grapes, or diced kiwi add vibrant color and flavor.
Sometimes I mix in a spoonful of vanilla pudding mix with the cream for extra sweetness.
Plant-based? Coconut yogurt creates a dairy-free version that’s just as luscious.
The beauty of ambrosia? It’s infinitely adaptable.
What to Serve with Creamy Ambrosia Salad
Now that we’ve explored all those tasty twists on the classic recipe, let’s talk about perfect pairings for your creamy ambrosia salad.
I love serving this sweet, fruity dish alongside savory ham or roasted turkey—the contrast is divine.
It’s particularly wonderful at Easter and Christmas meals, nestled between the meat and potatoes. For summer gatherings, try it with grilled chicken or barbecued ribs.
The cool, creamy texture makes ambrosia an ideal counterpoint to spicy dishes too.
Sometimes I even serve smaller portions in pretty glasses as a light dessert after a heavy meal. Trust me, your guests will be scraping their bowls clean.
Final Thoughts
After sharing this recipe with friends and family for over twenty years, I’m convinced that ambrosia salad remains one of those timeless treats that never goes out of style.
There’s something magical about how these simple ingredients transform into a cloud-like dessert that brings smiles to any gathering.
The beauty of ambrosia is its flexibility. Feel free to make it your own—add nuts for crunch, swap fruits based on the season, or mix in some Cool Whip for extra fluffiness.
Remember to chill everything well before mixing.
Trust me, cold ingredients blend better and create that perfect creamy texture we all crave.
Creamy Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill all ingredients before beginning for best texture and flavor.
- In a large glass bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges and drained pineapple chunks.
- Add the shredded coconut to the fruit mixture.
- Gently fold in the sour cream until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Lastly, fold in the miniature marshmallows to preserve their pillowy texture.
- For best results, refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
