Description
Classic Ambrosia Salad is a sweet, creamy fruit salad featuring mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries, all combined with sour cream and whipped topping. This refreshing and easy no-cook dish is perfect as a dessert or a holiday side, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently fold together the sour cream and whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating the creamy base for the salad.
- Add Fruit and Mix-ins: Add the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, halved and patted-dry maraschino cherries, and nuts (if using) to the bowl. Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy base.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the salad is cool and refreshing.
- Final Stir and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute ingredients evenly. Serve chilled as a dessert or a festive side dish.
Notes
- This salad can be made up to a day in advance to save time and enhance flavor blending.
- For a lighter version, substitute regular sour cream and whipped topping with their light varieties.
- Always pat the maraschino cherries dry to prevent the salad from turning pink and maintain its classic appearance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
