Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad: A Sweet & Creamy Nostalgic Treat

Do you remember that one dish at every family gathering that somehow felt like both a side dish and a dessert? For many of us, that was Ambrosia Fruit Salad. With its fluffy, cloud-like texture and pops of juicy fruit, it is a timeless classic that brings back sweet memories. In Greek mythology, “ambrosia” was the food of the gods, conferring immortality on whoever consumed it. While we can’t promise immortality, we can guarantee this recipe will be the star of your next potluck.

This isn’t just a fruit salad; it’s a creamy, dreamy concoction that perfectly balances the tartness of mandarin oranges and pineapple with the sweetness of marshmallows and coconut. Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner, a summer barbecue, or just craving a retro treat, this easy-to-make dish requires zero cooking and is ready in minutes. Let’s dive into how to make the fluffiest, most delicious Ambrosia Fruit Salad you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients List

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of these items are pantry staples that come together to create something magical.

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

One of the best things about this salad is how quickly it comes together. It is the ultimate last-minute dish that tastes like you spent hours on it.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30–45 minutes
• Total Time: 45–60 minutes (Includes chilling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Drain the Fruit

This is the most critical step. Open your cans of mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and fruit cocktail. Pour them into a colander and let them sit for a few minutes to drain thoroughly. If the fruit is too wet, the whipped topping will break down, and your salad will become soupy.

• Tip: You can even pat the fruit dry with paper towels for extra insurance against a watery salad.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients & Fruit

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained fruit (oranges, pineapple, fruit cocktail, and cherries) with the 3 cups of miniature marshmallows, 2 ½ cups of shredded coconut, and ½ cup of chopped walnuts.

• Tip: If using the optional spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), sprinkle them over the fruit and marshmallows now and give it a gentle toss to distribute the flavor evenly before adding the cream.

Step 3: Fold in the Cream

Add the thawed 8-ounce container of whipped topping to the bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together. You want to coat every piece of fruit and marshmallow without crushing the delicate mandarin oranges.

• Action: Use a “down-across-up-and-over” motion with your spatula to keep the mixture airy and fluffy.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for 30 to 45 minutes. This resting period allows the marshmallows to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together into a cohesive dish.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the fridge, give it one last gentle stir if needed, and transfer to a serving bowl. Enjoy this cool, creamy delight!

Nutritional Information

While delicious, Ambrosia is definitely a treat. Here is an estimated breakdown per serving (assuming 10 servings):

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugar: 38g)
• Fat: 12g (Saturated: 8g due to coconut)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Vitamin C: 15% of Daily Value

Healthier Alternatives

If you love the concept but want to lighten it up, try these swaps:

• Greek Yogurt Base: Swap half or all of the whipped topping for vanilla Greek yogurt. This adds protein and probiotics while reducing saturated fat.
• Fresh Fruit: Instead of canned fruit in heavy syrup, use fresh strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and orange segments. This drastically reduces the added sugar.
• Unsweetened Coconut: Use unsweetened shredded coconut to cut down on sugar without losing the tropical texture.
• Nuts: Increase the walnuts or pecans for more heart-healthy fats and fiber.

Serving Suggestions

Ambrosia is versatile! Here is how to serve it for different occasions:

• The Holiday Spread: Serve in a crystal bowl alongside roasted turkey or ham. The sweetness cuts through savory, salty main dishes.
• Summer BBQ: It makes a refreshing, no-bake dessert that won’t heat up your kitchen.
• Parfaits: Layer the salad in small glasses with granola for a fun breakfast or brunch treat.
• Dip Style: Serve with graham crackers or vanilla wafers for scooping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have pitfalls. Watch out for these common errors:

• Wet Fruit: As mentioned, failing to drain the fruit properly is the #1 mistake. Solution: Let it drain for at least 10 minutes.
• Using Whipped Cream: Real homemade whipped cream can deflate and separate quickly, especially with the acidity of the fruit. Solution: Stabilized whipped topping (Cool Whip) holds up much better for leftovers.
• Over-mixing: Stirring too vigorously can turn the fruit into mush and turn the cream a muddy color. Solution: Fold gently.
• Adding Bananas Too Early: If you want to add fresh bananas, do it right before serving. Otherwise, they will turn brown and mushy in the fridge.

Storing Tips

Ambrosia keeps surprisingly well, making it a great make-ahead dish.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The marshmallows will get softer the longer it sits (which many people love!).
• Do Not Freeze: Freezing this salad will ruin the texture of the marshmallows and cause the fruit to become icy and the cream to separate upon thawing.
• Stir Before Serving: Liquid may settle at the bottom after sitting overnight. Just give it a quick, gentle fold to incorporate it back in.

Conclusion

Ambrosia Fruit Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a bowl full of nostalgia. It’s fluffy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy all at once—a texture lover’s dream. Whether you stick to the classic canned fruit version or modernize it with fresh ingredients and yogurt, it’s a dish that brings smiles to the table.

Try it out for your next gathering and let us know in the comments! Did you add the cinnamon and nutmeg? We’d love to hear your twist on this classic. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe to our blog for more comforting, easy recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use sour cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes! Many traditional recipes actually use a mix of sour cream and whipped topping (or marshmallows) to add a tangy cheesecake-like flavor that balances the sweetness. Try a 50/50 mix if you find the original too sweet.

Q2. Is this gluten-free?

Generally, yes. The core ingredients (fruit, marshmallows, coconut, cream) are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels on the whipped topping and marshmallows to ensure they were processed in a gluten-free facility.

Q3. Can I use colored marshmallows?

Absolutely! Using multi-colored fruity marshmallows adds a festive, fun look and a subtle fruit flavor that kids especially love.

Q4. Why is my salad watery the next day?

Fruit naturally releases juices over time. If you plan to keep it for a few days, ensure the fruit is extremely dry before mixing, or add a little extra coconut to soak up the moisture.

Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad: A Sweet & Creamy Nostalgic Treat

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• Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

This Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a sweet, creamy, no-bake favorite made with fluffy whipped topping, juicy fruit, marshmallows, and coconut. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings, this nostalgic dessert-salad comes together in minutes and tastes even better chilled.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups miniature marshmallows

• 2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

• 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained well

• 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks or tidbits, drained well

• 1 can (8 oz) fruit cocktail, drained well

• 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

• 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained & chopped (optional)

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

• 1 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

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Instructions

1. Drain all canned fruit thoroughly using a colander. Pat dry with paper towels if needed to avoid excess moisture.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine marshmallows, shredded coconut, drained fruit, cherries, and nuts (if using).

3. Sprinkle in cinnamon and nutmeg if desired. Gently toss to combine.

4. Add the thawed whipped topping and gently fold until evenly coated.

5. Cover and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

6. Stir gently before serving and enjoy chilled.

Notes

• Drain fruit extremely well to prevent a watery salad
• Can be made up to 24 hours in advance
• For a lighter version, use light whipped topping
• Add grapes or sliced bananas just before serving if desired

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Side Dish, Salad
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg