Classic Ambrosia Salad is a quick and easy vintage recipe made with colorful fruit, mini marshmallows, and coconut in a creamy sweet dressing.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Ambrosia Salad
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 0 minutesminutes
Total Time 15 minutesminutes
Servings 16servings
Calories 232kcal
Author Michelle
Ingredients
1½cupsheavy whipping cream
1tablespoonssugar
1teaspoonvanilla
½cupsour cream
3cupsmini marshmallows
1cupshredded coconut
1can pineapple tidbits(15 ounces) drained
1jar maraschino cherries without stems(10 ounces) drained and patted dry
1can mandarin orange wedges(11 ounces) drained
½cupchopped pecans
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, add cream, sugar, and vanilla. Beat until soft peaks forms. (We're making homemade whipped cream! You know the consistency 😉)
Fold in sour cream until combined.
Fold in all remaining ingredients.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before servings to allow to set and flavors to meld. Serve cool.
Video
Notes
To skip a step, use frozen whipped topping instead of making homemade whipped cream with the first 3 ingredients. Just make sure to thaw it first!
You can use plain white marshmallows for the pretty multi-color fruit flavored ones.
Be sure to pat dry your maraschino cherries or your whole dessert will be very pink.
If you'd prefer to swap out the canned fruit for fresh fruit, use about 1.5-2 cups chopped fresh fruit. Try using chopped grapes and fresh pineapple, cherries, and oranges.
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator. Ambrosia salad is best when made fresh and served within 3 days.
Make Ahead: This Ambrosia salad can (and should!) be made ahead. It's best to let it chill for at least 2 hours, so making it the morning or night before will work perfectly.