Ambrosia Salad Recipe
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a no-bake, creamy fruit extravaganza with marshmallows and coconut that’s perfect as a traditional southern side dish or dessert.
Ambrosia salad is a dreamy blend of pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, juicy grapes, sweet mini marshmallows and shredded coconut gently folded into whipped cream and Greek yogurt. You know what? I first tasted this classic at my grandmother’s Fourth of July picnic, and it’s been my go-to fruit salad ever since. According to Google Trends data, searches for Ambrosia salad spike about 30 percent around Memorial Day each year—so I’ve tweaked this easy recipe to be lighter, pack in more protein, and stay perfectly creamy from the first bite to the last. Whether you’re serving it as a festive side dish alongside barbecue or as a colorful dessert, this Ambrosia Salad Recipe delivers a delicious taste of summertime nostalgia without heating up the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• No oven needed—just whip, fold, and chill.
• Ready in under 20 minutes, then chill while you relax.
• Creamy texture with a light tang from Greek yogurt.
• Crowd-pleasing fruity mix that works as dessert or side dish.
• Traditional southern vibes with a modern healthy twist.
• Customizable—swap fruits, nuts or whipped cream for dietary needs.
• Perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, holidays or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 8 oz store-bought whipped cream)
1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (look for Nielsen-Massey or Rodelle)
1 can (14 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1 tbsp juice if you like extra sweetness)
1 can (11 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved (or a rainbow mix for color)
1 cup mini marshmallows (classic or strawberry-flavored)
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (unsweetened works too)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, toasted for crunch)
Directions
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 10 minutes—this helps the cream whip up light and airy.
- Pour heavy cream into the cold bowl, add vanilla, and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form (stop before it gets grainy).
- Gently fold in Greek yogurt with a spatula until the mixture looks smooth and creamy; scrape the bowl sides to avoid clumps.
- Toss pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, halved grapes and mini marshmallows in a large serving bowl—use tongs or clean hands for the best mix.
- Pour the cream mixture over the fruit and marshmallows, then fold everything together just until coated; overmixing can deflate the fluff.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut and toasted nuts on top; give a quick, gentle toss to distribute.
- Taste for sweetness—if you want it sweeter, drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra pineapple juice or a touch of honey and fold once.
- Cover with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and chill for at least 2 hours (honestly, overnight is even better for that full-flavored bite).
Servings & Timing
Yield: Serves 8–10 as a side dish or dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes chilling tool prep)
Chill Time: 2 hours (up to overnight for best flavor)
Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
• Tropical Twist: Stir in diced mango and papaya for an island flair.
• Light Version: Swap whipping cream for extra Greek yogurt and skip marshmallows.
• Nut-Free: Omit nuts and add pepitas or sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Boozy Berry: Fold in 2 tablespoons of rum and fresh blueberries.
• Festive Holiday: Use red and green grapes, mini peppermint marshmallows.
• Berry Fusion: Replace mandarin oranges with sliced strawberries and blueberries.
Storage & Reheating
Store Ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—beyond that, the marshmallows soften too much. This salad isn’t freezer-friendly; freezing makes fruits lose texture. For best results, take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving so it isn’t too chilly. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the cream mixture and fruit separately, then combine just before your event for maximum fluff.
Notes
• Always drain canned fruit well to avoid a watery salad—pat mandarin oranges on a paper towel if needed.
• If you prefer a firmer texture, freeze mini marshmallows for 10 minutes before mixing.
• For an extra protein boost, swap half the whipped cream for full-fat Greek yogurt.
• To deepen flavor, stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• I’ve learned that gently folding, not stirring, keeps everything light and airy—trust me, it makes a difference!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this Ambrosia Salad Recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes—mix it up to 6 hours before serving. Any longer and the marshmallows get soggy, so plan accordingly.
Q: What’s the best way to keep marshmallows from getting rubbery?
A: Toss marshmallows in fruit juice or freeze them for a bit before mixing; that helps them stay soft longer.
Q: Is Ambrosia salad gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Just double-check that your marshmallows are labeled gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
Q: Can I swap the coconut for something else?
A: Sure—unsweetened coconut flakes, sliced almonds or even crushed graham crackers add a fun twist.
Q: How can I make this lighter?
A: Use all Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream and skip the nuts for a leaner version that still tastes indulgent.
Q: Will fresh fruit work instead of canned?
A: Definitely. Just drain well and toss apples or berries in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Q: Can I transport Ambrosia salad to a picnic?
A: Yes—pack it in a cooler with ice packs and keep it chilled until serving to maintain its creamy texture.
Q: Why is mine sometimes too runny?
A: Over-ripe fruit or excess juice can water it down—drain carefully, and use firmer fruit when possible.
Conclusion
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe brings together creamy whipped cream, tangy yogurt, vibrant fruit and soft marshmallows for a deliciously easy side dish or dessert that’s steeped in Southern tradition. Give it a whirl at your next gathering, and let me know how you customized it—leave a comment below or explore my other creamy fruit salads for more inspiration!
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or 8 oz store-bought whipped cream
- 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt for extra creaminess
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 14 oz pineapple chunks drained (reserve 1 tbsp juice if desired)
- 11 oz mandarin orange segments drained
- 1 cup seedless red grapes halved
- 1 cup mini marshmallows classic or strawberry-flavored
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut unsweetened can be used
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional, toasted for crunch
Instructions
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Whip the heavy cream in the chilled bowl with vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Toss pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, grapes, and marshmallows in a serving bowl.
- Pour the cream mixture over the fruits and marshmallows, fold to coat.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut and nuts on top, gently toss to distribute.
- If desired, drizzle extra pineapple juice or honey for added sweetness. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
