The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe (2024)

By Sam 47 Comments

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This Ambrosia Salad recipe is a classic old-fashioned favorite. While many versions use artificially-flavored store-bought whipped cream, today we’re improving upon the flavor by making our own homemade whipped cream and tweaking this recipe to dessert salad perfection!

The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe (1)

A Better Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Throwback to an old-fashioned favorite today! A recent favorite for me. Growing up, I honestly always avoided Ambrosia Salad. There was something about the fact that it was called a salad but that it also had marshmallows!? in it that I just couldn’t seem to get behind.

As far as unconventional, non-lettuce-based “salads” go, potato salad and macaroni salad were about as far as I ever ventured. Dessert salads like Ambrosia salad were often on the menu, but never on my plate.

Oh, was I ever missing out.

If you’ve ever had Ambrosia Salad in the past, chances are it was made with Cool Whip. Sure, Cool Whip is easy to use and works in a pinch, but the (artificial) taste simply doesn’t compare to making our own homemade, from-scratch whipped cream. This simple switch in ingredients changed me forever from a dessert salad skeptic to an Ambrosia Salad fan(atic).

The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe (2)

What You Need

  • Heavy Cream — rather than using Cool Whip, as so many Ambrosia Salad recipes do, we are making our own homemade whipped cream. It’s going to make the flavor so much better (and only takes 5 minutes)!
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Sour Cream — This ingredient is key for adding a great depth of flavor to this Ambrosia salad recipe and keeps it from being too sweet!
  • Mandarin oranges
  • Maraschino cherries— remove any stems.
  • Pineapple tidbits — If you can’t find “tidbits” then pineapple chunks will work, just cut each piece in half so the pineapple doesn’t overwhelm things. Alternatively you can chop up your own fresh pineapple into small bite-sized pieces!
  • Sweetened shredded coconut
  • Mini marshmallows — regular, white, classic mini marshmallows will work just fine in this recipe, but personally I prefer the fruit flavored marshmallows.
  • Nuts— optional! I don’t care for nuts in ambrosia salad, but if you are a fan then feel free to add ¾ cup of coarsely chopped nuts in with the marshmallows.

The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe (3)

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

  1. Start by making a simple homemade whipped cream by using an electric mixer to beat together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
  2. Stir in sour cream. It might seem like an odd combination, but give it a taste test. The sour cream adds such a nice depth of flavor (just like it does with my cheesecake).Soooo good.
  3. Stir in fruits and marshmallows, tossing everything together until completely combined.
  4. Cover and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe (4)

How Far In Advance Can I Make Ambrosia Salad

I recommend making Ambrosia Salad 1-24 hours before you intend to serve, for best flavor and texture. However, Ambrosia Salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (make sure to store in an airtight container). I do not recommend freezing as the quality degrades when thawed.

Enjoy!

More Old Fashioned Favorites

  • Rice Krispie Treats
  • Buckeyes
  • Potato Candy

I originally shared this recipe for Ambrosia Salad over on Real Housemoms!

Oh, and hey! Today’s new video was filmed in my brand new kitchen! I’m working on a post to show you everything we had done to the new space, so stay tuned, but I hope you enjoy today’s sneak-peek 🙂

The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe (5)

Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe

An easy homemade Ambrosia Salad Recipe! Sweet and so simple, no Cool Whip required!

Be sure to check out the quick how-to video below the recipe!

5 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 301kcal

Author: Sam Merritt

Ingredients

  • ¾ cups (180 ml) heavy cream
  • ¼ cup (35 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
  • 11 oz (312 g) can mandarin oranges well drained
  • 10 oz (¾ cup) maraschino cherries without stems
  • 1 8 oz can pineapple tidbits well-drained
  • 1 ½ cups (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • 4 cups (200 g) mini marshmallows¹

Instructions

  • Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until mixture is thick, billowy, and the consistency of Cool Whip.

    ¾ cups (180 ml) heavy cream, ¼ cup (35 g) powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Stir in sour cream.

    ½ cup (120 g) sour cream

  • In a separate bowl, stir together oranges, cherries, pineapple, coconut, and mini marshmallows.

    11 oz (312 g) can mandarin oranges, 10 oz (¾ cup) maraschino cherries, 1 8 oz can pineapple tidbits, 1 ½ cups (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut, 4 cups (200 g) mini marshmallows¹

  • Add whipped cream/sour cream mixture and stir until completely combined.

  • Cover bowl and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

¹I like to use the rainbow/fruit flavored mini marshmallows for more of a tropical flavor, but classic white mini marshmallows work just as well!

Nuts?

Some people like to add nuts to their ambrosia salad. ¾ cup of coarsely chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts would make a great addition.

Storing Ambrosia Salad

I recommend making Ambrosia Salad 1-24 hours before you intend to serve, for best flavor and texture. However, Ambrosia Salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (make sure to store in an airtight container). I do not recommend freezing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 769IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Sam

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Tami! 🙂

      Reply

  1. Audrey Cortez

    I can’t wait to make this nostalgic salad tomorrow for my brother’s birthday! It’s so difficult to find in delis nowadays. I’d like to make enough so that he has plenty for himself, as well as to share. I was wondering how much this makes? I think I’ll double the recipe just to be sure. Thank you so much for literally making my younger brother’s birthday so much sweeter!

    Reply

    • Sam

      Hi Audrey! It makes about 10 servings, but of course that depends how big you like a serving to be. You can never have enough if you ask me! 🙂

      Reply

  2. Renee San Marco

    Love the receipt but way too sweet. Next time I will cut the powdered sugar by at least half and maybe 2/3.

    Reply

  3. Meena Maharaj

    The best Ambrosia

    Reply

    • Dee

      The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe (7)
      Sam, I had never had ambrosia, so like you I realized I had been missing out. I followed your recipe without changing a thing and it came out delicious! Brought some to my mom who has a picky palate and she loved it too!

      Reply

      • Sam

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Dee! 🙂

  4. Seth

    The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe (8)
    I’m so glad I came across your recipe! It Turned out amazing!!! Thank you for sharing

    Reply

    • Sam

      I’m so glad you enjoy them so much, Seth! 🙂

      Reply

    • Joyce Leftridge

      Do you have a recipe for Waldorf salad ?

      Reply

      • Sam

        Hi Joyce! Unfortunately I do not. 🙁

  5. Laura

    What about lemon extract instead of vanilla?

    Reply

    • Sam

      If you like the flavor combination that will work fine. You will want to use less though as lemon extract is much more potent than vanilla. 🙂

      Reply

      • Mary

        Do I not drain the maraschino cherries? It does say to drain the mandarin oranges, but nothing about the cherries. I want to make sure. Looking forward to making this salad. TIA

      • Sam

        Hi Mary! You do not want to add the liquid from the cherries. 🙂

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The Best Ambrosia Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the main ingredients in ambrosia salad? ›

Ambrosia is an American version of fruit salad that dates back to the late 19th century and it seems as though everyone's family has their own recipe or spin on it. At its core, however, it traditionally contains pineapple and oranges (either fresh or canned), miniature marshmallows, and coconut.

What is ambrosia made of? ›

Most ambrosia recipes contain canned (often sweetened) or fresh pineapple, canned mandarin orange slices or fresh orange sections, miniature marshmallows, and coconut. Other ingredients might include various fruits and nuts: maraschino cherries, bananas, strawberries, peeled grapes, or crushed pecans.

Why is it called ambrosia salad in USA? ›

Ambrosia was so named for the food of the Greek and Roman gods. Its region of origin is lost to history. Its ties to the South are strong, though some believe it began in Vermont or elsewhere in New England.

Where is ambrosia salad popular? ›

For many Southerners, ambrosia salad is a dish often associated with holiday potlucks or aunts and grandmothers. It occasionally gets a bad rap, along with the often-maligned fruitcake, but when prepared correctly it can be light and delicious.

What kind of fruit is an ambrosia? ›

Ambrosia is an attractive medium-sized apple, with a pink-tinged orange/red flush over a yellow background. As such it is very much in tune with the modern preference for "bi-coloured" apples.

What is a creamy fruit salad made of? ›

Beat cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Mix in whipped topping on high speed until incorporated. Fold in pineapple, fruit co*cktail, bananas, apple, coconut, pecans, raisins, and cherries. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Is ambrosia good for you? ›

Ambrosia apples are part of a healthy diet but they also have specific properties that help to boost the immune system. For example, Ambrosia contain Quercetin. This flavanoid, like other antioxidants, supports immune efficiency by fighting off free-radicals.

Why is ambrosia salad a thing? ›

The once hard-to-find ingredients were considered luxurious and exotic. The salad was a treat reserved for holidays and other special occasions, and named “ambrosia” after the food of the Greek and Roman gods. But it wasn't until the early 20th century that ambrosia as we know it came to be.

Where do they make ambrosia? ›

Its original product was a dried milk powder for infants, but it is now mostly known for its custard and rice pudding. The brand plays on the fact that it is made in Devon, England, (at a factory in Lifton), with their original punning strapline "Devon knows how they make it so creamy".

Why is ambrosia so good? ›

Furthermore, participants in the study deemed red and yellow apples (like Ambrosia) to be associated with sweetness, freshness, juiciness, and natural. We are conditioned to reach for the freshest looking food by nature. That's why a freshly cut apple with juicy, white flesh will be eaten before one that's oxidized.

When did ambrosia become popular? ›

The original form of ambrosia was very much a product of the 19th century, when the sheer novelty of formerly exotic foods was enough to make such a dish special. The addition of other tropical fruits like pineapple or bananas seems a natural enhancement.

What is ambrosia also known as? ›

Ambrosia (plant), a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae commonly known as ragweed. Ambrosia beetle, beetles which live in nutritional symbiosis with ambrosia fungi. Ambrosia fungi. Bee bread, also known as ambrosia or bee pollen.

What is America's favorite salad? ›

Caesar Salad

This classic salad is made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing made with anchovies, garlic, and lemon juice. It is a popular choice in many American restaurants and is often served as a side dish or a main course.

What is a traditional Greek salad made of? ›

A traditional Greek salad consists of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. This classic combination is delicious, so I stick to it, just adding a handful of mint leaves for a fresh finishing touch.

What is the salad that are usually sweet and may contain fruit gelatin? ›

Dessert salads are usually sweet and often contain fruits, sweetened gelatin, nuts, cream, and whipped cream. Waldorf salad is a popular dessert salad.

What is Cool Whip made of? ›

Cool Whip: Water, hydrogenated vegetable oil (including coconut and palm oils), high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, skimmed milk, light cream, less than 2% sodium caseinate (a milk derivative), natural and artificial flavor, xanthan and guar gums, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, and beta carotene.

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