Description

Ambrosia Salad is a classic, refreshing fruit salad mixed with whipped topping, sour cream, and a delightful combination of mandarin oranges, pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans. Perfect as a sweet side dish or dessert, this no-cook recipe is easy to prepare and best served chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
1/2 cup sour cream

Fruit and Mix-ins

3 cups mini marshmallows
1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup halved maraschino cherries (stems removed), drained
3/4 cup toasted pecans

Instructions

Mix Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined, forming the creamy base of the salad.
Add Fruits and Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, drained mandarin oranges, chopped fresh pineapple, shredded coconut, halved maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans. Mix carefully to evenly distribute all ingredients without crushing the fruit or nuts.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the salad chill. It can also be refrigerated overnight for enhanced taste and texture.

Notes

To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
Use fresh pineapple for a juicier texture, or canned pineapple chunks drained well if fresh is not available.
For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add extra marshmallows or shredded coconut.
This salad is best served cold and consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Ambrosia Salad, fruit salad, no-cook dessert, Cool Whip salad, pineapple salad, holiday side dish