Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe with oranges, pineapple, coconut, cherries, marshmallows and pecans. This dessert salad is a retro-classic and always a party favorite!
I have had this blog going on 12 years now and it just dawned on me that my blog titled “Life’s Ambrosia” did not actually have a recipe for Ambrosia Salad. How is that even possible?!
That is probably because I’m not usually into “dessert salads” or even just regular old fruit salads. I usually just prefer the vegetable variety. But guys, I’ve been missing out because Ambrosia Salad is kind of fabulous.
Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad:
This is a pretty classic recipe. You’ll find mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, fruity marshmallows, shredded coconut and pecans.
Unlike other recipes however, this ambrosia fruit salad is not made with cool whip, instead it is made with heavy cream and sour cream. I did this because I didn’t want the final dish to be overly sweet. The fruit itself is very sweet so the tanginess of the sour cream helps balance everything out.
Step by Step Instructions:
STEP #1: Using a hand mixer, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. About 2 – 3 minutes. Fold in sour cream.
STEP #2: Gently fold in remaining ingredients.
DES’ TIP: It is very important to make sure that the fruit is really well drained. This will help your salad from being too wet. I also rinsed and then drained the maraschino cherries so the red wouldn’t spread throughout the salad.
STEP #3: Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled with a cherry on top.
As you can see the hardest part of making this salad is the waiting time. But trust me, this salad is better when it has a chance to set. The flavors meld and the marshmallows get even softer making each bite heavenly.
Variations:
Like any salad, this ambrosia fruit salad recipe is also easily customizable. You could use regular marshmallows if you don’t want the fruit flavored version. You could add grapes. Or leave the pecans out. Really, it is up to you! Which is one of my favorite things about this salad.
Looking for more recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth? Here you go!
Servings
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 15 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained well
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries (drained well)
- 2 cups mini fruit marshmallows
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained well)
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer, beat together heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in sour cream.
- Gently fold oranges, cherries, marshmallows, pineapple, coconut and pecans into whipped cream. Don't over mix or the oranges might start to break.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled with a cherry on top!
Oh I love when recipes bring back childhood memories! Hope you enjoy it!
hahahahaha You and me both girl, you and me both.
Yes! It is perfect for that!
My mom used to make something just like this when I was little! Can’t wait to give it a try and maybe even make it for here
Yeah, I can’t believe it took you 12 years to put this up given your blog name. :)
The no Cool Whip sold me!! What a fabulous side dish for Easter!