Save to Pinterest My grandmother used to bring this to every family gathering in a cut-glass bowl that caught the light just so. I never knew what made it so good until I tried making it myself one humid summer afternoon, realizing the secret was in how gently you folded everything together. The marshmallows would get soft and the coconut would soak up just enough cream to turn into something almost magical. It tastes like a simpler time, when dessert didnt need to be complicated to feel special.
I remember bringing this to a potluck once, worried it might seem too old-fashioned. But people kept coming back for seconds, asking if I had the recipe written down somewhere. One friend said it reminded her of her aunts house in the 70s, another just loved how refreshing it tasted after all the heavier dishes. That bowl was scraped clean by the end of the night, and Ive been making it ever since.
Ingredients
- Pineapple chunks: Use canned for convenience, but make sure to drain them really well or the salad will turn soupy.
- Mandarin oranges: These add a bright, delicate sweetness that balances the richness of the cream.
- Red grapes: Halving them makes every bite easier and helps them mix in better with the other fruits.
- Maraschino cherries: Optional, but they add that classic retro look and a little extra sweetness.
- Sour cream: This is what gives the salad its signature tang, though Greek yogurt works if you want something lighter.
- Whipped topping: The fluffiness is key, it keeps everything from feeling too dense.
- Mini marshmallows: They soften as they sit and blend into the cream, almost melting into the mix.
- Shredded coconut: Sweetened coconut adds texture and a gentle tropical note that ties everything together.
- Pecans or walnuts: A little crunch goes a long way, but you can skip them if anyone has allergies.
Instructions
- Prep the Fruit:
- Drain the pineapple and oranges thoroughly, then toss them in a large bowl with the halved grapes and cherries. Pat everything dry if it still looks wet.
- Add the Mix-Ins:
- Fold in the marshmallows, coconut, and nuts if youre using them. Everything should look bright and inviting at this stage.
- Fold in the Creamy Base:
- Gently stir in the sour cream and whipped topping until every piece of fruit is lightly coated. Dont overmix or it will deflate the fluff.
- Chill and Let It Set:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. This is when the magic happens and all the flavors start to meld together.
- Serve Cold:
- Give it a gentle stir before scooping into bowls. Serve it chilled and watch it disappear.
Save to Pinterest There was one Thanksgiving when my cousin asked if I could teach her how to make this, and we stood in the kitchen folding fruit and cream while everyone else watched football. She told me later it became her go-to dish for every gathering, and that made me smile because thats exactly how recipes like this are supposed to travel.
Making It Your Own
Some people like to add a handful of fresh strawberries or even diced peaches when theyre in season. Others swap the sour cream for all yogurt to lighten it up. Ive tried it with toasted coconut once and it added a whole new layer of flavor, though the classic version is still my favorite.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This salad actually tastes better the next day, once everything has had time to soak up the cream and the marshmallows have softened completely. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to three days, though it rarely lasts that long. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if it looks a little settled.
Serving Suggestions
I usually bring this out in a glass bowl so you can see all the colors, and it always gets compliments before anyone even tastes it. It works beautifully alongside grilled meats at a barbecue, or as a light dessert after a heavy meal. You can also serve it in individual cups for a party, which makes it feel a little more special.
- Top with a few extra marshmallows or a sprinkle of toasted coconut right before serving.
- Pair it with iced tea or lemonade for a classic summer vibe.
- If youre feeling fancy, serve it in vintage dessert glasses for that retro touch.
Save to Pinterest This is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl, simple and sweet and just a little bit nostalgic. I hope it finds a spot at your table the way it has at mine.
Recipe Help Center
- → What fruits are used in Ambrosia?
It includes pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, seedless red grapes, and optional maraschino cherries for added sweetness.
- → Can I substitute the creamy base?
Yes, sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture while maintaining creaminess.
- → How long should the salad chill before serving?
Chill for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the salad set properly.
- → Are nuts necessary in the mix?
Nuts such as pecans or walnuts are optional and can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- → How to prevent fruits from browning in this salad?
Add fruits like bananas or apples just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, if gluten-free marshmallows are used, the dish can be enjoyed gluten-free.