This creamy ambrosia fruit salad brings together fluffy whipped cream, juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple, chewy marshmallows, and toasted coconut in one bowl. I first tasted this at my neighbor Sofia's potluck, and the bright pink cherries caught my eye before the sweet, tropical flavor won me over. It's the kind of no-bake side dish that comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
If you're looking for more easy treats, try these Energy Ball Recipe | No-Bake Snack Ready in 10 Minutes or whip up an Easy Carrot Cupcake Recipe | Moist & Ready in 40 Minutes for dessert.
Why You Will love this Ambrosia Fruit Salad
This easy ambrosia salad recipe takes just 14 minutes to put together, and you don't even need to turn on the oven. The combination of tart Greek yogurt and sweet whipped cream keeps it from being too heavy, while the Ambrosia Fruit Salad with marshmallows and coconut adds texture and nostalgic charm. It's a make-ahead fruit salad that actually tastes better after chilling, so you can prep it the night before and have one less thing to worry about on the big day.
The tropical fruits, creamy base, and chewy marshmallows make this southern ambrosia fruit salad feel like a little celebration in a bowl. Kids love the bright colors and sweet flavors, and adults appreciate how it's lighter than most holiday ambrosia fruit salad recipes that rely on heavy cream or mayo-based dressings. Plus, you can customize it with your family's favorite add-ins like crunchy pecans or sliced bananas.
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Ambrosia Fruit Salad Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this Ambrosia Fruit Salad. Just a handful of simple ingredients creates something really special.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Heavy whipping cream: This gets whipped into soft, fluffy peaks and creates the creamy base. Make sure it's cold from the fridge for the best results.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without adding graininess. It dissolves instantly as you beat the cream.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness and keeps the salad from feeling too rich. Vanilla yogurt works too if you want it a bit sweeter.
Shredded sweetened coconut: Brings tropical flavor and a chewy texture. The sweetened kind works best here since it's softer and more flavorful.
Mandarin oranges: Canned mandarins are sweet, juicy, and easy to fold in without breaking apart. Drain them really well so the salad doesn't get watery.
Pineapple tidbits: These little chunks add bright, tangy sweetness. Canned pineapple is perfect because it's already bite-sized and soft.
Maraschino cherries: The sweet, bright red cherries add pops of color and a nostalgic flavor. Drain them well and pat them dry if they're really juicy.
Marshmallows: Fruit-flavored marshmallows are traditional, but regular mini marshmallows work just as well. They stay soft and chewy even after chilling.
Optional add-ins: Chopped pecans add crunch, sliced bananas bring creaminess, and chopped apples give a crisp bite. Add whatever your family loves most.
how to make Ambrosia Fruit Salad
This old fashioned ambrosia salad comes together in just a few easy steps. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill.
Whip the cream: Add the cold heavy whipping cream to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat with electric beaters for about a minute until it starts to thicken. Slowly sprinkle in the powdered sugar and keep beating until you see stiff peaks form, usually another minute or two. The cream should hold its shape when you lift the beaters. Gently fold in the Greek yogurt with a spatula until it's smooth and combined.
Prep the fruit: Drain the canned mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and maraschino cherries really well. You can even press them gently with paper towels to remove extra moisture. Add all the drained fruit to a large serving bowl along with the shredded coconut and mini marshmallows.
Combine everything: Scoop the whipped cream mixture over the fruit and marshmallows. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until the fruit is evenly coated and the salad looks creamy and fluffy. Try not to stir too hard or you'll deflate the whipped cream.
Chill before serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together and lets the coconut and marshmallows soften slightly. The salad tastes even better after a few hours, so don't rush this step.
Substitutions and Variations
This ambrosia fruit salad with yogurt is easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences.
Whipped topping instead of fresh cream: If you're short on time, you can use 2 cups of Cool Whip or another whipped topping instead of making fresh whipped cream. It won't be quite as fluffy, but it still tastes great. This makes it an ambrosia fruit salad with cool whip version that's even faster to prepare.
Sour cream for tanginess: Some classic ambrosia fruit salad recipes use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt. It adds a similar tang and creamy texture. Use about ½ cup.
Different fruits: Swap the mandarin oranges for fresh orange segments, or use diced mango or strawberries. Fresh pineapple works if you chop it small. Just keep the fruit proportions similar so the salad doesn't get too soupy.
Nuts for crunch: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds add a nice crunch and make this creamy fruit salad side dish feel more substantial. Fold in about ½ cup right before serving so they stay crispy.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free yogurt to make this salad vegan-friendly. The flavor will be a bit more tropical, but it's still delicious.
Expert Tips
Drain the fruit really well. This is the most important step. If the Ambrosia Fruit Salad is too wet, your salad will turn into a soupy mess. Press the fruit gently with paper towels or let it sit in a strainer for a few minutes before adding it to the bowl.
Use cold cream straight from the fridge. Warm cream won't whip up properly. If your kitchen is hot, you can even chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping the cream.
Don't overbeat the cream. Stop beating as soon as you see stiff peaks. If you keep going, the cream will start to turn into butter, and you'll lose that light, fluffy texture.
Fold gently. When you're combining the whipped cream with the fruit, use a light hand. Fold from the bottom of the bowl up and over, turning the bowl as you go. This keeps the cream airy instead of dense.
Equipment for Ambrosia Fruit Salad
You don't need any special tools to make this easy Ambrosia Fruit Salad, just a few basics.
Large mixing bowl or stand mixer: You'll need this to whip the cream. A stand mixer makes it faster, but a regular bowl and hand mixer work just fine.
Electric beaters or mixer attachment: Whipping cream by hand takes forever and makes your arm tired. Electric beaters get the job done in a couple of minutes.
Rubber spatula: This is perfect for gently folding the whipped cream into the fruit without deflating all that fluffy texture you just created.
Large serving bowl: Pick something pretty because you'll be serving the salad right from this bowl. A clear glass bowl shows off all the colorful fruit layers.
Storage your Ambrosia Fruit Salad
This Ambrosia Fruit Salad keeps really well in the fridge, which makes it perfect for busy holiday weekends.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad will start to get a bit watery after that as the fruit releases juice and the whipped cream begins to break down.
If you're making it more than a few hours ahead, leave the marshmallows out until right before serving. They can get a little sticky and start to dissolve if they sit in the cream too long. Just fold them in at the last minute and you're good to go.
You can make the whipped cream mixture and prep the fruit separately, then combine them a few hours before your meal. This keeps everything fresh and gives you more control over the texture.
Don't freeze this salad. The whipped cream and yogurt don't thaw well, and the fruit gets mushy. This is definitely a recipe that's best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two of making it.
Serving Suggestions
This cold Ambrosia Fruit Salad recipe is incredibly versatile and works for so many occasions. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it.
Bring it to a potluck or holiday dinner as a light side dish that pairs well with heavier mains like ham, turkey, or roasted chicken. The sweet, creamy flavor is a nice contrast to savory dishes, and everyone loves having something cool and refreshing on their plate. It's a potluck fruit salad that always disappears fast.
Serve it as a light dessert after a big meal. It's sweet enough to feel like a treat but not so heavy that it weighs you down. Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a few extra cherries on top to make it look fancy.
Pack it for a summer picnic or barbecue. Keep it in a cooler until you're ready to eat, and it'll stay cold and creamy even on a hot day. Kids especially love it as a sweet side dish at outdoor gatherings.
Pair it with other no-bake desserts like Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | Soft & Fluffy Recipe for a dessert spread that doesn't require any oven time. It's perfect for warm weather when you don't want to heat up the kitchen.
FAQ
What is Ambrosia Fruit Salad made of?
Ambrosia salad is made with whipped cream or yogurt, tropical fruits like mandarin oranges and pineapple, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and mini marshmallows. Some versions add nuts or fresh bananas. It's a sweet, creamy side dish that takes just minutes to make.
Is sour cream or Cool Whip better for ambrosia salad?
Cool Whip is sweeter and fluffier, while sour cream adds tangy flavor that balances the sweetness. I prefer mixing fresh whipped cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture that's not too heavy. Try what works best for your family's taste.
What's the difference between Watergate and ambrosia?
Watergate salad uses pistachio pudding mix and has a green, pudding-like texture. Ambrosia salad is fruitier and lighter, made with various fruits, whipped cream, coconut, and marshmallows without any pudding mix. Both are classic potluck favorites but taste quite different.
What are some common fruit salad mistakes?
Not draining canned fruit well enough makes the salad watery. Over-mixing deflates the whipped cream. Adding marshmallows too early makes them dissolve and get sticky. Always use cold cream straight from the fridge so it whips properly.
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Pairing
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Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Pour the cold whipping cream into a large bowl or stand mixer and beat until slightly thickened.
- Gradually sprinkle in the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until firm peaks form.
- Gently fold the yogurt into the whipped cream until smooth and evenly combined.
- Thoroughly drain all canned fruit, then place the fruit, coconut, cherries, and marshmallows into a large serving bowl.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream mixture into the fruit until everything is coated without deflating the cream.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
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