Miley Ambrosia salad is the best party dessert! It tastes just like a bowl of nostalgia with all the sweet fruit and plenty of fluffy marshmallows. This salad recipe is SO creamy and easy to make for holidays and potlucks.
Dessert fanatics, or just general sweet tooths, are you looking for the perfect cheerful treat or family gathering dish? You’ve found it. Ambrosia salad is everything we love about a classic fruit salad wrapped up in a creamy, coconutty, fluffy dessert. It’s quick to make and even quicker to devour straight from the bowl.
To take things over the top, I mix my ambrosia salad with plenty of mini marshmallows. But not before folding in all of our favorite fruity add-ins: mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, and even coconut flakes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Some desserts stay popular for a reason, and ambrosia salad proves that point with every bite. It stays easy, flexible, and crowd friendly.
No baking needed: Everything comes together in one bowl.
Sweet and creamy: Sour cream balances the fruit without feeling heavy.
Perfect for sharing: This dish feeds a group with no stress.
Quick prep: You can finish it in minutes.
Make ahead friendly: It tastes even better after chilling.
Classic comfort: Many people recognize and love this flavor combo.
Ingredients
For the Ambrosia Salad:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup canned pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Optional additions:
- Extra cherries for topping
- Orange zest for brightness
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Fruit
Start by draining the pineapple and mandarin oranges very well. Too much liquid can thin the salad. Pat them gently with a paper towel if needed. Chop the cherries into small pieces so they spread evenly through the bowl.
2. Add the Base
Place the sour cream into a large mixing bowl. Stir it briefly to smooth it out. This helps everything mix evenly later and keeps the texture creamy.
3. Mix in the Coconut
Add the shredded coconut to the sour cream. Stir until fully combined. The coconut adds texture and gives the salad its classic feel.
4. Fold in the Fruit
Gently add the pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cherries. Fold slowly so the fruit stays intact and colorful.
5. Add the Marshmallows
Pour in the miniature marshmallows and fold again until evenly spread. These will soften as the salad rests and create that signature texture.
6. Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least one hour. This resting time helps the flavors blend and improves the texture.
7. Stir Before Serving
Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. This refreshes the texture and evenly redistributes the fruit and cream.
Tips and Variations
- Add a few spoonfuls of whipped topping for a softer finish.
- Try crushed pineapple for a smoother bite.
- Stir in chopped pecans for crunch.
- Use light sour cream if preferred.
- Add extra cherries right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ambrosia salad fits perfectly on holiday tables, summer picnics, and casual dinners. It pairs well with grilled foods and rich main dishes since it feels light and refreshing.
When I serve this at gatherings, I spoon it into a clear bowl so the colors show through. A few cherries on top always make it feel finished and inviting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, making it a day early works very well.
How long does it stay fresh?
It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I skip the coconut?
Yes, the salad still works without it.
Does it taste very sweet?
The sour cream balances the sweetness nicely.
Can kids help make this?
Yes, this recipe works great as a kid friendly kitchen task.
Final Thoughts
Ambrosia Salad keeps its place as a classic for good reason. It feels light, creamy, and comforting all at once, with just enough sweetness to feel like a treat.
Ambrosia Salad Creamy Fruit Dessert
Ingredients
For the Ambrosia Salad:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup canned pineapple tidbits drained
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges drained
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- ½ cup maraschino cherries chopped
Optional additions:
- Extra cherries for topping
- Orange zest for brightness
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Start by draining the pineapple and mandarin oranges very well. Too much liquid can thin the salad. Pat them gently with a paper towel if needed. Chop the cherries into small pieces so they spread evenly through the bowl.
- Add the Base: Place the sour cream into a large mixing bowl. Stir it briefly to smooth it out. This helps everything mix evenly later and keeps the texture creamy.
- Mix in the Coconut: Add the shredded coconut to the sour cream. Stir until fully combined. The coconut adds texture and gives the salad its classic feel.
- Fold in the Fruit: Gently add the pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cherries. Fold slowly so the fruit stays intact and colorful.
- Add the Marshmallows: Pour in the miniature marshmallows and fold again until evenly spread. These will soften as the salad rests and create that signature texture.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least one hour. This resting time helps the flavors blend and improves the texture.
- Stir Before Serving: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. This refreshes the texture and evenly redistributes the fruit and cream.
