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    Home » Blog » Holiday » Christmas » Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

    Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

    Published: Dec 11, 2019 · Modified: May 21, 2021 by Aimee Mars · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    ambrosia long pin

    Sweet, fluffy, and filled with fruit, this Classic Ambrosia Salad is a Christmastime must. Marshmallows mixed with cool whip and coconut make this dessert-like salad delicious.

    If you’re planning your holiday menus then consider making this salad along with Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes and Southern Green Beans.

    ambrosia on a blue and white place with cherry

    Classic Ambrosia Salad

    We’re closing in on the Christmas chaos that is some parts joy, some parts madness, and much love with family and friends. I’m finishing up my last holiday recipes to share with you and beginning to prepare for the ones I’ll make for my family.

    Meals prepared around this time of year become a tradition and the ones requested year after year. Classic Ambrosia Salad, whether it’s a salad or a dessert I’m still unsure, is truly a traditional southern dish served in many households across the south.

    As with any southern recipe, everyone has their own version. I share with you mine and even give you options below for making it your very own version. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

    If you love the southern idea of dessert-style salads then add this Apple Snickers Salad to your holiday menu too.

    ingredients in a silver bowl with spatula

    How to Make Ambrosia Salad

    Ambrosia is a delicious and fun side dish perfect for the holiday season.

    • Fold. In a large mixing bowl fold the cool whip and sour cream together with a spatula until combined.
    • Stir. Add the marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, and cherries, gently stirring until evenly mixed.
    • Garnish. Top with chopped pecans if desired.

    Ingredients in Ambrosia

    The ingredients in ambrosia are fairly simple with few options for substitution. I like to use as fresh as possible fruits so I’ve added a few changes you can make below.

    • Cool Whip – The cool whip is what makes this salad super fluffy. If you’d like to make your own homemade version of whipped cream you can do so using heavy cream and sugar.
    • Sour Cream – The sour cream helps mellow the sweetness but could be swapped for plain greek yogurt.
    • Marshmallows – A key ingredient in ambrosia, the marshmallows make the salad super sweet and extra fluffy.
    • Mandarin Oranges – I prefer the canned version, however, you can slice and peel your own as well.
    • Chopped Pineapple – The canned version of pineapple also is best, however, you can use fresh pineapple too.
    • Shredded Coconut – Either sweetened or unsweetened coconut will work.
    • Cherries – Some prefer to use maraschino cherries, but I like to use bold-colored fresh cherries.
    • Pecans – These are purely optional. Add them if you like them or leaven them off if you don’t.
    ambrosia in a white bowl with silver spoon

    Can I Freeze Ambrosia?

    No. This dessert-like salad will freeze easily, but won’t thaw well. The juices from the fruit will cause it to be a runny mess. It’s best to prepare this recipe one to two days ahead of time if you’re planning out a meal.

    How to Store this Salad?

    Ambrosia can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

    Some of My Other Christmas Favorites:

    • Homemade Egg Nog
    • Smoked Cheese Ball
    • Gingerbread Waffles
    • Layered Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
    close up of ambrosia in white bowl

    Classic Ambrosia Salad

    Sweet, fluffy, and filled with fruit, this Classic Ambrosia Salad is a Christmastime must. Marshmallows mixed with cool whip and coconut make this dessert-like salad delicious.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 10 Servings
    Calories: 236kcal
    Author: Aimee Mars

    Ingredients

    • 1½ cup Cool Whip
    • ½ cup Sour Cream
    • 3 cups Mini Marshmallows
    • 15 ounces Mandarin Oranges (canned) drained
    • 15 ounces Chopped Pineapple (canned) drained
    • 1 cup Shredded Coconut
    • ¾ cup Fresh Cherries pitted and halved
    • ¾ cup Chopped Pecans optional

    Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl fold the cool whip and sour cream together until mixed.
    • Stir the marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, and fresh cherries, gently stirring until fully combined.
    • Serve chilled, topped with chopped pecans.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 677IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AimeeMarsLiving or tag #AimeeMarsLiving!

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    In sharing my recipes filled with delicious and wholesome ingredients, I hope to connect with you. Let’s create some decadent meals to share with the ones we love. For more about my story and how this site got started visit the about page.

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