What is ambrosia salad made of?

At its core, the ambrosia salad recipe blends canned or fresh fruits (like mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and cherries), mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and a creamy base—typically a combo of sour cream and whipped topping. Some folks add pecans, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt to give it a personal twist. It’s all about soft textures and sweet, fruity flavors.

What was the original ambrosia?

The original ambrosia dates back to the late 19th century in the Southern U.S. It started as a simple fruit salad made with orange slices, grated coconut, and sugar—served chilled. Over time, it evolved into the creamy, marshmallow-filled ambrosia salad recipe we love today. The name "ambrosia" actually refers to the "food of the gods," and once you try it, you'll understand why.

What is the difference between Watergate salad and ambrosia salad?

Great question—these two retro salads are often confused. While both are creamy and sweet, they differ in ingredients: Watergate Salad Uses pistachio pudding mix Includes crushed pineapple and marshmallows Often has walnuts or pecans Light green in color Ambrosia Salad No pudding—just whipped topping and/or sour cream Includes various fruits, coconut, and marshmallows May or may not include nuts Mostly white with colorful fruit bits Both are no-bake, nostalgic crowd-pleasers, but if you're craving that creamy fruit explosion, the ambrosia salad recipe wins.

Do you put sour cream in ambrosia?

Yes, most traditional versions of the ambrosia salad recipe include sour cream. It balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and fruit and gives the salad that signature tangy undertone. If you're not a fan of sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt or even a little softened cream cheese for similar results.

How to make ambrosia?

It’s as easy as it gets: Drain your canned fruit. Mix sour cream and whipped topping. Fold in fruit, marshmallows, and coconut. Chill for a couple of hours. Serve and enjoy! For full instructions, scroll up to Step-by-Step Instructions . This ambrosia salad recipe is beginner-friendly and done in under 15 minutes—perfect for last-minute dessert needs.

Is there cream cheese in ambrosia salad?

Cream cheese isn’t in the original version, but some modern takes on the ambrosia salad recipe do include it. It gives the salad a thicker, richer consistency and a slight tang. If you’re using cream cheese, soften it first and blend it with the whipped topping before folding in other ingredients.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe – The Best Classic Dessert Side Dish (2025)

Name: Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows; 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained; 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained; ¾ cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry; ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)

Description

This Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a creamy, fruity, no-bake dessert made with mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, coconut, whipped topping, and marshmallows. It’s a nostalgic favorite perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
¾ cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sour cream
1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and whipped topping. Fold gently until smooth.
Add the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, and coconut. Fold gently to combine.
Stir in the mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
Stir before serving and enjoy chilled.

Notes

Make-ahead tip: Mix up to 24 hours in advance. For best texture, stir just before serving.
Optional additions: Chopped pecans, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt.
Variations: Try tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert, Side Dish
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Ambrosia Salad Recipe, no-bake dessert, creamy fruit salad, holiday side dish, vintage dessert, potluck dessert