One of my favorite desserts of all time – Ambrosia Salad! So easy to make and always a big hit with kids and adults alike, make sure to put this salad on the menu for your next party!
Today I’m sharing an oldie but goodie with y’all – Ambrosia Salad! This easy dessert salad is always a hit and is a favorite of many in my family, especially my Aunt Judie. There is absolutely no reason to pick this up at the deli when making it at home is SO easy. I love this classic salad and I know you will too!
I seriously don’t think salads like this can ever go out of style…wanna know why? Because they taste AMAZING! They’re easy. They’re fun. They’re accessible. Kids like them. Adults like them. They’re great for parties, potlucks, barbecues. Have I convinced you yet?
I’ve been a long-time fan of Ambrosia Salad. My Aunt Judie introduced it to me many, many moons ago. It’s her favorite. This is the thing though, if you want to buy it at the grocery store, it’s kinda ridiculously priced. Like a little tiny container is $5. I can make this whole salad for $5. So there. (And now so can you!)
So what’s in this Ambrosia salad anyways? A whole bunch of yummy stuff – that’s what! Mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, coconut, maraschino cherries, marshmallows – oh my!
Some people like theirs with nuts. Some don’t. I don’t judge either way. Sometimes, if I have the time, I’ll even toast the nuts which adds even more amazing flavor to this easy ambrosia salad. I used white miniature marshmallows in this salad but I’m also a big fan of using the multi-colored fruit flavored marshmallows. Those are always lots of fun and I love the color they add. Totally up to you!
There’s a lot going on in this salad and while I don’t technically addy any sugar, all the fruit has a lot of sweetness to it. I have a little secret ingredient for my recipe – sour cream! With all that sweetness going on, the sour cream adds a little creamy tang that helps to offset it. Greek yogurt would also work beautifully. It really helps to keep this ambrosia salad from being overly sweet.
Every little bite is pure bliss. Magic I tell you!
So if you want to really “wow” your guests, or your family on a Tuesday night (cause it’s just that easy…), give this Ambrosia Salad a try – I think you’ll agree that it really is the BEST.
Ingredients
1 8 oz tub Cool Whip (lite is fine)
½ cup sour cream (light is fine)
1 11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
10 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained, halved, and patted dry
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
2 cups miniature marshmallows
¾ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, cashews) optional
Instructions
Fold sour cream into Cool Whip in a large serving bowl.
Fold in remaining ingredients making sure the pineapple, oranges, and cherries have been properly drained.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.
