Ambrosia is a classic fruit salad that’s creamy, sweet, and loaded with delicious flavors. It’s perfect for any occasion, especially holidays like Easter, and makes a fantastic side dish or dessert. With a blend of citrus, pineapple, and marshmallows, this is a dish that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Prep time is only 5 minutes—this is a simple recipe that can be whipped up in no time.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare this salad in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve, making it great for parties and gatherings.
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Customizable: Feel free to adjust the fruit or nuts based on your preference, or add a splash of pineapple juice to tweak the consistency!
Ingredients
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1 (8-oz) tub cool whip (regular or lite, thawed)
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¼ cup milk
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½ cup sour cream
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1 (3.4-oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry powder)
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1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
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1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
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2 cups mini marshmallows
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2 (15-oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained well
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1 (8-oz) can crushed pineapple, slightly drained (reserve juice)
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1 (14-oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained well
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cool whip, milk, sour cream, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the sweetened shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and mini marshmallows. Mix until evenly distributed.
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Add the Fruit: Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and maraschino cherries. Be careful not to break up the fruit too much while folding.
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Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems too thick, you can add some of the reserved pineapple juice until you reach the desired consistency.
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Serve: You can serve immediately, or cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. If making ahead, you can chill the salad for up to 24 hours before serving.
Notes
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Customize the Fruit: You can add or swap fruits like fresh berries, bananas, or other canned fruit depending on your preference.
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Add More Citrus: If you like a tangy kick, feel free to add some fresh lemon or lime zest.
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Nuts and Coconut: Toast the nuts and coconut for a more intense flavor, or leave them out if you prefer a nut-free version.
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Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The texture may change slightly, but the flavors will still be great!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 467
Enjoy this Ambrosia Salad—a dreamy, creamy, and vibrant fruit salad that’s always a hit at any gathering!
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Best Recipe for Ambrosia
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Ambrosia salad is a creamy, dreamy fruit salad that’s a classic at Easter and other special occasions. It’s easy to make and perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, tropical dessert salad!
Ingredients
1 (8-oz) tub Cool Whip (regular or lite, thawed)
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (3.4-oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry powder)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
2 cups mini marshmallows
2 (15-oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained well
1 (8-oz) can crushed pineapple, slightly drained (reserve juice)
1 (14-oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained well
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cool Whip, milk, sour cream, and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir everything together until well combined.
Add Texture:
Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Add the Fruit:
Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and maraschino cherries. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the fruit.
Adjust Consistency (if needed):
If the salad seems a bit thick, add a little of the reserved pineapple juice to adjust the consistency to your preference.
Serve or Chill:
Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 24 hours before serving.
Notes
Make Ahead: You can prepare this up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld.
Texture Adjustments: Add some of the reserved pineapple juice if you like a slightly thinner consistency.
Nut Substitution: Feel free to use any nuts you prefer, like pecans, almonds, or cashews.
Fruit Variations: You can experiment with different fruits like strawberries or grapes for a twist on the classic!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cuisine: Paleo
