Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a delicious and creamy treat that brings tropical flavors and a touch of nostalgia to the table. Perfect for holidays, picnics, and family gatherings, it’s a refreshing dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!

overhead view of ambrosia salad in a bowl ready to serve

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Ambrosia Salad is one of those desserts that I seriously contemplate sitting down with the entire batch and a single spoon and just eating to my heart’s content. It’s that good! I just can’t get enough of it, and everyone I serve it to feels the same way.

Why You Will Love Ambrosia Fruit Salad

It’s packed with flavor: With ingredients like cherries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, and marshmallows, there’s a ton of flavor in every bite of Ambrosia Salad. It’s a satisfying way to get your fruit fix with a creamy twist!
It’s super quick and easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip it up in minutes. If you’re short on time but want a dessert that will impress, this fruit salad delivers.
It’s a nostalgic dish: Whenever I serve this, I always get a story about how someone used to enjoy this salad at their grandmother’s house, their aunt’s, their childhood neighbor’s… this salad has little bit of nostalgia in every bite!

Ingredients Needed for this Easy Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Ingredient quantities for this easy fruit salad recipe are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Frozen whipped topping
Sweetened coconut flakes
Mini-marshmallows (fruity or plain)
Canned pineapple tidbits
Canned mandarin oranges
Maraschino cherries

You can use fruity or plain mini marshmallows. I prefer to use fruity because not only do they add more color, but they also add more fruit flavor.

How To Make Ambrosia Fruit Salad (Quick Overview)

The steps below are just a quick overview of how to make the recipe. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Start by straining the fruit very well to remove as much excess moisture as possible.

If you don’t want the cherries to stain the rest of the fruit, strain the cherries separately.

overhead view of fruits in a collander rinsed off and ready to be added to the dressing

Combine sour cream (or yogurt), thawed Cool Whip, and coconut flakes.

overhead view of glass mixing bowl with whipping cream and sugar added and ready to be mixed

Then add the strained fruit and marshmallows.

Feel free to add more marshmallows if you’d like. Some Ambrosia Fruit Salad recipes call for twice the amount as in my recipe.

overhead view of the fruit and marshmallows added to the creamy dressing and ready to be tossed

Fold to combine.

overhead view of the fruits tossed and thoroughly combined with the marshmallows and dressing

Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours until chilled throughout.

overhead view of ambrosia salad ready to serve with a serving spoon picking one portion size

Resist the urge to eat the whole bowl 😀 Serve and enjoy!

More Salads to Enjoy

Looking for more salads to enjoy throughout the year? Give these a try:

Looking for the BEST fruit salad recipe? Give that one a try. Perfect for your picnic menu, Easter sides, or cookout dishes.
Love bold Italian flavors? Try the vibrant Caprese Salad with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Or go for the zesty Italian Antipasto Salad packed with Mediterranean goodness that’s perfect for any meal or gathering.
Impress your guests with this Broccoli Salad! Its bold crunch and addictive flavor make it a guaranteed hit.
You can’t go wrong with a Classic Potato Salad. Creamy, tangy, and satisfying, it’s a timeless favorite everyone loves.
Macaroni Salad is easy to prep, full of flavor, and always a hit, making it the perfect stress-free side.
You can’t go wrong with classic Homemade Coleslaw. Light, crunchy, and refreshing, it’s the ultimate pairing for all your grilled favorites!

overhead view of fruit salad ready to serve with a white ladle removing one serving size — **Fruit Salad**

overhead view of caprese salad ready to serve with a serving spoon hovering over the serving bowl with one full serving in it — **Fruit Salad**

I hope you love this Ambrosia Salad as much as I do. It’s so easy to make, tastes absurdly good, and is packed with cheery colors.

sideview of ambrosia salad ready to serve in a bowl

More Summer Side Dishes

While Ambrosia Salad is popular year round (especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas), it’s also frequently served as a summer side dish. If that’s when you’re serving it, here are a few more summer sides to try:

Craving smoky and sweet? This bacon and green beans recipe delivers crispy, mouthwatering goodness that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. Warning: your taste buds might cheer!
Meet your new summer obsession: a zesty garbanzo bean salad that’s tangy, cool, and bursting with bold flavors. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or anytime you need a quick flavor boost! .
Take your cookout game up a notch with these roasted vegetables. Caramelized, rich, and addictive, don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
Want to wow your guests? This zucchini casserole is a flavor-packed side dish that steals the show. A grill master’s best-kept secret.
Bring summer to your table with this yellow squash casserole. Cheesy, melty, and packed with seasonal goodness, making it a hit at any gathering!
Comfort food leveled up. This baked macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and completely irresistible. Plates will be cleared, guaranteed.

sideview of bacon green beans in a white serving bowl — **Bacon Green Beans**

overhead view of chickpea salad with cucumbers and avocado in a wooden serving bowl — **Bacon Green Beans**

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