Ambrosia Salad (Not Watery!) – The Ultimate Classic Recipe

Ambrosia salad has always been that recipe in my kitchen—the one I make when I want something cozy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make people smile. I’ll be honest though… the first time I made it, I proudly carried it to the table, lifted the lid, and discovered I had accidentally invented fruit soup. 😅

Instead of giving up, I did what I always do when a recipe breaks my heart—I went back to my kitchen. I tested it on quiet afternoons, adjusted it between coffee refills, and learned exactly how to keep it fluffy, creamy, and not watery.

Now ambrosia salad is one of my favorite things to make. It’s simple, a little retro, and full of love—the kind of dish that disappears fast and makes everyone ask, “Okay… how did you make this so good?” 💕

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ambrosia Salad at a Glance (Fast Snapshot)

10-Minute Recipe Snapshot

If you need a classic Ambrosia Salad that’s creamy, fluffy, and doesn’t turn into a watery mess—this is it. Here’s the quick version before we get into the fun details:

You’ll need: mandarin oranges, pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and a creamy base.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: at least 1 hour (best at 2–4 hours)
Vibe: potluck classic that vanishes first 🥣✨

Choose Your Base (3 Tested Options)

Pick the one that fits your life today:

• Cool Whip (Most Stable): best for potlucks, travel, and making ahead.
• Whipped Cream (Best Flavor): lighter taste, more homemade, super fluffy.
• Greek Yogurt (Lighter & Tangy): less sweet, slightly tangy, “I want it creamy but not heavy.”

Ideal Texture: What It Should Look Like

The goal is spoonable and fluffy—no puddle at the bottom.
If you scoop it up, it should hold its shape like a soft cloud (not drip like cereal milk).

Best Occasions for Ambrosia Salad

• Holiday tables (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
• Potlucks and office parties
• Baby showers and brunch
• Cookouts when you want a “dessert that pretends to be a salad”

What Is Ambrosia Salad (And Why It Gets Watery)

Classic Ambrosia Salad Ingredients

Ambrosia salad is a classic fruit salad with a creamy base, usually served as a dessert or sweet side dish at holidays and potlucks. If you enjoy nostalgic, creamy desserts like Strawberry Banana Pudding, this recipe will feel instantly familiar.

Traditional ambrosia salad includes:

• Mandarin oranges
• Pineapple
• Mini marshmallows
• Shredded coconut
• Maraschino cherries
• A creamy base (Cool Whip, whipped cream, or yogurt)

It’s sweet, fluffy, and intentionally simple.

Ambrosia Salad vs 5-Cup Salad

These two are often confused. Here’s the quick difference:

Feature	Ambrosia Salad	5-Cup Salad
Coconut	Yes	Yes
Cherries	Often	No
Add-ins	Flexible	Minimal
Overall vibe	Rich & nostalgic	Very simple

👉 Ambrosia salad is the creamier, more indulgent option.

Why Ambrosia Salad Gets Watery

The most common reason is excess moisture from fruit, not the creamy base.

This usually happens when:

• Fruit isn’t fully drained
• Mandarin oranges break while mixing
• The salad is overmixed
• It sits too long without proper prep

The Fix (In One Line)

Drain the fruit well, pat it dry, and fold everything gently.

That small step makes all the difference.

Print

Ingredients & Substitutions (Build Your Perfect Bowl)

This is where ambrosia salad becomes your ambrosia salad. Use the classic ingredients, or tweak a few things to match your taste, diet, or what’s already in your pantry.

Fruit Choices: Best vs Worst for Moisture

Some fruits behave better than others. This quick guide helps you avoid extra liquid.

Fruit	Works Well?	Notes
Mandarin oranges	✅ Yes	Handle gently so they don’t break
Pineapple chunks	✅ Yes	Drain very well, then pat dry
Maraschino cherries	✅ Yes	Blot dry before adding
Grapes	⚠️ Optional	Slice and dry first
Fresh berries	❌ Tricky	Release juice quickly

Tip: Even canned fruit should be drained and patted dry before mixing.

Creamy Base Options Explained

Choose the base that fits your schedule and vibe:

Base	Best For	Texture
Cool Whip	Potlucks & make-ahead	Most stable
Whipped cream	Best flavor	Light & fluffy
Greek yogurt / sour cream	Lighter option	Slightly tangy

If you’re serving this at a party or traveling, Cool Whip is the safest choice.

Coconut, Nuts & Texture Boosters

These add texture—but they’re optional.

• Shredded coconut: classic and traditional
• Toasted coconut: deeper flavor, still works well
• Pecans or walnuts: add crunch (chop small)
• No nuts? Just skip them—no replacement needed

Sweetness Control (Easy Fixes)

If you don’t want it overly sweet:

• Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sweetened bases
• Reduce marshmallows slightly
• Add a tiny pinch of salt to balance flavors

Small changes = big difference.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad (Step-by-Step)

This recipe comes together fast, but the order matters. Follow these steps and you’ll get a fluffy, creamy ambrosia salad that holds up beautifully.

Step 1: Prep the Fruit (Drain + Pat Dry)

This is the most important step.

1. Drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple in a colander.
2. Let them sit for 1–2 minutes to release excess juice.
3. Spread the fruit on paper towels and gently pat dry.

the fruit should feel dry to the touch, not sticky or dripping.
Skipping this step is the #1 reason ambrosia salad turns watery.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, add your chosen base:

• Cool Whip
• Whipped cream
• Or Greek yogurt / sour cream

Stir gently just until smooth. If you’re adjusting sweetness, do it now, before adding fruit.

Step 3: Fold Everything Together (Gently)

Add the dried fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and cherries to the bowl.

• Use a rubber spatula
• Fold slowly from the bottom up
• Stop as soon as everything is combined

Overmixing will break the fruit and release liquid.

Step 4: Chill for Best Texture

Cover the bowl and refrigerate:

• Minimum: 1 hour
• Best texture: 2–4 hours

Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps the salad set up nicely.

What It Should Look Like

When ready, ambrosia salad should:

• Be fluffy and creamy
• Hold its shape on a spoon
• Have no liquid pooling at the bottom

If it looks loose, don’t panic — we’ll fix that in the next section.

The Not-Watery Checklist (Fix It Fast)

This is the difference between fluffy ambrosia salad and fruit soup. Keep this simple.

Quick Not-Watery Rules

Follow these every time:

• Drain fruit well — then pat dry
• Fold gently, never stir
• Chill before serving
• Add nuts or garnish last

That alone solves most problems.

If It Looks Watery (Fast Fix)

If you already see liquid:

1. Add a small handful of mini marshmallows
2. Chill for 30–60 minutes
3. Fold once, gently — then stop

Common Texture Fixes

• Too thin: needs more chilling
• Too thick: fold in 1–2 tablespoons cream or yogurt
• Too sweet: add plain Greek yogurt

Potluck Tip

Keep it cold, avoid re-stirring, and serve from a deep bowl for best texture.

Ambrosia Salad Variations (Easy & Flexible)

Once you understand the base recipe, ambrosia salad is incredibly easy to customize. These are the most popular (and reliable) variations.

Classic Potluck Version (Most Stable)

This is the version most people grew up with.

• Uses Cool Whip
• Holds up best for parties and travel
• Sweet, fluffy, and very nostalgic

👉 Best choice if you’re serving a crowd or making it ahead.

Homemade Version (Whipped Cream)

For a more homemade flavor:

• Use lightly sweetened whipped cream
• Softer, lighter texture
• Best served the same day

This version tastes amazing but needs gentle handling.

Lighter / Tangy Version (Greek Yogurt)

If you want something less sweet:

• Swap part or all of the base with plain Greek yogurt
• Slightly tangy, still creamy
• Feels lighter without losing texture

Great if you’re balancing a dessert-heavy table like one with a Cherry Pistachio No-Bake Cheesecake.

Optional Add-Ins (Use Sparingly)

A little extra goes a long way:

• Grapes (slice and dry first)
• Fruit cocktail (classic, very retro)
• Extra coconut for texture
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (add just before serving)

Avoid adding too many extras — ambrosia salad shines when it stays simple.

Serving, Scaling & Presentation Tips

This is where ambrosia salad goes from “nice” to party-ready.

How Much Ambrosia Salad to Make

Use this as a quick guide:

Servings	Amount	Bowl Size
8	1 batch	Medium bowl
12	1½ batches	Large bowl
20–30	2–3 batches	Extra-large/deep bowl

👉 A deep bowl helps keep the salad fluffy and prevents liquid from pooling.

What to Serve with Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad works best alongside:

• Holiday mains and casseroles
• BBQ or cookout plates
• Brunch spreads with both sweet and savory dishes

It balances heavier foods nicely without feeling too rich.

Make It Look Pretty (Without Effort)

A few simple touches go a long way:

• Place cherries on top instead of mixing them all in
• Sprinkle a little coconut just before serving
• Smooth the top gently with a spatula for a clean finish

No fancy styling needed — cozy and homemade always wins.

Nutrition Information & Dietary Notes

Ambrosia salad is meant to be enjoyed — it’s a comfort-food classic — but it’s still helpful to understand the nutrition, especially when planning a balanced holiday or potluck menu.

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

Values are estimates and will vary based on brands and ingredient choices.

Nutrient	Approx. Amount
Calories	180–220 kcal
Carbohydrates	28–35 g
Sugar	20–26 g
Fat	6–9 g
Protein	2–4 g
Fiber	1–2 g
Sodium	70–120 mg

Most of the sugar comes naturally from fruit, while fat and calories depend mainly on the creamy base you choose.

How Ingredient Choices Affect Nutrition

Your base makes the biggest difference:

• Cool Whip: most stable, slightly higher in sugar
• Whipped cream: richer flavor, higher fat
• Greek yogurt: adds protein and a lighter, tangy feel

If you’re curious about why Greek yogurt is often used as a lighter alternative in desserts, this overview from Harvard T.H. Chan – The Nutrition Source explains its nutritional benefits in simple terms.

Food Safety & Storage Note

Because ambrosia salad contains dairy and fruit, it should be kept refrigerated and not left out too long at room temperature. For official guidance on serving and storing perishable dishes, Foodsafety provides clear, reliable food safety recommendations.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as a general estimate for convenience only. Exact values will vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Final Tips & Serving Checklist

Ambrosia salad doesn’t need to be complicated to be special. When it’s done right, it’s creamy, fluffy, nostalgic, and exactly the kind of dish people go back for seconds of.

Before you serve, do a quick check:

• ✔ Fruit fully drained and patted dry
• ✔ Folded gently, not stirred
• ✔ Chilled until fluffy and set
• ✔ Garnish added at the last minute

That’s it. Simple steps, big payoff.

If you’re building a full potluck or holiday table, ambrosia salad fits right in with cozy, crowd-pleasing favorites. Save this recipe, pin it for later, and don’t be surprised when someone asks you for the recipe — it happens every time.

for more recipes follow me in Facebook, Pinterest and medium.