Description
Ambrosia Salad is a classic, creamy fruit salad made with mandarin oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, coconut, and a fluffy base. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want an easy dessert that everyone loves—without turning watery.
Ingredients
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1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, well drained and patted dry
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1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, well drained and patted dry
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1 cup mini marshmallows
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½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
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½ cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
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1½ cups Cool Whip (or whipped cream / Greek yogurt – see notes)
Instructions
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Drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple thoroughly, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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In a large mixing bowl, add the creamy base and stir gently until smooth.
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Add the dried fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and cherries to the bowl.
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Fold everything together gently with a spatula until just combined.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture.
Notes
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For best texture: Always pat fruit dry—this prevents a watery salad.
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Make it lighter: Replace half or all of the Cool Whip with plain Greek yogurt.
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Add crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts just before serving.
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Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg