This ambrosia salad is a simple, no-bake dessert made with a creamy base, juicy fruit, and soft marshmallows for the perfect balance of texture and sweetness. It’s light, quick to make and always a hit at any gathering!
What is Ambrosia Salad?
If you’ve never heard of ambrosia salad before, you might be thinking… since when is a salad a dessert?! That was honestly my first reaction🙂
Ambrosia salad is a classic American no-bake dessert made with a creamy whipped topping, sweet fruit, coconut flakes, and soft mini marshmallows. Traditionally made with mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and fresh cream (Cool Whip is also used sometimes), it has a light, fluffy texture and sweet, fruity flavor in every bite.
This ambrosia fruit salad is popular at potluck gatherings, holiday dinners, and family reunion tables because it’s simple to make in one large bowl using canned fruit or fresh fruit. Many variations also include grapes, bananas, apples, walnuts, or almonds for extra texture. It’s an easy, nostalgic dessert that’s stood the test of time for a reason.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, creamy dessert that always gets compliments, this ambrosia salad recipe is a must-try. It’s simple, adaptable, and perfect when you need something easy that still tastes special. Here is why you’ll love it:
Light and refreshing
This ambrosia fruit salad has a soft, fluffy texture with juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple chunks, and mini marshmallows in every bite. The creamy base keeps it rich while still tasting light and refreshing.
Easy to make
All you need is a large bowl and a gentle stir to bring everything together. Just follow the recipe card instructions and you’ll have a dessert ready in minutes.
Easy to customize
There are so many variations you can try. Add grapes, bananas, raspberries, or swap in nuts like walnuts or almonds.
Perfect for making ahead
This dessert stores well covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavor actually gets even better after chilling, making it perfect for potluck events or holiday desserts!
For more no-bake desserts, check out my classic tiramisu, no-bake cheesecake and chocolate mousse recipe!
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
You can find the full list of ingredients for this ambrosia salad recipe in the recipe card at the end of the blog post (for easy navigation, hit the ‘jump to recipe’ button at the top of the blog post). Here is a quick visual breakdown of the recipe (video tutorial is also provided in the recipe card below).
In a large bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla. Using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed, whip until soft peaks form.
Add the Greek yogurt and using a spatula, gently fold until smooth and combined.
Add the drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple, miniature marshmallows and shredded coconut. Gently fold until just combined.
Serve immediately or cover and chill for about 1 hour before serving for best flavour.
How to Store Ambrosia Salad
Store any leftover ambrosia salad in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving as some liquid from the fruit may settle at the bottom.
For best texture, keep it refrigerated and avoid leaving it at room temperature for long periods. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, as the marshmallows will continue to soften over time.
Easy Ambrosia Salad
Print Pin VideoIMPORTANT: For accuracy, I would recommend using the gram measurements provided, as those are the exact quantities I use. Cup measurements are given as estimates (based on US cup measurements) to make it easier for those who do not have a scale.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) heavy cream - cold
- 2 tbsps (16 g) powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract/essence
- ½ cup (115 g) plain Greek yogurt - sour cream okay too
- 1½ cups (300 g) canned mandarin oranges - drained (see note 1). You will need about 1½ 15oz cans.
- 1½ cups (283 g) canned pineapple chunks or tidbits - drained (see note 1). You will need one 15oz can.
- 1¼ cups (66 g) miniature marshmallows
- ¾ cup (60 g) shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla. Using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed, whip until soft peaks form (see note 2).
- Add the Greek yogurt and using a spatula, gently fold until smooth and combined.
- Add the drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple, miniature marshmallows and shredded coconut. Gently fold until just combined.
- Serve immediately or cover and chill for about 1 hour before serving for best flavour.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information are estimates only as they are automatically calculated by a third party application. Actual values may differ based on brands and types of products used.
