Ambrosia Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Marshmallows | CookOS

Ambrosia Salad

Name: Ambrosia Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Marshmallows
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained; 1 large fresh orange, peeled and chopped; 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained; 1 (15 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 2 cups mini marshmallows; 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained; 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed; 1/2 cup sour cream

Ambrosia Salad is a classic American dessert combining canned mandarin oranges, pineapple, shredded coconut, and marshmallows in a creamy sour cream and whipped topping dressing. This retro fruit salad is perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings because it can be made hours ahead.

🌍American 🏷️Ambrosia salad 🏷️Fruit salad 🏷️Dessert 🏷️Side dish Southern

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Total

10 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

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Ingredients

1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 large fresh orange, peeled and chopped
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (15 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges and the chopped fresh orange.
2
Add the drained crushed pineapple and pineapple tidbits to the bowl.
3
Stir in the sweetened shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and maraschino cherries.
4
Add the whipped topping and sour cream for the dressing.
5
Gently fold all ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to break up the orange segments.
6
Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Drain all canned fruits thoroughly in a colander before folding into the dressing to prevent a watery, separated salad.
Fold ingredients gently with a rubber spatula rather than stirring to keep the whipped topping airy and prevent deflating.
Chill the finished salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to set properly.
Use thawed whipped topping for easiest folding; cold or frozen topping breaks apart and is difficult to incorporate smoothly.

Substitutions

Sour cream → plain Greek yogurt (tangier flavor, slightly denser texture)
Maraschino cherries → fresh raspberries or blueberries (brighter, less sweet)
Mini marshmallows → chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch instead of sweetness)
Whipped topping → freshly whipped heavy cream (lighter, less stable but fresher taste)

Storage & make-ahead

Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days. Ambrosia salad does not freeze well due to the whipped topping texture. Stir gently before serving if any separation occurs.

Common Questions

Can I make ambrosia salad ahead of time?

Yes, it's ideal for make-ahead preparation. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until serving. The flavors meld and the marshmallows soften slightly.

Do I need to drain the canned fruit?

Yes, drain both the mandarin oranges and pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the salad watery.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple can be used but canned is traditional for this recipe. If using fresh, add it just before serving so it doesn't break down the whipped topping.

Is this salad suitable for a potluck?

Absolutely. Ambrosia salad is a classic potluck dessert that travels well and doesn't require reheating. Transport it in a covered dish and serve cold.