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A glass bowl filled with Ambrosia Salad Recipe made of mixed fruit, whipped cream, and sprinkled nuts on top.

ambrosia salad recipe

A creamy, fruity, and fluffy ambrosia salad recipe passed down through three generations. With just a few simple ingredients, this make-ahead dessert is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Retro, Southern
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Mandarin orange segments - Drained well
  • 1 cup Maraschino cherries - Halved patted dry
  • 1 cup Pineapple chunks - Fresh or canned drained
  • 1 cup Red grapes - Halved
  • 1 medium Apple - Diced peeled if preferred
  • 1 tub 8 oz Cool Whip - Thawed
  • ½ cup Sour cream - Can substitute Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup Mini marshmallows - Optional: warm half with butter for flavor
  • ½ cup Sweetened coconut flakes - Or unsweetened + sugar
  • ½ cup Chopped pecans - Or walnuts/almonds
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract - Optional enhances flavor
  • 1 pinch Sugar - Only if extra sweetness is needed
  • 1 pinch Salt - Optional – makes sweet flavors pop

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl (For combining the creamy base)
  • 1 Rubber spatula (For gently folding ingredients)
  • 1 Fine mesh strainer (To drain fruit well)
  • 1 Measuring cups (For accurate portions)
  • 2 Sharp knife (For chopping fruit)

Method
 

  1. Drain canned fruits and dry all fresh ingredients well
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  2. Blend Cool Whip with sour cream until smooth and fluffy
    A white bowl filled with whipped cream, red grapes, orange segments, pineapple chunks, and honeydew melon pieces.
  3. Fold in coconut, marshmallows, and the chopped fruits
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  4. Sprinkle pecans and gently mix everything together
    A close-up of whole pecans floating in a creamy, spiced sauce with a wooden spoon resting in the bowl.
  5. Refrigerate the salad for a few hours before serving cold
    A glass bowl filled with Ambrosia Salad Recipe made of mixed fruit, whipped cream, and sprinkled nuts on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 150gCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 55mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.6mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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