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This easy Ambrosia Salad recipe is a classic fruit salad made with pineapple, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, coconut, marshmallows, and creamy whipped topping. Perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, summer gatherings, or quick family desserts. Made in minutes with simple ingredients and no baking required. Find out how to make this traditional Southern favorite that’s always a hit on the dessert table.

Ingredients

20 oz. pineapple chunks, drained and patted dry
15 oz. mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry
15 oz. fruit cocktail, drained and patted dry
10 oz. maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
6 oz. full-fat vanilla yogurt (see notes)
1 cup mini marshmallows
½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed
⅓ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Fruit:
Thoroughly drain all canned fruits and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This keeps the salad creamy and prevents it from becoming watery.
Reserve Toppings:
Set aside a few mandarin orange segments, cherries, a sprinkle of coconut flakes, and chopped pecans for garnishing the top of the salad.
Mix the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, add the pineapple, mandarin oranges, fruit cocktail, cherries, vanilla yogurt, mini marshmallows, coconut flakes, and Cool Whip. Add chopped pecans if using.
Gently fold everything together using a silicone spatula until evenly combined.
Garnish and Chill:
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and decorate the top with the reserved fruits, coconut, and pecans.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, fruity, and nostalgic: A perfect blend of tropical flavors and fluffy texture.
No baking required: Just mix, chill, and serve!
Versatile for any occasion: Ideal as a side dish or dessert for holidays, potlucks, and picnics.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Sweet, colorful, and fun to eat.

Tips

Dry your fruit well to keep the salad from turning soupy.
Use full-fat yogurt for a richer, creamier result.
Fold gently to avoid breaking up the fruit.
Chill before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Use a clear glass bowl for a beautiful presentation.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap the yogurt: Use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even cream cheese for a tangier twist.
Add fresh fruit: Grapes, apples, or bananas (add just before serving).
Make it nut-free: Simply leave out the pecans or swap for sunflower seeds.
Use plain Cool Whip and add a drizzle of honey if using sweetened yogurt isn’t preferred.
Tropical version: Add mango or shredded fresh coconut for an island-inspired twist.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Ambrosia salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long does Ambrosia Salad last?
It will keep in the fridge for 2–3 days. Stir gently before serving if it’s been sitting.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to peel, chop, and pat the fruit dry before mixing it in.

Is Ambrosia Salad a dessert or a side dish?
It can be both! It’s often served as a side dish during holiday meals but works just as well as a light dessert.

Serving

Serve Ambrosia Salad chilled in:

A glass trifle dish for a layered look
Small dessert bowls or cups for individual servings
A large serving bowl with a garnish of fruit and coconut on top

Pairs well with:

BBQ dishes
Roasted turkey or ham
Other potluck favorites like pasta salad or deviled eggs

Suggestions

Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.
Make it extra fancy by topping with whipped cream and a cherry on each serving.
Use pastel mini marshmallows for a festive, colorful version (especially fun for Easter or spring gatherings).
Make a kid-friendly activity by letting little ones help fold in the ingredients!