This classic ambrosia salad is made with Cool Whip, fruit, and marshmallows for a tasty dessert, perfect for a party! Enjoy this deliciously creamy fruit salad for a simple sweet treat!
Recipe by Liz Thomson on August 1, 2023
Prep time: PT-490916H11M40S
Rating
4.8 stars ( reviews)
Keywords
ambrosia salad with cool whip
Ingredients
8oz whipped topping, thawed (I used Cool Whip brand)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup Maraschino cherries, halved (plus more for garnish, if desired)
Categories
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Steps
In a large mixing bowl, combine together the sour cream and whipped cream until well mixed.
Add the pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and Maraschino cherries.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
When ready to serve, garnish with additional maraschino cherries if desired.
Reviews
Shruthi on 2023-03-02 (5 stars): Made this for a potluck and it was such a hit! The shredded coconut was a great addition.
Vladka on 2023-03-02 (5 stars): it makes a wonderful snack for kids. I prepared it in advance and kept it in the fridge and when I returned back home all the bowls were empty.
Jessica Haggard on 2023-03-02 (5 stars): This is so similar to a family dish my Grandma made but I never knew what it was called. I have many memories of it from my childhood but was never able to get the recipe from her. Now, I am excited to make it myself!
Kris on 2023-03-02 (5 stars): This was way better than the ambrosia salad I remember from my childhood. SO refreshing and perfectly sweet. :)
Ksenia on 2023-03-08 (5 stars): Easy peasy and delicious! My kiddos licked their plates, if this tells you something ;P
Amy Liu Dong on 2023-04-15 (5 stars): My favorite fruit salad recipe. It is so easy, and it is definitely delicious!
Gwynn on 2023-04-15 (5 stars): This recipe brings back delicious childhood memories for me. I'll be making it for sure!
Ann on 2023-04-15 (5 stars): This salad was so yummy! I made this for a work food day, and everyone loved it!
MarilynMae on 2024-12-16 (5 stars): I have enjoyed Ambrosia fruit salad at many gatherings over the years. I never knew how to make it. Thank you for the recipe. I look forward to making it!
Beth on 2025-01-27 (5 stars): Ambrosia is my favorite dessert of all time. I really love your recipe. It has all the classic flavor!
Cara on 2025-01-27 (5 stars): I never knew there was sour cream in Ambrosia salad! Now I know that's what balances out all the sweetness. Delightlful
Janie on 2025-01-27 (5 stars): This is my favorite dessert to make. My family loves it when I make this and they go for second!
Catalina on 2025-01-28 (5 stars): This ambrosia salad took me straight back to my childhood! It was creamy, fruity, and perfectly sweet. I loved the mix of textures with the marshmallows and coconut. This will definitely be a staple for my holiday dinners now.
Crumbl cookies on 2025-01-29 (5 stars): I really enjoy this recipe! Sometimes, for a different taste, I swap sour cream with a softened block of cream cheese. This is my husband's favorite dessert, and I'm planning to make some today.
Matt on 2025-01-29 (5 stars): This brings back memories! The mix of flavors and textures is always a hit at gatherings.
Melissa on 2025-02-27 (5 stars): This recipe is just like my grandma made. Delicious!
Crumbl Cookie Spoilers on 2025-04-03 (5 stars): This is such as amazing and delicious recipe. Its taste is brilliant and easy to make. Thanks you soo much for sharing such awesome recipe with us.
Vanessa V on 2025-04-29 (5 stars): Only thing I change is more marshmallow less coconut and crushed pineapple and it gives this the perfect texture (for me at least) this has always been a favorite for me! :)
Nicky on 2025-05-04 (5 stars): I use fat free plain Greek yogurt instead of the sour cream, and added 2 handfuls of frozen blueberries. As they melt and mix with the cherry juices the whole thing turns a pretty purple color. I love this recipe. Thank you!!
Mary on 2025-05-21 (5 stars): You can also toast the coconut before adding, adds another level of flavor. Same if you want to add pecans, toast first.
Phyllis Field on 2025-06-21 (5 stars): This recipe is the bomb! We do not change a thing. Why change perfection? So delicious. A throwback recipe from my childhood. Thank you so much for sharing!
Melissa on 2025-08-16 (5 stars): This recipe reminds me of my Grandma. It's delicious and perfect just as written. Thank you for sharing!