Easy Ambrosia Salad Recipe

This easy Ambrosia Salad recipe is a great Picnic Salad recipe for the season. Made with fresh fruit and fruit cocktail swirled in slightly sweet cream. It is also a family favorite as my mother and grandmother used to make this salad for gatherings and celebrations. 

Ambrosia Fruit Salad can be changed up with other fruits to make a festive and seasonal side dish. Be sure to check out muy timesaving tips after the recipe. 

This Classic Ambrosia Salad recipe can be made with Whipped Cream or with Cool Whip. I will share both methods below.

It’s the outdoor concert season!  It has been a while since I have shared a recipe. Today I am sharing a simple recipe for a Marshmallow Fruit salad that I have been eating since I was a little girl. When I was a kid I would see ambrosia salad at every Tupperware party, potluck, or Easter brunch that I attended.

Why You Will Love this Classic Ambrosia Recipe

Classic Recipe.I really miss seeing this salad as it truly reminds me of my childhood. What I like about the salad is that it’s a way to get lots of great fruit and it can be put together rather quickly. It’s also nice because you can make it the day before you need it. It is also very transportable, making it perfect for trips to the park, beach, or an outdoor summer concert.

Healthier Version. My recipe has no added sugar and I make mine with plain whipping cream, not heavy whipping cream to reduce the sugar content.

Tasty. What I love about this salad is that it is truly delicious and it brings back so many memories of days gone by.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad Ingredients

• fruit cocktail
• mini marshmallows
• mandarin oranges
• whipping cream or Cool Whip whipped topping
• grapes
• coconut
• maraschino cherries (optional)

Variations/Substitutions for Ambrosia Salad Recipe

I have enjoyed this salad with several ingredient variations and honestly they are all good.

Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip

You can make this Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip in place of the whipped cream if you like. Just replace the whipping cream with a cool whip. You can use

Ambrosia Salad with Additional Fruit

You can also add pineapple chunks chopped apples, bananas, and/or nuts to this salad, as it is very versatile. My grandma used to add the pineapple tidbits. Apples and bananas should be added right before serving to prevent browning.

Ambrosia Salad with Pecans or Pistachios

You can add some chopped pecans or chopped pistachios to this recipe for added crunch. Just add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the salad.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip or Whipped Cream

Step 1 – In a large bowl, add drained canned fruit cocktail.

Step 2 – Add sliced grapes

Step 3 – Add drained Mandarin oranges and shredded coconut.

Step 4 – Add mini marshmallows. Stir until blended with a spoon.

Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry for added sweetness. Store covered in the fridge.

Ambrosia Salad

• It is best to cover this salad when chilling to preserve the flavors.
• You do not have to cut the grapes in half but I always do so that they are easier to eat.
• Make this salad the day before.

For more delicious old-fashioned dessert salads, try my Orange Fluff Salad or my Grape Salad with Cream Cheese. Both are super easy and delicious!

More Dessert Salad Recipes

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