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ambrosia salad2

Ambrosia Salad

A creamy, fruit-forward classic featuring mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, coconut, and mini marshmallows tossed in a light whipped-cream and sour cream dressing. Perfect make-ahead side or dessert for holidays and potlucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 270 kcal

Equipment

  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Rubber Spatula

Ingredients
  

Creamy Dressing

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream full-fat for best texture

Fruit Mixture

  • 2 cans mandarin oranges 11 oz each, very well drained
  • 1 can pineapple tidbits 20 oz, well drained
  • 1 jar maraschino cherries 10 oz, halved and patted dry
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup seedless green grapes halved, optional

Instructions
 

  • Chill a mixing bowl and beaters. Whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla on medium-high until stiff peaks form.
  • Fold in the sour cream gently to make a smooth, light dressing; set aside in the fridge.
  • In a large bowl, combine well-drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple tidbits, halved and dried maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and grapes (if using).
  • Add the dressing and fold gently until everything is evenly coated. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving to set and meld flavors.

Notes

Drain fruit thoroughly for the creamiest texture. Let oranges and pineapple sit in a strainer and pat cherries very dry to avoid excess moisture and pink coloring in the dressing.
Make-ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and keep covered in the refrigerator. Stir gently before serving. Store leftovers up to 2–3 days; do not freeze.
Variations: Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or fold in seedless grapes. If adding bananas, slice and add just before serving to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 190IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.7mg
Keyword ambrosia salad, Fruit Salad, holiday side, potluck
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