Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Marshmallows and Whipped Cream
Ambrosia fruit salad has been gracing American tables for generations, bringing its perfect blend of sweetness and creaminess to countless family gatherings. This classic marshmallow fruit salad combines juicy fruits with fluffy whipped cream and pillowy marshmallows for a dessert-like treat that’s irresistible. Named after the food of the Greek gods, this heavenly fruit cocktail salad truly lives up to its divine namesake with its balanced flavors and delightful textures.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a holiday spread, or simply craving something sweet and refreshing, this ambrosia fruit salad recipe with cool whip and yogurt delivers every time. The combination of mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, and coconut creates a fruit cocktail that’s both nostalgic and timelessly delicious. This five cup salad variation offers a perfect balance between creamy and fruity, making it an ideal complement to almost any meal or a wonderful standalone treat.
Ingredients for Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Fresh and Creamy Base
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or vanilla)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Fruits and Additions
- 11 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
- 8 ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
- 1 1/2 cups mini fruit-flavored marshmallows
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped pecans
- Sliced bananas
- Chopped apples
How to Make Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Preparing the Creamy Base
- Add whipping cream to a large bowl or stand mixer and beat with electric beaters for 1-2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Slowly add powdered sugar while continuing to beat the cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the Greek yogurt until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Assembling Your Fruit Salad
- Thoroughly drain all canned fruits, placing them in a colander for a few minutes to ensure excess liquid is removed.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the well-drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, and mini marshmallows.
- Add the shredded coconut to the fruit mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Carefully fold in the whipped cream mixture until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Tips & Variations for Perfect Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Customizing Your Fruit Salad
- Fruit Variations: Try adding fresh grapes, blueberries, or strawberries for additional freshness and color.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the whipped cream mixture and store separately from the drained fruits for up to 24 hours before combining and serving.
- Lighter Version: Use light cool whip instead of homemade whipped cream and low-fat Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
- Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try toasted walnuts or sliced almonds instead.
- Marshmallow Choices: Use regular mini marshmallows instead of fruit-flavored ones for a more traditional ambrosia salad.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too Watery: Ensure all canned fruits are thoroughly drained; pat dry with paper towels if necessary.
- Too Sweet: Balance with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you find your marshmallow fruit salad too sweet.
- Too Thick: If your ambrosia fruit salad with cool whip becomes too thick after refrigeration, gently fold in 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach desired consistency.
Salad Dressings That Pair Well With This Salad
Complementary Sweet Dressings
While this cool whip fruit salad is delicious on its own, you can serve these dressings on the side for those who prefer additional flavor:
- Honey Lime Dressing: Combine 2 tablespoons honey with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice for a tangy-sweet accent that complements the mandarin oranges.
- Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing: The nutty flavor of poppy seeds pairs beautifully with the coconut in this fruit salad with marshmallows.
- Citrus Vanilla Glaze: Mix 2 tablespoons orange juice with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for a light drizzle over individual servings.
What to Serve With This Salad
Perfect Pairings for Ambrosia Fruit Salad
This versatile ambrosia fruit salad works wonderfully with many main courses:
- Grilled Chicken: The sweetness of the fruit cocktail salad balances perfectly with savory grilled meats like this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken.
- Holiday Mains: Serve alongside turkey or ham during holiday meals for a refreshing side.
- Brunch Items: Pairs beautifully with quiches, breakfast casseroles, and French toast for a delightful brunch spread.
- Light Lunches: Serve with cucumber sandwiches or wraps for a satisfying midday meal.
- Barbecue Favorites: The cool, creamy texture complements hot-off-the-grill items like burgers and kebabs.
Special Occasion Serving Ideas
For holidays and special gatherings, elevate your presentation:
- Serve individual portions in stemmed glassware for an elegant dessert option
- Use it as a topping for pound cake or angel food cake
- Create a dessert bar with this five cup salad as the centerpiece, surrounded by cookies and brownies
Storage Tips for Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Keeping Your Fruit Salad Fresh
This mandarin orange salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days of preparation, though proper storage can help maintain quality:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The marshmallows will gradually absorb moisture and soften over time, which many people actually prefer.
- If preparing in advance, consider keeping the whipped cream mixture separate from the fruits until a few hours before serving.
- Stir gently before serving if any liquid has separated.
- Do not freeze ambrosia fruit salad, as the texture will become watery and unpleasant when thawed.
FAQs About Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Can I make ambrosia fruit salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this fruit salad with cool whip up to 24 hours in advance. For best results, keep the whipped cream mixture separate from the fruit until a few hours before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming too watery while still allowing flavors to meld together.
Why is my ambrosia salad watery?
The most common reason for watery ambrosia is inadequately drained canned fruits. Be sure to drain all canned fruits thoroughly, even patting them dry with paper towels if necessary. Another tip is to fold in the whipped cream mixture just before serving or a few hours before to minimize liquid release.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned in ambrosia salad?
Absolutely! While traditional fruit cocktail salad recipes call for canned fruit, fresh alternatives work beautifully. Try fresh orange segments instead of mandarin oranges or fresh pineapple chunks instead of tidbits. Just remember that fresh fruits may release more juice, so consider adding them closer to serving time.
Conclusion
A Timeless Classic Worth Sharing
Ambrosia fruit salad remains a beloved classic for good reason. Its perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fruity elements creates a dish that spans generations and continues to delight at family gatherings and special occasions. This marshmallow fruit salad recipe offers endless possibilities for customization while maintaining the nostalgic charm that makes it so special.
Don’t wait for a special occasion to enjoy this heavenly dessert salad! With its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, this ambrosia fruit salad deserves a regular spot in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re following our classic recipe or adding your own twist, this fruit salad with whipped cream is sure to become a family favorite that everyone will request time and again.
Other Salads to Try
Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Marshmallows
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat whipping cream in a large bowl for 1-2 minutes. Add powdered sugar gradually and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold Greek yogurt into the whipped cream mixture.
- Thoroughly drain all canned fruits and combine with marshmallows and coconut in a large serving bowl.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream mixture until evenly combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- The marshmallows will soften over time, which many people prefer.
- For best results when making ahead, prepare components separately and combine a few hours before serving.
