Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Cooking with Shirani

Video Stats

Host: Cooking with Shirani
Published: May 21, 2025
Views: 63.1k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 0 min
Difficulty: Beginner
Serves: 8

Overview

Ambrosia Salad is a nostalgic dessert that many people associate with family gatherings and potlucks. This recipe is a delightful blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and a variety of fruits, nuts, and mini marshmallows, creating a creamy and sweet treat that is hard to resist. The use of cream cheese adds a rich texture, while the sour cream balances the sweetness with a slight tang.

One of the best parts of making this salad is its versatility. You can easily swap out the fruits based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. Whether you choose to add mandarin oranges, cherries, or even fresh strawberries, the result is always a colorful and inviting dish. The addition of chopped pecans and shredded coconut gives it a nice crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.

After mixing everything together, it’s essential to let the salad chill for at least an hour. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up, making it even more enjoyable. When it comes time to serve, you’ll find that this Ambrosia Salad is not only visually appealing but also a crowd-pleaser that brings back fond memories for many.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this Ambrosia Salad is a fantastic choice. It’s a dish that embodies comfort and nostalgia, making it a must-try for anyone who loves creamy desserts.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:06

Gather ingredients for ambrosia salad.

2
00:16

Use one package of cream cheese that has been sitting out at room temperature.

00:20

Tip: Let cream cheese sit out at room temperature for easier mixing.

3
00:32

Add half a cup of sour cream to the cream cheese.

4
00:52

Add half a cup of white sugar.

5
01:00

Beat the mixture for about three to four minutes until smooth.

01:17

Tip: Scrape the bowl in between mixing to ensure everything is well combined.

6
01:29

Scrape the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed.

7
01:31

Add one container of Cool Whip that has been sitting out at room temperature.

8
01:55

Beat until everything is well combined.

9
02:36

Transfer the mixture to a bigger bowl with a lid.

10
02:57

Add two cans of drained fruit cocktail.

03:01

Tip: You can add any fruits you like to the salad.

11
03:13

Add a little bit of cherries from the refrigerator.

12
03:15

Add half a cup of chopped pecans.

13
03:21

Add half a cup of sweetened shredded coconut.

14
03:24

Gently mix until everything is combined.

15
03:50

Add four cups of mini marshmallows.

16
04:02

Mix everything together.

17
04:30

Cover the salad and let it chill for at least one hour before serving.

04:30

Tip: Let the salad chill for at least one hour before serving for better flavor.

Ingredients

Serves: 8
Sugar0.5 cup
Cool Whip1 container
Fruit Cocktail2 cans
Pecans0.5 cup
Shredded Coconut0.5 cup
Mini Marshmallows4 cups
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Cream

Ingredient: Nuts

    → Substitution: Sunflower Seeds

Nutrition

Calories
320
kcal per serving
Protein
3
per serving
Carbs
45
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Beginner
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Ambrosia salad is a classic American dessert often served at potlucks and holiday gatherings.
  • The combination of cream cheese and sour cream gives this salad a rich and creamy texture.
  • You can customize the fruit mix in ambrosia salad to include your favorites, such as mandarin oranges or fresh berries.
  • Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.