Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a creamy, fruity, and refreshing dessert that brings together a medley of vibrant fruits in a dreamy, sweet dressing. With its combination of juicy citrus, tangy pineapple, and tender marshmallows, all brought together with a silky whipped cream mixture, this salad is a crowd favorite for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat, Ambrosia Fruit Salad offers a light, sweet, and delightful combination that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite fruits!

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 apple, diced (optional)
1 banana, sliced (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the whipped cream mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Then, fold in the Cool Whip, sour cream, and powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine the fruit and marshmallows: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments, mini marshmallows, and any other optional fruits like diced apple or sliced banana. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the fruit.
Fold in the whipped cream mixture: Add the whipped cream mixture to the bowl with the fruit and marshmallows. Gently fold everything together until all of the fruit is coated with the creamy dressing.
Add the coconut and nuts: Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped nuts (if using). This adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch to the salad.
Chill: Cover the Ambrosia Fruit Salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the salad to chill.
Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with additional coconut or nuts if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight)

Variations

Berry Ambrosia: Add fresh or frozen berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, for a fresh twist.
Tropical Ambrosia: Use tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or kiwi to create a more exotic version of this salad.
Coconut-Free Version: If you don’t like coconut, you can omit it or replace it with chopped dried fruit like raisins or apricots.
Vegan Version: Use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free sour cream to make this salad vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the Ambrosia Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve as the salad sits, but the fruit may release some juice, so be sure to stir it gently before serving.
Reheating: This salad is meant to be served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit?

Yes, you can use fresh fruit instead of canned, but you’ll need to make sure the fruit is well-drained, especially the citrus and pineapple, to avoid excess liquid in the salad.

2. Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?

Yes, Ambrosia Fruit Salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it’s best to make it at least a few hours ahead, or even the day before, to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Can I use whipped topping instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use other whipped toppings like homemade whipped cream or a store-bought brand of whipped topping as long as it’s creamy and has a similar texture.

4. Can I add other fruits like grapes or cherries?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any fruit you like. Red grapes, cherries, and even pomegranate seeds would be great additions to this fruit salad.

5. How do I make it more creamy?

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add more sour cream or a bit more whipped cream to the dressing. Adjust the ingredients to suit your personal preference.

6. Is there a way to make it sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter Ambrosia Fruit Salad, you can add a little more powdered sugar to the whipped cream mixture or drizzle with honey or maple syrup.

7. Can I make this salad without marshmallows?

Yes, you can omit the marshmallows, or substitute them with small chunks of pound cake or angel food cake for a more textured version.

8. Can I use other nuts besides pecans or walnuts?

Yes, you can use almonds, pistachios, or macadamia nuts for a different flavor or crunch in your salad.

9. Can I add yogurt to the dressing?

Yes, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed option. It will also give the dressing a slightly thicker texture.

10. Can I freeze Ambrosia Fruit Salad?

Ambrosia Fruit Salad is best served fresh or after refrigerating, but freezing it is not recommended, as the fruit and whipped cream may change texture once thawed.

Conclusion

Ultimate Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a creamy, dreamy dressing and a combination of vibrant fruits, this salad offers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a party, bringing it to a potluck, or just enjoying it as a family treat, Ambrosia Fruit Salad is sure to brighten up any table!