Best Ambrosia Salad is perfect answer if you’re looking for a sweet and refreshing side dish or dessert. A creamy fruit salad full of pineapple, mandarin oranges, sour cream, mini marshmallows, and coconut. that’s made all in one bowl in just 15 minutes!

If you want a salad that tastes just like dessert, Ambrosia Salad with sour cream is the golden ticket. This easy side dish has a delicious tropical sweetness. So, brighten your table with Ambrosia Salad and relish the bliss!
History of Ambrosia salad; a sweet controversial salad
This might be debatable a.k.a controversial (I know too much words), since a lot of people don’t agree with these kind of salad. Mostly salad consist of a raw food and minimal sauce. Meanwhile, this Ambrosia salad is stands out. The dish full of sweet and using marshmallow, sugar and canned fruit. However, I consider this ambrosia salad as a special occasion version of a fruit salad!

For the history, Ambrosia salad is a classic American dish that typically consists of fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and sometimes nuts, all mixed together with whipped cream or a creamy dressing. It is often served as a side dish or dessert, particularly at potlucks, picnics, and thanksgiving moments
Ambrosia means ‘food of the gods,’ and this version is a family favorite. This fruit salad originated in the South, but the name “ambrosia” comes from Greek and Roman mythology. It means “nectar of the gods” and was also associated with immortality. While this dish definitely can’t promise immortality it can promise divine flavor.

The dish became popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of earliest known published recipe for a dish resembling ambrosia salad appeared in the 1867 edition of “The Dixie Cook-Book” by Mary Harris Frazer. This recipe included grated coconut, orange slices, and sugar.
Today, there are countless variations of ambrosia salad, with each recipe reflecting personal preferences and regional influences. Ready for a culinary adventure? Gather sour cream, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and sweetened coconut. Join us in crafting your Ambrosia Salad masterpiece!
What Inside of Ambrosia Salad

- Sour Cream; this is where the creaminess comes into play. The creamy base starts with either sour cream or Greek yogurt. The choice between Greek yogurt and sour cream depends on your preference for tanginess. Greek yogurt is a bit tangier and lighter, while sour cream offers a richer consistency. In this recipe, I use sour cream, which is sweetened by the marshmallows. Feel free to use yogurt or Cool Whip based on your preference.
- Pineapple Tidbits drained; a must for ambrosia salad! either pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple in the can with juice. Just don’t forget to drain it otherwise your salad will turn out watery.
- Mandarin Orange drained; another classic ingredient! I like to use canned mandarin oranges for ease, but you can use fresh mandarins that you have peeled and segmented. I use canned mandarin orange here.
- Mini Marshmallow fruit flavored; these add a fun, fluffy texture to the mix. You can stick to the classic white marshmallows or jazz things up with fruity-fun marshmallows for added color and flavor. Feel free to use sweet flavored or unsweetened flavor. If you use sour cream, I suggest you to use sweet flavored marshmallow, meanwhile, if you use yoghurt/ whipped cream you can try with un flavored marshmallow
- Sweetened Flaked Coconut or shredded; you can choose between sweetened or unsweetened, based on your sweetness preference. I usually use sweetened, shredded coconut, but if you want to cut back on the sweetness, use unsweetened coconut.
- Additions – While this recipe is delicious on its own, you can add other ingredients. Try adding maraschino cherries – add a burst of sweetness and make the salad pop visually and turning your dish into a festive treat. or add nuts like walnuts or pecans to give it a bit of extra crunch and flavor.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad

First thing first before starting to make ambrosia salad. Begin with drain the pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges to remove excess liquid. This ensures that the salad maintains a desirable consistency without being overly wet or too watery.
Combine: In a large bowl, gently mix sour cream, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows. It’s important to fold the mixture gently. This keeps the fruit and marshmallows intact and ensures everything is evenly coated without becoming mushy.

Chill: Once mixed, Cover it with cling wrap then chill in the fridge at least 2 hours before serving. This step is crucial as it lets the flavors meld and helps soften the coconut.
Serve: When you’re ready to serve, take the bowl out and give it a quick stir. Garnish your salad with maraschino cherries (if you have) and an extra sprinkle of shredded coconut and mini marshmallow to make it look pretty. Enjoy!
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Written by Silni Asfia


Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Pineapple Tidbits drained
- 1 cup Mandarin Orange drained
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallow fruit flavored
- 1 cup Sweetened Flaked Coconut or shredded
Instructions
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In a big bowl, gently mix sour cream, pineapple tidbits, mandarin orange, marshmallow, and flaked coconut with a rubber spatula.
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Cover it with cling wrap then chill in the fridge at least 2 hours before serving.
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Garnish it with mini marshmallow. Enjoy!
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