Have you ever craved a sweet, creamy dessert that feels like a nostalgic trip to a family reunion or Sunday dinner? This ambrosia salad recipe brings together juicy fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy coconut in one heavenly bowl. Making this ambrosia salad with marshmallows at home is incredibly valuable because you control the sweetness, use fresh ingredients, and customize flavors to suit your family's preferences. Whether you're planning a potluck, holiday gathering, or simply want a refreshing treat, this classic Southern dessert delivers comfort and joy in every spoonful.

Ingredients List

    • 2 cups mini marshmallows
    • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
    • 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
    • 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
    • 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and drained
    • 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
    • 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

For the Creamy Dressing:

    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
    • Optional: 2 tablespoons honey or sugar for extra sweetness

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)

Total time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)

This no-bake dessert is perfect for busy schedules. The chilling time allows flavors to meld beautifully, making it ideal to prepare a few hours ahead or even the night before your event.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Drain all canned fruits thoroughly using a colander to remove excess liquid. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent a watery salad. Halve the grapes and cherries, and chop your nuts into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the sour cream and whipped topping until smooth and fluffy. If you prefer extra sweetness, stir in honey or sugar at this stage. This ambrosia salad recipe relies on balanced creaminess, so taste as you go.

Step 3: Combine Fruits and Marshmallows Add the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, cherries, grapes, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut to the creamy mixture. Fold everything together gently using a rubber spatula to avoid crushing the fruit.

Step 4: Add Crunch with Nuts Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful textural contrast. This step makes your ambrosia salad with marshmallows both creamy and crunchy.

Step 5: Chill and Serve Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the marshmallows to soften slightly and the flavors to blend perfectly. Serve chilled in a decorative bowl and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 8):

    • Calories: 285
    • Protein: 3g
    • Carbohydrates: 42g
    • Fat: 13g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 35% DV
    • Iron: 4% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Swaps: - For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and sugar-free whipped topping. - Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and coconut yogurt. - Add tropical flair with fresh mango chunks or kiwi slices.

Flavor Variations: - Stir in a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for depth. - Use toasted coconut for a nuttier, caramelized taste. - Substitute pecans with slivered almonds or macadamia nuts.

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of nuts and freshness of fruits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Draining Fruits Properly Excess liquid makes the salad watery and dilutes the creamy dressing. Always drain and pat fruits completely dry.

Mistake 2: Using Fresh Pineapple with Gelatin If you're adding gelatin to your variation, avoid fresh pineapple—it contains enzymes that prevent setting. Use canned pineapple instead.

Mistake 3: Adding Nuts Too Early Nuts can become soggy if added too far in advance. Mix them in just before serving or right before chilling.

Mistake 4: Over-Mixing Vigorous stirring crushes delicate fruits and breaks down marshmallows. Fold ingredients gently with a spatula.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your ambrosia salad recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The ambrosia salad with marshmallows tastes best within the first 48 hours when fruits remain fresh and marshmallows retain their texture. Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing and fruits don't thaw well and become mushy. If you notice excess liquid after storage, simply drain it off before serving. For best results, store nuts separately and sprinkle them on top when ready to serve to maintain their delightful crunch.