Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than this easy Ambrosia salad with cool whip!
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. For more information please read my full affiliate disclosure.
This classic cool whip ambrosia salad is the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and delicious, making it a hit at any gathering or party. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking to indulge in something sweet after dinner, this recipe is sure to please. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to whip up something truly special!
What is Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia Salad is a classic American dessert that has been around for decades. It’s a combination of various fruits such as pineapple, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows mixed with whipped cream or sour cream. Some variations also include shredded coconut or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
The name “Ambrosia” comes from Greek mythology, where it means the food of the gods. And trust me when I say this salad lives up to its name! The combination of flavors and textures is heavenly! What I love about Ambrosia Salad is that it’s so versatile. You can add any fruit that you like or have on hand.
This ambrosia salad with cool whip is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion really.
Too busy to make this right now? Pin for later to your favorite Pinterest Board!
Ambrosia Salad Ingredients
This ambrosia salad with cool whip recipe is a delightful vintage dish that requires only six simple pantry-friendly ingredients, making it the perfect quick and easy treat anytime.
Fruit – Ambrosia salad has a variety of fruit in it! Classic ambrosia salad is made with canned fruit, so grab a can of pineapple chunks, peach chunks, mandarin oranges, and fruit cocktail.
Cool Whip – Cool whip creates the sweet creamy texture of ambrosia salad. You can use sugar-free or regular whatever you prefer.
Marshmallows – Mini marshmallows are added for additional sweetness and a fluffy texture.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip
Gather all your ingredients and drain your canned fruits.
Place the peaches, pineapple chunks, fruit cocktail, and mandarin oranges in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Add the cool whip and fold gently until the fruit is fully coated. If you need to use a bit more cool whip, add it a spoonful or two at a time.
Fold in the mini marshmallows.
Place in the fridge until ready to serve.
To serve ambrosia salad with cool whip, place individual servings in bowls and garnish with maraschino cherries if desired.
If you are making ambrosia salad ahead of time, add the cool whip just before serving.
You might also like…
Variations and Substitutions
Ambrosia salad is completely customizable to you and your families tastes! Feel free to try these delicious variations!
Fresh Fruit – If you’d prefer to use fresh fruit instead of canned, substitute the canned mandarin oranges for fresh orange slices. I recommend cutting them into 1/2-inch cubes or about half an orange slice. You will need about 1 1/2 cups of fresh oranges. You can also replace the canned pineapple chunks with fresh pineapple. Again you will need about 1 1/2 cups of fresh pineapple cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
Shredded Coconut – This is an ambrosia salad without coconut; however, many recipes for ambrosia salad call for sweetened shredded coconut. I love it this way too so if you do too go ahead and add about a 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut. You could also sprinkle a little sweetened shredded coconut on top for a garnish!
Reduce the Sweetness – If the ambrosia salad is a bit too sweet for your taste, swap some of the cool whip for sour cream or greek yogurt to help reduce the sweetness.
More Fruit Options – Although this traditional recipe already offers a range of fruits, don’t hesitate to include extra ones like crisp green grapes or plump, juicy cherries.
Nuts – If you want to go a little nutty, add some chopped pecans or walnuts!
Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can mandarian oranges drained
- 20 ounce can pineapple chunks drained
- 15.5 ounce can peach chunks drrained
- 15 ounce can fruit cocktail drained
- â…“ cup cool whip plus extra if needed
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Marschino Cherries to garnish
Instructions
- Place the drained cans of peaches, pineapple chunks, fruit cocktail, and mandarin oranges in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Add the cool whip and gently fold until the fruit is completely coated. If you need to add a bit more cool whip, add a spoonful or two at a time until all the fruit is coated.
- Gently fold in the mini marshmallows.
- Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
- To serve, scoop individual servings into bowls and garnish with a maraschino cherry if desired.
- Enjoy!
FAQs
Can you freeze ambrosia salad?
I don’t recommend freezing fruit salad made with cool whip as it will not hold up well. It will no longer be soft and fluffy.
Can I make ambrosia salad with cool whip ahead of time?
I highly encourage you to wait to add the cool whip to the fruit salad until just before serving. However, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
How do I store leftover ambrosia salad?
Store leftover ambrosia salad with cool whip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Conclusion
Ambrosia salad with cool whip is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it up at a family gathering or enjoying a bowl for yourself, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your taste buds. With its combination of sweet pineapple, creamy cool whip, and mini marshmallows, ambrosia salad is the perfect treat for any occasion. So why not whip up a batch today and enjoy the fruity goodness that this dessert has to offer? Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
I loved this. I have a nut allergy and have always wanted to try ambrosia salad. I ran across this recipe and it was really good I will continue to make ambrosia this way with the can fruit.
I absolutely love ambrosia salad, it’s a favorite of mine! I love how simple you’ve made this, so that even those who aren’t seasoned cooks can accomplish this! Thanks so much for sharing.
This ambrosia salad is amazing! The cool whip mixes perfectly with everything!
I’m in love with this classic ambrosia salad recipe! It brings me back. Thank you!