Creamy Ambrosia Salad, A Southern Dessert Classic
Creamy Ambrosia Salad is a delightful Southern dessert that brings together bright, juicy fruit chunks like pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries with fluffy mini marshmallows and a rich, creamy…
By Ava
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Reading time: 5 min
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Creamy Ambrosia Salad is a delightful Southern dessert that brings together bright, juicy fruit chunks like pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries with fluffy mini marshmallows and a rich, creamy dressing. It’s a sweet, colorful bowl with just the right balance of tart and creamy textures that make it so refreshing and fun to eat.
I always think of Ambrosia Salad as a nostalgic treat that reminds me of family gatherings and warm summer days. What I love most is how easy it is to prepare—just mix everything together, let it chill, and you have a gorgeous dessert that feels like a little celebration in every bite. I like to toss in a handful of toasted coconut for extra flavor and a bit more texture.
This salad is perfect to bring to picnics, potlucks, or any dinner where you want to impress without much fuss. I usually serve it in a clear glass bowl so the vibrant colors really shine, and it’s amazing how quickly it disappears when everyone starts digging in! It’s a wonderful, light finish to a hearty meal and always sparks great conversation about family recipes and Southern food traditions.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Miniature Marshmallows: These add a soft, sweet texture that’s really important for the classic Ambrosia feel. If you can’t find mini ones, just chop larger marshmallows into smaller pieces.
Fruit Mix: The mix of grapes, mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries is what gives this salad its bright color and flavor. Fresh fruit can be used instead of canned if you prefer a less sweet option. Just peel and section oranges and cut fresh pineapples into chunks.
Cottage Cheese & Sour Cream: The creamy base balances the fruit’s sweetness. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you want a fluffier texture, you can use whipped topping like Cool Whip.
Chopped Nuts: Pecans or walnuts give a nice crunch. Toasting them enhances the flavor, but you can skip nuts for allergies or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Texture Without Overmixing?
The key is to gently fold the creamy base into the fruit, so the fruit stays intact and the marshmallows don’t break down too quickly.
- Combine fruits and marshmallows first with a gentle stir.
- In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese, sour cream (or alternative), and vanilla.
- Fold the creamy mix into the fruit using a spatula, turning it over carefully rather than stirring vigorously.
- Once nuts are added, stir lightly just to distribute.
- Chilling the salad helps the flavors meld and the marshmallows soften, giving that perfect creamy, tender bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – plenty of room to gently toss fruits and creamy ingredients without spilling.
- Rubber spatula or large spoon – perfect for folding ingredients without mashing fruit or marshmallows.
- Measuring cups – to get the fruit, marshmallows, and creamy ingredients just right.
- Plastic wrap or airtight container – keeps your salad fresh and helps flavors meld while chilling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cottage cheese for cream cheese for a richer, thicker texture that tastes delicious and adds a tangy note.
- Add shredded coconut for extra tropical flavor and a nice chewy contrast to the marshmallows.
- Mix in chopped fresh apples or pears for added crispness and seasonal freshness.
- Try adding a little crushed pineapple juice or orange juice for extra zing and a slightly smoother dressing.
How to Make Creamy Ambrosia Salad, A Southern Dessert Classic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fruit & Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned, drained)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned, drained)
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted preferred)
Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream or whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Plan to refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and marshmallows soften just right.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Fruit and Marshmallows:
In a large bowl, gently combine the miniature marshmallows with the halved red and green grapes, mandarin orange segments, pineapple chunks, and halved maraschino cherries. Stir carefully so the fruit stays intact.
2. Prepare the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, sour cream (or whipped topping), and vanilla extract if using. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients:
Fold the creamy dressing into the fruit mixture gently, making sure everything is coated evenly without breaking the fruit or marshmallows.
4. Add Nuts and Chill:
Stir in the toasted chopped nuts with a gentle touch. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors blend and softens the marshmallows slightly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad one final gentle stir. Garnish the top with a few whole maraschino cherries for a festive look. Serve chilled, and enjoy this sweet and creamy Southern classic!
Can I Use Fresh Fruit Instead of Canned for Ambrosia Salad?
Yes! Fresh mandarin oranges and pineapple work beautifully. Just peel and segment the oranges and cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Using fresh fruit gives a slightly less sweet, more natural flavor.
Can I Make Ambrosia Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. The flavors will meld beautifully, and the marshmallows will soften for that perfect creamy texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Ambrosia Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again for the best taste and texture.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, cream cheese or extra whipped topping make great substitutes. Just blend cream cheese until smooth before mixing, and adjust sweetness if needed.