Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad (An Easy Southern Recipe)

Oh, sweet friends, there’s just something truly magical about a Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad that whisks me right back to simpler times. This isn’t just any fruit salad; it’s a creamy, dreamy concoction of vibrant fruits, tender marshmallows, and a delightful dressing that dances on your tongue with every spoonful. It’s a classic for a reason, brimming with sweetness and a refreshing tang, making it an absolute joy to share.

I remember my grandmother, with flour dusting her apron and a twinkle in her eye, always saying that the best desserts were the ones made with the heart. This ambrosia fruit salad was a staple at every family gathering, a testament to her belief that even simple ingredients, combined with love, could create something truly special. The way the colors popped and the flavors blended always felt like a little celebration.

This easy Ambrosia Fruit Salad recipe is not only a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for holiday meals or a sunny picnic, but it’s also wonderfully versatile, allowing you to easily adapt it to your family’s favorites. My personal tip? Always give it ample time to chill; it truly allows all those beautiful flavors to meld into pure perfection.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Creating this delightful ambrosia fruit salad starts with a blend of creamy sour cream, sweet granulated sugar, and those lovely extracts that always add a touch of warmth and nostalgia. I always use a good quality vanilla extract for that deeper flavor, which really shines through with the bright mandarin oranges and juicy pineapple chunks. The full list of ingredients and precise measurements are waiting for you in the recipe card below, ready to guide your sweet adventure.

How to Make Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Whipping up this Ambrosia Fruit Salad is truly a breeze, a delightful process that requires no baking and minimal fuss! You’ll begin by gently whisking together the creamy dressing ingredients until they’re perfectly smooth and inviting. Next, it’s simply a matter of folding in all those vibrant fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy nuts, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated. A quick chill in the refrigerator, and your sweet creation is ready to bring smiles to every face.

Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad

This delightful Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a creamy, sweet, and tangy blend of fresh and canned fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy pecans, all coated in a rich sour cream dressing. Perfect for holidays or a refreshing treat.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dressing

• 1 cup sour cream full-fat
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract optional, for extra flavor

For the Fruit Salad

• 2 cans mandarin oranges 15-ounce each, drained very well
• 1 can pineapple chunks 20-ounce, drained very well
• 2 cups red grapes halved
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut sweetened
• 1 cup pecan halves lightly toasted and chopped
• 1 cup maraschino cherries stems removed and halved

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Rubber Spatula
• Whisk
• Serving Bowl

Method

 

Prepare the Dressing

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the full-fat sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the well-drained mandarin oranges, well-drained pineapple chunks, halved red grapes, mini marshmallows, shredded sweetened coconut, and chopped toasted pecans.
2. Carefully fold in the halved maraschino cherries. Be gentle to avoid excessive coloring of the salad.
3. Pour the prepared sour cream dressing over the fruit mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dressing into the fruit until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Chill and Serve

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
2. Stir gently before serving. Serve chilled as a side dish or dessert.

Notes

For best results, ensure all canned fruits are very well drained to prevent a watery salad. You can lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant, then let them cool before chopping. This enhances their flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours as marshmallows tend to soften and fruits release more liquid over time.

Pro Tips for Making This Ambrosia Fruit Salad

To ensure your Ambrosia Fruit Salad turns out absolutely heavenly every single time, I have a few little secrets up my sleeve that I’ve learned over the years. These tips come straight from my kitchen to yours, designed to make your dessert experience as joyful and delicious as possible.

• Drain Your Fruits Well: This might seem obvious, but I always make sure to thoroughly drain canned mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks. Excess liquid can make your Ambrosia Fruit Salad watery, diluting that lovely creamy dressing we’re aiming for. Pat them gently with a paper towel if needed!
• The Power of Extracts: Don’t skip the vanilla and almond extracts! These two create such a beautiful depth of flavor that truly elevates the entire dish. I find they give the Ambrosia Fruit Salad that classic, comforting aroma and taste we all adore.
• Chill Time is Your Friend: My top tip for Ambrosia Fruit Salad is patience! Give your salad at least 2-3 hours to chill in the refrigerator, or even better, overnight. This allows the dressing to thicken slightly and all the flavors to truly meld and deepen, making each spoonful even more delightful.
• My Secret Trick: I always reserve a few maraschino cherries and pecan halves to gently place on top just before serving. It adds a beautiful pop of color and texture that makes the Ambrosia Fruit Salad look as good as it tastes, giving it that special homemade touch.

Fun Variations for Ambrosia Fruit Salad

One of the things I adore most about home baking is the freedom to get creative and make a recipe truly your own! This Ambrosia Fruit Salad is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to experiment with flavors and textures. Don’t be shy about trying these delightful twists!

Tropical Flair

For a taste of the tropics, try adding a cup of diced fresh mango or even some chopped kiwi alongside the traditional fruits. My sister always asks me to include a sprinkle of shredded unsweetened coconut for an extra layer of tropical goodness. It brings a bright, sunny zest to your classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad!

Berry Bliss

Instead of just red grapes, consider a mix of fresh berries like blueberries or sliced strawberries. These add a lovely tartness and a burst of juicy flavor that beautifully complements the creamy dressing. A friend loves when I swirl in a little raspberry jam into the dressing for an extra fruity kick.

Nutty Crunch

While pecans are classic, feel free to swap them for walnuts or even candied pecans for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch. If you’re not a fan of nuts, a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds can offer a similar textural contrast without the nuttiness, ensuring your Ambrosia Fruit Salad is perfect for everyone.

What to Serve With Ambrosia Fruit Salad

While this Ambrosia Fruit Salad is an absolute star all on its own, it also plays wonderfully with others on a dessert table or as a refreshing side. Think of it as that friendly dish that brings a touch of sunshine to any gathering.

I love serving this vibrant Ambrosia Fruit Salad alongside a simple grilled chicken for a light summer lunch, as its sweet and tangy notes offer a perfect contrast. For a truly decadent dessert experience, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates it beautifully, turning it into an even more indulgent treat. My mom always suggests pairing it with a delicate lemon pound cake for a delightful balance of flavors. It’s also wonderfully refreshing with just a cup of hot tea or a simple glass of lemonade on a warm afternoon!

How to Store Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Keeping your beautiful Ambrosia Fruit Salad fresh and delicious for as long as possible is key to enjoying every last bit! It’s super easy to do, and with just a few simple steps, you can savor its wonderful flavors days after you’ve made it.

Refrigerator Storage

The best way to store leftover Ambrosia Fruit Salad is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep the dressing creamy and the fruits fresh and vibrant. It will stay wonderfully delicious for up to 3-4 days. I always recommend giving it a gentle stir before serving again, just to redistribute all those lovely flavors.

Freezing (Not Recommended)

For this particular Ambrosia Fruit Salad, I actually don’t recommend freezing it. The sour cream dressing can separate, and the marshmallows and fruits can become watery and lose their pleasant texture once thawed. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh and chilled from the fridge!

My Personal Tip

To keep that lovely moisture locked in and prevent any refrigerator odors from mingling, I like to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the Ambrosia Fruit Salad before putting the lid on the container. This creates an extra barrier, ensuring every spoonful tastes just as fresh as the first.

Nutritional Benefits

This Ambrosia Fruit Salad offers a delightful balance, combining wholesome fruits with a touch of sweet indulgence. With vibrant mandarin oranges, juicy pineapple, and red grapes, it’s a sweet treat packed with vitamins and natural goodness. The addition of pecans brings healthy fats and a bit of fiber, making it a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my approach to joyful, homemade desserts.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use fresh pineapple in Ambrosia Fruit Salad?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pineapple, just make sure to dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. It will add a wonderfully vibrant flavor and texture to your Ambrosia Fruit Salad.

Faq 2

What if I don’t like coconut?
No problem at all! You can easily omit the shredded coconut from this Ambrosia Fruit Salad if it’s not to your taste. The salad will still be wonderfully creamy and delicious without it.

Faq 3

Can I make this Ambrosia Fruit Salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes, this Ambrosia Fruit Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish! I recommend preparing it at least 2-3 hours before serving, or even the night before, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Faq 4

Are there any dairy-free substitutes for the sour cream?
You can certainly try a dairy-free sour cream alternative or even a coconut cream to make a dairy-free version of this Ambrosia Fruit Salad. Just be sure to adjust sugar to taste.

Conclusion

There you have it, sweet friends—a truly classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad, a recipe that embodies everything I love about homemade desserts. It’s a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, bringing together vibrant flavors and textures in a symphony of sweetness. I truly hope you’ll gather your loved ones, whisk up this beautiful creation, and make some wonderful memories around your own kitchen table. After all, isn’t that what joyful, home-baked desserts are all about? Sharing love, one sweet spoonful at a time.