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A close-up of a large bowl of creamy Ambrosia Salad topped with mandarin oranges, cherries, pineapple, and toasted coconut.

Holiday Ambrosia Salad

This festive Holiday Ambrosia Salad is a creamy, sweet, and refreshing side dish or dessert perfect for any holiday gathering. Loaded with colorful fruits, fluffy marshmallows, coconut, and crunchy pecans, it's a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the season.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup sour cream full-fat for richness
  • 8 oz frozen whipped topping thawed (e.g., Cool Whip)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar or to taste
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Salad Base
  • 15 oz canned mandarin oranges drained very well
  • 20 oz canned pineapple chunks or tidbits, drained very well
  • 10 oz maraschino cherries halved and drained well
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup pecans chopped, toasted (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Can Opener
  • Colander

Method
 

Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Thoroughly drain the canned mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries. It's crucial to drain them exceptionally well to prevent a watery salad. You can gently pat them dry with paper towels if desired.
  2. If using, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool completely. This enhances their flavor.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the sour cream mixture using a rubber spatula. Continue folding until the dressing is fully combined, light, and airy.
Assemble the Salad
  1. To the large bowl with the dressing, add the well-drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut.
  2. Gently fold all the ingredients into the creamy dressing until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the fruits.
  3. Stir in the chopped pecans. Reserve a few for garnish if desired.
Chill and Serve
  1. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is thoroughly chilled.
  2. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with a few extra pecans or maraschino cherries if desired. Serve cold.

Notes

For the best flavor and texture, this Holiday Ambrosia Salad truly benefits from being made ahead of time and chilling overnight. The fruits release a bit more juice which combines with the dressing, and the marshmallows soften slightly. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While delicious as a side dish, it also makes a wonderful light dessert!