I grew up in Iowa during the 70’s and 80’s, which means I LOVE a Jell-O salad or sweet “salad” side dish. I LOVE this recipe for Ambrosia Salad, it’s truly irresistible to me! I will sneak spoonful’s right out of the fridge. I updated the classic Ambrosia recipe just a smidge by adding some cream cheese, almond extract and powdered sugar to the creamy “dressing”. Everything else is kept classic – cherries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, cool whip and sour cream.
Ambrosia is a great side dish to add to a very savory feast, like Easter, Christmas or Thanksgiving. But it has such a nice fruity flavor that is goes GREAT with BBQ or summer dinners too.
Jump to:
What is Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia is an old fashioned Midwest “sweet salad” that is made with canned fruit, maraschino cherries, coconut and mixed with a creamy dressing. There are a lot of versions out there but I think this is the BEST ONE!!!
You might remember your grandma making this in a big glass bowl and popping it into the fridge to chill before dinner. Its the kind of additional side dish you would have on the table for big family dinners (like Easter). Ambrosia has definitely earned its place on my Midwest table. We love keeping old fashioned, tried-and-true recipes in the mix!
Ambrosia Fruit Salad Ingredients
Cream Cheese This is what makes ambrosia extra creamy and a little more decadent than the old-school version. Mixed with the powdered sugar and almond extract makes it so delicious.
Powdered Sugar Just a smidge is needed to add sweetness to the cream cheese and sour cream.
Almond Extract I LOVE almond extract!! It adds such a subtle amazing flavor to the Ambrosia.
Sour Cream A little sour cream cuts the sweetness of all the other ingredients but also keeps the Ambrosia nice and creamy.
Cool Whip Cream Grab an 8 oz container of Cool Whip, keeps it easy and classic.
Pineapple Tidbit Are the perfect size for this salad, they are similar in size to the mandarin oranges and cherries which gives it a perfect mouth feel. Make sure you drain it really well so the cream adheres to the fruit.
Mandarin Oranges Are the perfect size for this salad, they are similar in size to the pineapple tidbits and cherries which gives it a perfect mouth feel. Make sure you drain it really well so the cream adheres to the fruit.
Maraschino Cherries are the buried TREASURES in this Ambrosia Salad! Who doesn’t love a maraschino cherry!! Make sure you drain it really well so the cream adheres to the fruit.
Sweetened Coconut Adds texture and that subtle tropical note that ties all the fruit together.
How to Make Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Step 1
Drain all the fruit really well, place in a large bowl. Add the coconut and marshmallows (and optional nuts).
Step 2
In a mixing bowl combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, almond extract and sour cream.
Then add the cool whip and mix until combined.
Step 3
Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit/marshmallow mixture. Stir well to coat everything.
Step 4
Transfer to a serving dish, cover and refrigerate for 4 hours up to 48 hours.
Serving
Since this is a sweet side dish it goes great with large family feasts, especially at the holidays like Easter. It also pairs well with savory and salty meals like BBQ or a classic Midwest dinner like Meatloaf.
Storing
Store Ambrosia Salad covered tightly in the fridge. It's best within 3 days while the fruit is still fresh and the texture stays light and fluffy.
If you're making it ahead, give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute any juices that may have settled at the bottom. This is not a freezer-friendly recipe, the creamy whipped topping and fruit don't thaw well and can become watery.
Variations for Ambrosia
- Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives ambrosia a little crunch and balances out all that creamy sweetness. It's a simple way to add texture without changing the classic flavor too much.
- Mini fruit-flavored marshmallows give the Ambrosia an extra retro vibe. They add a sweet fruitiness and little pops of color.
- If almond extract isn't your thing, vanilla extract can be a more familiar option. You can increase the vanilla to 1 teaspoon since it isn’t as strong as almond extract.
More Old Fashioned Salad Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me
Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese - completely softened
- 3 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 8 oz Cool whip - one container
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 20 oz pineapple tidbits - in juice; drained
- 15 oz mandarin oranges - in juice; drained
- 8 oz maraschino cherries - without stems; drained
- ¼ cup sweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup pecans – OPTIONAL - toasted and chopped
Instructions
- Open the pineapple, oranges and cherries and drain really well. (you can discard the juices OR they are excellent mixed with soda water… it’s like sparkling fruit punch)20 oz pineapple tidbits, 15 oz mandarin oranges, 8 oz maraschino cherries
- With a hand mixer or stand mixer combine the softened creamed cheese, powdered sugar and almond extract. Then add in the sour cream. Once that is combined add the cool whip and quickly combine.4 oz cream cheese, 3 tablespoon powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon almond extract, ½ cup sour cream, 8 oz Cool whip
- Add the fruit mixture , marshmallows and coconut to the cream mixture and stir until everything is coated.2 cups mini marshmallows, ¼ cup sweetened coconut flakes
- Transfer to the bowl you will serve from. Cover and pop in the fridge for 4 hours up to 48 hours. If you refrigerate more than 12 hours you will want to give it a stir before serving to mix any separated liquids back in.
Comments
No Comments