Here’s a salad perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any casual gathering. Classic Ambrosia Salad pairs juicy fruit with crunchy pecans and fluffy mini marshmallows, all bound together by a creamy dressing of Cool Whip and sour cream.
What’s the trick?
Drain the canned fruit thoroughly. It sounds obvious, but removing excess juice is the key to preventing a soggy salad and keeping the dressing white. I like to use a wire basket strainer so I can toss the fruit occasionally to let more liquid drain away. Maraschino cherries hold a lot of syrup and can tint the dressing red, so halve them and pat them dry with paper towels if you want to avoid staining the Cool Whip and marshmallows.
After draining and prepping the fruit, simply fold everything together in one bowl. It’s quick, simple, and forgiving—make it the day before or just before serving.
A note about appearance: the longer the salad sits, the more likely cherry juice will tint the dressing pink. That’s not a problem for flavor—just something to expect. If you prefer a white dressing, dry the cherries well; if you like a pink tint, leave some juice on them.
The charm of this salad is its contrasting textures: creamy dressing, crunchy pecans, and soft mini marshmallows, along with the sweet-tart balance between the fruit and the sour cream. It’s also flexible—feel free to add bananas, pears, or apples depending on taste and season.
Ideas and variations
This recipe yields a generous amount, so consider creative ways to use leftovers. One fun idea is to spoon a small portion into cupcakes or use it as a filling for shortcakes—ambrosia cupcakes are a delightful treat when you want a sweet, fruity twist.
Classic Ambrosia Salad
10 mins
10 mins
Ingredients
- 20 oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 15 oz. can fruit cocktail, drained
- 11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Cool Whip
Instructions
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Thoroughly drain all the fruit. Cut cherries in half and pat dry.
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Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and fold together until evenly mixed. Serve chilled.
Nutrition
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