Ambrosia Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a joyful burst of creamy, fruity goodness, Ambrosia Salad is an absolute classic. This chilled, multi-textured delight brings together sweet fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and a silky vanilla pudding base for a dish that’s both playful and irresistibly nostalgic. Whether you’re planning a potluck, holiday meal, or just want to surprise your family with something special, this Ambrosia Salad is the kind of dish that turns moments into memories with every colorful spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Ambrosia Salad is refreshingly simple, but each one plays a starring role in making this dessert special. From plump grapes to creamy whipped topping, it’s a magical balance of flavors, textures, and colors that come together in perfect harmony.

• Vanilla pudding (4 oz refrigerated): Creates the creamy foundation, giving the salad a silky richness that binds all the vibrant ingredients together.
• Cool Whip frozen whipped topping (1/2 cup, thawed): Adds luscious, fluffy lightness and a subtle sweetness that makes each bite irresistibly smooth.
• Seedless green grapes (1 cup, halved): Delivers bursts of juicy, refreshing flavor and a delightful contrast to the creaminess.
• Miniature marshmallows (1 cup): Give the salad a pillowy texture and candy-like whimsy that kids and adults alike adore.
• Mandarin orange segments (1 can, 11 oz, drained): Bring bright citrus notes and a sunshiny pop of color to every bite.
• Pineapple tidbits in juice (1 can, 8 oz, drained): Offer tangy tropical sweetness and a little extra juiciness.
• Fresh strawberries (1 cup, sliced): Not only add beautiful color, but also a tender, sweet-tart flavor that makes this Ambrosia Salad truly feel like a summertime treat.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Blend Your Creamy Base

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and mixing your refrigerated vanilla pudding with the thawed Cool Whip until the blend is smooth, creamy, and dreamy. This will be the luscious glue that holds all those fabulous fruit flavors together, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Add in the Fruity Fun

Gently fold in your halved green grapes, miniature marshmallows, drained mandarin oranges, and drained pineapple tidbits. Stir just enough to distribute everything evenly without breaking apart the fruits—they should stay plump and bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Finish with Strawberries

Add the sliced fresh strawberries last, giving everything a gentle toss so they get well-coated without bruising. The strawberries lend freshness and gorgeous color, making your Ambrosia Salad look every bit as inviting as it tastes.

Step 4: Chill or Serve

You can serve Ambrosia Salad immediately if you’re feeling impatient, but for best results, let it rest in the refrigerator for up to eight hours. This gives all the flavors time to mingle and makes the salad perfectly cool and refreshing.

How to Serve Ambrosia Salad

Garnishes

Dress up your Ambrosia Salad just before serving with a handful of extra marshmallows, a flourish of more sliced strawberries, or even a few mint leaves for a fresh pop of green. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts can also add texture and turn the dish into a showstopper at any gathering.

Side Dishes

Since Ambrosia Salad is a luscious, fruity dish, it pairs wonderfully with simple grilled meats, light sandwiches, or as part of a big brunch spread. It’s also a sweet way to finish a savory meal—think alongside classic American comfort foods or as a cooling counterpoint to spicy dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve Ambrosia Salad in individual parfait glasses for a chic, portable dessert? Try layering it with extra fruit for a rainbow effect, or spoon it into hollowed-out orange halves or pineapple shells for a tropical, party-ready twist. This recipe is a perfect excuse to get whimsical and playful with your presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delightfully fresh and creamy for up to two days—after that, the fruits may start to release too much juice and the pudding can get watery.

Freezing

Freezing Ambrosia Salad isn’t recommended since the whipped topping and pudding base can separate and the fruit can turn mushy once thawed. For best taste and texture, enjoy it fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

No need to reheat Ambrosia Salad—it’s meant to be served chilled. If it’s been in the refrigerator for a while, just give it a gentle stir before serving to distribute any juices that may have pooled.

FAQs

Can I make Ambrosia Salad a day ahead?

Yes, making Ambrosia Salad a day ahead is a fantastic idea! Just be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator, and give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh its creamy texture.

What if I don’t have Cool Whip?

If you’re out of Cool Whip, you can substitute with homemade whipped cream—just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. The texture will be slightly silkier, but still absolutely delicious.

Can I add or swap fruits?

Absolutely! While the classic recipe features grapes, oranges, pineapple, and strawberries, feel free to mix in cherries, blueberries, or even diced apples. Just remember to drain any canned fruits really well to avoid a watery salad.

Is there a dairy-free version of Ambrosia Salad?

You can easily make Ambrosia Salad dairy-free by using plant-based whipped topping and a dairy-free pudding mix. Just make sure your marshmallows are gelatin-free if you need a vegan option.

How long can Ambrosia Salad sit out?

For food safety, don’t let Ambrosia Salad sit at room temperature for more than two hours. After that, pop it back in the refrigerator so it stays fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to make this Ambrosia Salad for your next celebration—or just because you crave something sweet, creamy, and full of fruity cheer! Give it a try, and I’d love to hear about any creative spins or happy memories it creates at your table.

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