My ambrosia salad recipe is a timeless example of Southern comfort food. More than a basic fruit salad, ambrosia began as a simple mix of oranges and coconut and evolved into a festive, fluffy dessert often seen at Southern potlucks, family reunions, and holiday tables.
Over the years this light dessert has brought together colorful fruits, miniature marshmallows, and creamy elements to create a dish that’s both sweet and refreshing. Ambrosia celebrates the blend of influences found in Southern cuisine and adds a bright, nostalgic note to any meal.
What is ambrosia salad?
Ambrosia is a classic Southern dessert that highlights the continuity of family recipes and holiday traditions. Typical ingredients include mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, miniature marshmallows, and chopped nuts. These ingredients are combined with a creamy base—often whipped cream or a mixture with cream cheese—to produce a fluffy, spoonable salad.
While the word ambrosia once referred to a mythical food of the gods, the modern homemade version is a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that pairs well with savory Southern dishes.
Ingredients
Historically, tropical fruits and coconut were considered exotic and reserved for special occasions. Today the components of ambrosia are readily available in most grocery stores, which makes this dessert an easy choice for gatherings.
Commonly used ingredients:
- Crushed pineapple (drained)
- Mandarin orange segments (drained)
- Maraschino cherries (stemless, drained)
- Sweetened coconut flakes
- Miniature marshmallows
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Softened or whipped cream cheese
- Thawed whipped cream
How to make Southern ambrosia salad
This recipe is exceptionally simple: combine the creamy base with the drained fruit and mix until evenly incorporated. You can easily adjust ingredients—for example, use pineapple tidbits instead of crushed pineapple, or substitute fresh orange sections for canned mandarins.
Don’t skip the coconut and marshmallows; they add the signature texture and lightness that make ambrosia so distinctive.
Pro tips: For a festive presentation, use a few colored marshmallows, a couple of mandarin slices, and cherries to garnish the top. Serve in a clear bowl so the bright colors show through.
How long to chill ambrosia salad
Ambrosia can be served immediately at room temperature, or chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours for the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up slightly. Chilling also helps the mixture keep its structure if you plan to make it ahead.
Storing leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, ambrosia will keep well for about 3 to 5 days, though the texture of the fruit and marshmallows may soften over time.
Southern Ambrosia Salad
5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Equipment
- Hand or stand mixer (optional)
Ingredients
- 20 oz crushed pineapple, drained (1 can)
- 15 oz mandarin oranges, drained (1 can)
- 12 oz maraschino cherries, stemless and drained (1 jar)
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened or whipped
- 8 oz whipped cream, thawed
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese and whipped cream to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed to combine until smooth.
- Fold in the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, coconut, marshmallows, and nuts if using. Mix gently until evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or cover and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 582 kcal | Carbohydrates: 69 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 34 g | Sugar: 56 g
❤️ Shaunda’s Soul Food Standard
Created and tested by Shaunda Necole of The Soul Food Pot®. This recipe respects African American culinary traditions while using modern shortcuts to save time without sacrificing flavor. Measurements and techniques have been prepared in a real kitchen to help you cook confidently.
