Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip is the kind of dish that instantly transports you back in time. This delightfully creamy, fruit-filled dessert is a long-standing favorite in American households, especially in the South. Whether served at festive holiday spreads, sunny summer BBQs, potluck parties, or Sunday family dinners, Ambrosia Salad has a unique charm that combines simplicity with sweet indulgence. The combination of colorful canned fruits, pillowy marshmallows, coconut, and whipped topping makes it a standout among retro recipes that have stood the test of time. It’s easy to prepare, requires no baking, and delivers that satisfying mix of cool, creamy, and chewy that people of all ages love.
What Is Ambrosia Salad? A Dessert Rooted in Tradition and Taste
Ambrosia Salad is a creamy, fruit-based dessert or side dish that originated in the Southern United States in the late 1800s. The term “ambrosia” comes from Greek mythology and refers to the food of the gods—fitting, considering how divine this dessert tastes. Originally, the recipe featured luxurious ingredients like fresh oranges, grated coconut, and sometimes sugar. These were considered rare and costly at the time, making Ambrosia a special-occasion dish.
As food preservation advanced and canned fruits became widely available, the recipe evolved to include ingredients like canned pineapple, maraschino cherries, and mandarin oranges. The introduction of Cool Whip in the 1960s made preparation even easier, and the dessert quickly became a staple in households across the country. Today, Ambrosia Salad is a beloved comfort food and a go-to dessert for those who appreciate sweet nostalgia served with a spoon.
Why Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip Remains a Crowd Favorite
There’s a reason this dessert salad keeps showing up at gatherings generation after generation. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require cooking or baking, and is endlessly customizable. It blends different textures—juicy fruits, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and silky whipped topping—into a delightful medley. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for entertaining.
From a flavor standpoint, Ambrosia Salad offers the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, creamy, and fruity. The tropical notes from pineapple and coconut evoke sunshine and warmth, while the Cool Whip and yogurt create a luscious, cloud-like consistency that balances the chewiness of the coconut and marshmallows.
Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip
Here’s everything you need to make this classic, fluffy fruit salad:
Core Ingredients
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1 (15 oz.) can of mandarin oranges, drained
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1 (20 oz.) can of pineapple chunks, drained
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1 (12 oz.) jar of maraschino cherries, drained and halved
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¾ cup (6 oz.) vanilla Greek yogurt – for a subtle tang and creamy texture
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1 cup shredded sweetened coconut – adds chew and tropical flair
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1 cup mini marshmallows – delivers the signature soft and sweet bite
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1 (8 oz.) tub of Cool Whip, thawed – for fluffiness and that nostalgic creamy finish
Optional Additions
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½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts – adds crunch and earthy flavor
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½ cup seedless green grapes, halved – for added freshness
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1 banana, sliced (add just before serving to avoid browning)
These ingredients are widely available, affordable, and easy to keep stocked for whenever a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert is needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Ambrosia Salad
1. Drain the Fruits Thoroughly
Excess liquid is your enemy here. Drain the canned mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries well—let them sit in a colander for several minutes or even pat dry with paper towels to ensure the final salad doesn’t get soupy.
2. Combine the Fruits Gently
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the fruits too much, which can make the salad mushy.
3. Add Yogurt, Coconut, and Marshmallows
Next, add the vanilla Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. These ingredients bring both flavor and texture—plus the yogurt adds a creamy tang that balances the sweetness.
4. Fold in the Cool Whip
Use a spatula to carefully fold in the thawed Cool Whip. The goal is to keep the mixture as fluffy as possible. Overmixing will deflate the whipped topping and make the salad dense instead of airy.
5. Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Chilling helps the marshmallows soften and allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Add Nuts and Serve
Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired. You can also garnish with a few extra maraschino cherries or a dusting of coconut for visual appeal.
Flavor Profile: What You Can Expect
Ambrosia Salad offers a delightful array of textures and flavors in each spoonful. The juicy citrus from the mandarin oranges pairs perfectly with the tart sweetness of cherries and pineapple. The vanilla yogurt adds a slight tang that cuts the overall sweetness, while the Cool Whip keeps everything light and fluffy. Marshmallows introduce a soft, chewy bite, and coconut gives a satisfying tropical note. Add in nuts, and you have a complex combination that’s rich, bright, and incredibly comforting.
Tips for the Best Ambrosia Salad Every Time
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Use chilled ingredients before mixing to help the salad set quicker and maintain its texture.
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Don’t skip draining the fruit—even a little extra juice can make the salad watery.
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Toast your coconut for a more intense flavor and slight crunch.
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Make it the night before for the best texture and flavor development.
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Add marshmallows last if you like them firmer; adding them early will let them soften into the mix.
Creative Variations and Dietary Substitutions
Lighter Version
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Use non-fat Greek yogurt and light Cool Whip
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Choose unsweetened coconut and low-sugar or no-sugar-added canned fruits
Vegan/Dairy-Free
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Substitute dairy yogurt with plant-based vanilla yogurt (almond or coconut-based work well)
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Use non-dairy whipped topping like Cocowhip
Tropical Twist
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Add diced mango, papaya, or kiwi
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A splash of lime juice or lime zest adds citrusy brightness
Holiday Edition
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Use red and green grapes for a festive look
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Add crushed peppermint or drizzle with white chocolate for a holiday dessert table
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping the chill time: The salad tastes and feels better after sitting for a few hours.
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Using watery fruits: Drain canned ingredients completely or it’ll ruin the texture.
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Overmixing: Gently fold to preserve the light, airy texture of Cool Whip.
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Adding bananas too early: If using bananas, add them right before serving to avoid browning.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Ambrosia Salad works well in a variety of settings, from casual backyard cookouts to formal holiday buffets.
Great with These Dishes:
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Glazed ham or roasted turkey
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Pulled pork sandwiches or BBQ ribs
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Deviled eggs, potato salad, or macaroni salad
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Cornbread, biscuits, or honey-glazed carrots
Serve On:
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A chilled trifle dish for an elegant presentation
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Individual cups or mason jars for a picnic or party
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Lettuce leaves if you’re aiming for a retro presentation style
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Makes 6 Servings)
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Calories: 254 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 44g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 9g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Cholesterol: 1mg
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Sodium: 42mg
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugars: 39g
Note: These values may vary based on brands and portion sizes. While Ambrosia Salad is a dessert, it’s easy to adjust the ingredients to make it more balanced or fit specific dietary needs.
The Sweet History Behind Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad first appeared in American cookbooks in the late 19th century, during a time when oranges and coconuts were rare and considered luxurious ingredients. As refrigeration and canned goods became commonplace in the early 20th century, the salad became more accessible and versatile. By the 1950s and 1960s, Cool Whip revolutionized how the salad was prepared, adding convenience and consistency. Since then, it has remained a holiday classic and Southern staple, served everywhere from Christmas feasts to church socials. Its popularity endures because it taps into feelings of comfort, celebration, and tradition.
Final Thoughts: A Retro Favorite That Deserves a Comeback
Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip is more than just a simple dessert—it’s a reminder of family traditions, warm memories, and the joy of sharing sweet treats with loved ones. It’s affordable, easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving a quick, cool dessert, this timeless classic is always a good idea. Make it your own, play with the ingredients, and keep the tradition alive—one fluffy, fruity spoonful at a time.