What is ambrosia salad made of?

Ambrosia salad typically includes a creamy mixture of whipped cream or yogurt combined with canned fruits like pineapple and mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut. Some variations use fresh fruits or nuts, but these essentials create the salad’s signature sweet, creamy, and tropical flavor.

Is ambrosia salad unhealthy?

Ambrosia salad can be high in sugar and fat due to whipped cream, marshmallows, and sweetened coconut. However, it’s easy to make a lighter version. Use Greek yogurt or light whipped topping, reduce the marshmallows, and add more fresh fruit. This keeps the creamy sweetness while lowering calories and sugar.

What is the original Ambrosia Salad?

The original ambrosia salad from the 1800s featured only oranges, grated coconut, and sugar. Once a luxury dessert, it later evolved with marshmallows and whipped cream.

What’s the difference between Ambrosia Salad and Watergate Salad?

Ambrosia salad centers on fruit, coconut, and whipped cream for a sweet tropical flavor. Watergate salad, also called pistachio delight, uses pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, marshmallows, and nuts. The result is a light-green, nutty, pistachio-flavored dessert rather than a fruit-forward one.

How much coconut do you put in ambrosia salad?

For most recipes serving 8–10 people, 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut gives a balanced flavor and texture. You can adjust to taste—use less for subtlety or more for richness. Toasting part of the coconut boosts aroma and flavor without increasing the amount.

How to make ambrosia?

Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar until stiff. Fold in ½ cup Greek yogurt, then mix with drained fruits (pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries), 1 cup coconut, and 1½ cups mini marshmallows. Gently combine and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Ambrosia Salad: Best Recipe With Marshmallows & Coconut

Ambrosia Salad

Print Recipe

This classic ambrosia salad combines juicy fruits, marshmallows, and coconut in a creamy whipped topping for a delightful dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, or vanilla
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
11 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
8 ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
1 1/2 cups mini fruit-flavored marshmallows
Other optional add-ins: chopped pecans, sliced bananas, chopped apples

Instructions

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat heavy whipping cream for 1-2 minutes until beginning to thicken.
Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold in the Greek yogurt with a rubber spatula until combined.
In a separate large serving bowl, combine well-drained fruits, coconut, and marshmallows.
Fold the whipped cream mixture into the fruit mixture until everything is evenly coated.
Cover the dish and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend together.

Notes

Ensure all canned fruits are very well drained to prevent a watery salad. For best results, prepare 2-3 hours before serving.

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8 servings
Calories: 275
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: ambrosia salad, fruit salad, marshmallow salad, creamy fruit salad, coconut dessert

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/ambrosia-salad/