Oh, this Easy Ambrosia Salad! It just brings back so many memories, doesn’t it? It’s one of those classic desserts that just screams comfort and good times. My grandma used to make this for every single family get-together, and honestly, it was always the first thing to disappear from the dessert table. What I love most about this particular recipe is how incredibly simple it is – seriously, it’s practically foolproof! It’s got that perfect balance of creamy and fruity, and it’s just so wonderfully refreshing. Forget complicated baking; this is pure, unadulterated, nostalgic deliciousness that you can whip up in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ambrosia Salad

Seriously, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s a total breeze to make and always a guaranteed hit, you HAVE to try this Easy Ambrosia Salad. It’s one of those recipes that just makes life easier, you know? Here’s why it’s become my go-to:

Quick and effortless preparation: We’re talking minimal fuss here! You can have this mixed up and ready to chill in about 15 minutes flat. Perfect for when you need a dessert in a pinch.
Refreshing and creamy texture: That sour cream base gives it this lovely, smooth creaminess that perfectly coats all the fruity bits and marshmallows. It’s just so satisfying!
Classic, crowd-pleasing flavor: It’s got that nostalgic taste that everyone recognizes and loves. It’s sweet, fruity, and just… happy!
Perfect for potlucks and holidays: This salad travels like a dream and always gets rave reviews. It’s a total potluck MVP and a holiday table staple in my house.
No baking required: Need I say more? No oven, no fuss, just pure, simple deliciousness.

Trust me, once you make this Easy Ambrosia Salad, you’ll be hooked!

Gathering Your Easy Ambrosia Salad Ingredients

Alright, let’s get down to business and gather everything you need for this fantastic Easy Ambrosia Salad! The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, and honestly, most of them are probably already in your pantry or fridge. It’s all about those classic, comforting flavors. Getting the prep right makes all the difference, so let’s make sure we have everything sorted!

Essential Ingredients for Easy Ambrosia Salad

Pineapple chunks, drained (1 can, 20 ounces): Make sure you drain this really well! You don’t want any extra liquid making the salad watery. I usually just pour it all into a colander and give it a good shake.
Mandarin oranges, drained (1 can, 15 ounces): Same deal here – drain ’em good! I like to gently pat them with a paper towel too, just to be sure.
Miniature marshmallows (1 cup): You know, the tiny ones! They add such a fun, chewy texture that just melts in your mouth.
Shredded coconut (1 cup): Unsweetened is usually best for this kind of salad, but whatever you have works! It adds that lovely tropical hint.
Sour cream (1 cup): This is the magic creamy binder! It gives the salad that signature tang and smooth texture.
Chopped pecans (1/4 cup): For a little bit of crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts work too, or you can even skip them if you prefer!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Ambrosia Salad

Alright, let’s get this delicious Easy Ambrosia Salad put together! It’s honestly one of the simplest things you’ll ever make, but the results are just *so* worth it. You’ll see how easy it is to get that perfect creamy, fruity goodness.

Combining the Fruity Base

First things first, grab yourself a nice, big bowl. This is where all the magic starts! Gently add in your drained pineapple chunks and those lovely mandarin orange segments. Then, pour in the miniature marshmallows – they’re going to add such a delightful chewiness! Finally, sprinkle in your shredded coconut. Give it all a really gentle stir, just enough to get everything mixed together without totally smashing those delicate orange pieces. We want to keep the integrity of the fruit, you know?

Preparing the Creamy Dressing

Now, for the creamy part! Grab a separate, smaller bowl. Put your cup of sour cream in there. You just want to give it a quick whisk or stir until it’s nice and smooth. If you’re adding that little bit of sugar for extra sweetness, now’s the time to stir that in too. A smooth sour cream base is key to a perfectly creamy salad, so don’t skip this!

Gently Folding in the Creamy Dressing

Okay, this is where you gotta use your gentle touch! Pour that smooth sour cream mixture over the fruit and marshmallow combination in the big bowl. Now, using a spatula or a big spoon, gently fold it all together. We’re not stirring vigorously here; we’re lifting from the bottom and folding it over, so everything gets coated evenly in that delicious creamy dressing without turning into a mushy mess. You want to see distinct pieces of fruit and marshmallow!

Adding the Pecan Crunch

Almost there! Now, toss in your chopped pecans. Give it another gentle fold to make sure those little nutty bits are distributed throughout your Easy Ambrosia Salad. They add such a lovely crunch and a little bit of depth to the whole thing. It’s that perfect contrast to the soft fruit and chewy marshmallows.

Chilling Your Easy Ambrosia Salad

This is probably the hardest part – waiting! But it’s SO important. Cover that bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it into the refrigerator. You’ll want to let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This time allows all those wonderful flavors to really meld together and get nice and harmonious. Plus, it makes the salad nice and refreshing, which is exactly what you want!

Tips for the Perfect Easy Ambrosia Salad

Alright, you’ve made your Easy Ambrosia Salad and it’s going to be amazing! But if you want to take it from *good* to *absolutely perfect*, here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years:

Enhancing Flavor and Sweetness

Now, this salad is already pretty sweet and tasty, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth or your fruit is a little tart, you can totally adjust it. My grandma always said, “Taste as you go!” So, after you’ve folded everything together, give it a little taste. If you want it a bit sweeter, just stir in about a tablespoon of granulated sugar into that sour cream mixture before you fold it in. It really makes a difference if you like that extra touch of sweetness.

Adding Color and Texture

For a real pop of color and a little extra fruity flavor, don’t forget those maraschino cherries! Halved or whole, they just make the salad look so festive and inviting. They add a little bit of that classic dessert charm, and who doesn’t love a pretty dessert? Just drain them well, like the other fruits, and fold them in gently at the same time you add the pecans. It’s a small step that really elevates the whole look of your Easy Ambrosia Salad.

Making Ahead for Convenience

This is a lifesaver for me! You can totally make this Easy Ambrosia Salad a day in advance. Seriously, it’s even better the next day because all those flavors have had time to really get to know each other in the fridge. Just keep it covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. It makes getting ready for a party or gathering so much less stressful when you’ve got a delicious dessert already waiting for you!

Understanding Your Easy Ambrosia Salad’s Nutrition

Just a little heads-up about the nutritional info you see for this Easy Ambrosia Salad! Since everyone uses slightly different brands or maybe adds a little extra something, those numbers are really just an estimate. Think of them as a general guideline, not gospel truth. The actual calories, sugar, and fat can shift a bit depending on the specifics you use, so don’t stress too much about hitting those exact figures!

Nutritional Disclaimer

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided for this Easy Ambrosia Salad is an approximation. Actual values may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, ingredient preparation, and any optional additions or substitutions you might make.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Ambrosia Salad

Got questions about whipping up this delightful Easy Ambrosia Salad? I totally get it! It’s one of those classic recipes that sparks a lot of curiosity. Here are some of the things people often ask me, and hopefully, this clears everything up for you!

Can I substitute the sour cream in this Easy Ambrosia Salad?

Oh, absolutely! While sour cream gives it that signature tangy creaminess, you can definitely get creative. For a lighter version, try using plain Greek yogurt – it adds a nice tang too, though it might be a little thicker. Or, if you’re going for super-sweet and fluffy, some folks like to use whipped topping instead. Just remember, these swaps might change the flavor profile a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!

What other fruits can I add to my Easy Ambrosia Salad?

That’s the fun part about ambrosia – it’s so forgiving! Besides the pineapple and mandarin oranges, I love adding some crisp, diced apples for a nice crunch. Seedless grapes, halved, are also fantastic. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, can add a lovely tartness and beautiful color. Just make sure whatever you add is drained well and cut into bite-sized pieces so everything mixes nicely in your Easy Ambrosia Salad!

How long does Easy Ambrosia Salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it does hold up pretty well for a couple of days. I usually say it’s good for about 2-3 days if you keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The marshmallows can get a little softer over time, and the fruit might release a bit more juice, but it’s still perfectly tasty!

Is this Easy Ambrosia Salad suitable for a vegan diet?

This particular recipe, as written, isn’t vegan because of the sour cream and the standard miniature marshmallows, which often contain gelatin. To make a vegan version, you’d need to swap the sour cream for a vegan-friendly alternative like coconut cream or a vegan yogurt, and find vegan marshmallows. It’s totally doable, but you’d be looking at a slightly different ingredient list!

Easy Ambrosia Salad: 15-Minute Heavenly Treat

Author: smaakvolle.nl
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and refreshing ambrosia salad with a creamy, fruity flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Combine pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, miniature marshmallows, and shredded coconut in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix sour cream until smooth.
Gently fold the sour cream into the fruit and marshmallow mixture.
Stir in the chopped pecans.
Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a sweeter salad, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the sour cream.
Add maraschino cherries for extra color and flavor.
This salad can be made a day in advance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 40mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Ambrosia Salad, fruit salad, easy dessert, no-bake dessert, retro dessert, creamy fruit salad