Can I use fresh fruits instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple chunks and orange segments work beautifully. Just remember that fresh fruits release more juice, so you might want to prepare them ahead and drain well before adding to the mixture. The flavor profile will be less sweet but more vibrant.

My ambrosia seems too runny. What went wrong?

The most common culprit is insufficiently drained fruit. For next time, try placing your drained fruit on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. If you need to fix a runny batch, adding a few more marshmallows or a bit more whipped topping can help absorb extra moisture.

Can I make this recipe healthier?

Certainly! Try using light whipped topping, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reducing the marshmallows by half. Unsweetened coconut flakes also cut down on sugar content, and you can add natural sweetness with fresh berries or banana slices.

Is ambrosia a dessert or a side dish?

This versatile dish crosses boundaries! In traditional Southern cuisine, ambrosia often appears as a side dish alongside savory foods, particularly at holiday meals. However, its sweet profile makes it equally at home on the dessert table. Serve it wherever it makes sense for your meal.

Southern Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Name: Southern Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits in juice; 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges; 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries; 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1/3 cup chopped pecans

This Southern Ambrosia Salad is a cloud-like, fruit-studded delight that brings a taste of sunshine to any table. A beloved Southern classic, this creamy, sweet treat combines juicy fruits with fluffy whipped topping, coconut, and pecans for a refreshing side dish or dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply brightening up a weeknight dinner. Best of all, it comes together in just 15 minutes with no cooking required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Cook Wonder: Forget turning on the stove—this dish comes together with simple stirring and folding, making it perfect for hot summer days or when you’re short on time.
Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare this salad hours or even a day before serving—it actually gets better as the flavors meld in the refrigerator.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its sweet, creamy profile and varied textures, this ambrosia appeals to kids and adults alike. It’s that dish everyone asks for the recipe!
Versatile Chameleon: Serve it as a side dish alongside savory Southern fare, as a light dessert, or even as a sweet breakfast treat it fits any occasion from casual weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pineapple tidbits: These little bursts of tropical sweetness provide the perfect tangy foundation. Make sure to drain them well to prevent a watery salad.
Mandarin oranges: These delicate citrus segments add bright color and gentle sweetness. Handle them carefully when folding to maintain their shape.
Maraschino cherries: These ruby gems provide beautiful pops of color and nostalgic sweetness. Rinsing them removes excess syrup and prevents turning your entire salad pink!
Frozen whipped topping: The fluffy, cloud-like base that holds everything together. Don’t rush the thawing process—it incorporates much better at room temperature.
Sour cream: The secret ingredient that balances the sweetness with a subtle tang and creates a more complex flavor profile.
Sweetened coconut flakes: These add wonderful texture and that unmistakable tropical taste that makes ambrosia special.
Mini marshmallows: These pillowy little treats add a playful texture contrast and extra sweetness that makes this dish irresistible.
Pecans: These Southern nuts add a necessary crunch and nutty dimension that elevates the entire dish. Toast them lightly for even more flavor!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Fruit Swap: Replace any of the fruits with fresh grapes, sliced bananas, diced apples, or berries for a seasonal twist.
Dairy Alternatives: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a protein boost and tangier flavor profile.
Nut Options: Swap pecans for toasted walnuts, sliced almonds, or even candied pecans for extra sweetness and crunch.
Healthier Adaptation: Use light whipped topping and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, with unsweetened coconut to reduce sugar content.
Holiday Special: Add a splash of orange liqueur to the adult version for special occasions (just keep a regular version for the kids!).

How to Make Southern Ambrosia

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Drain the pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges thoroughly—I recommend letting them sit in a colander for a few minutes to ensure all excess liquid is gone. Drain the cherries, slice them in half, and give them a good rinse under cold water to remove the syrupy sweetness. Let all fruit drain completely.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the thawed whipped topping and sour cream until completely combined. The mixture should be smooth and fluffy with no streaks remaining.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the coconut flakes and mini marshmallows to the creamy mixture, folding gently to incorporate. These ingredients will begin absorbing some of the moisture, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thick.

Step 4: Incorporate the Fruits

Carefully fold in the well-drained pineapple, oranges, and cherries. Use a light hand to avoid crushing the delicate fruits, especially the mandarin oranges which can break apart easily.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle in the chopped pecans and give everything one final, gentle stir to distribute the nuts throughout the mixture without deflating the fluffy texture.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to slightly soften.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Drain Thoroughly: The success of ambrosia largely depends on properly drained fruit—soggy ambrosia is disappointing ambrosia!
Gentle Folding: Use a rubber spatula and a light touch when combining ingredients to maintain the airy texture.
Uniform Pieces: Try to keep all fruit pieces roughly the same size for the best eating experience.
Layered Presentation: For a beautiful presentation at special gatherings, layer the ambrosia in a trifle dish to showcase the colorful ingredients.
Toast Your Nuts: Quickly toasting the pecans in a dry skillet enhances their flavor dramatically—just cool them completely before adding.

How to Serve

Ambrosia salad is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving options:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve alongside baked ham, fried chicken, or barbecue for a traditional Southern meal
Offer as a light dessert after a hearty dinner
Include on your holiday buffet table between the savory sides and sweeter treats

Serving Vessels:

Present in a crystal bowl for elegant occasions
Spoon into individual dessert cups for a dinner party
For a modern twist, serve in small mason jars for picnics or potlucks

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Prepare ambrosia up to 24 hours in advance for best results. The extra time actually improves the flavor as the ingredients have time to blend. If making more than a day ahead, consider adding the marshmallows just before serving to maintain their texture.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover ambrosia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may change slightly as the marshmallows continue to soften, but the flavor remains delicious.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing ambrosia salad as the texture of the fruits and marshmallows will drastically change upon thawing, resulting in a watery, mushy consistency.

Refreshing Leftovers

If leftover ambrosia seems to have lost some of its fluffiness, gently fold in a spoonful of fresh whipped topping just before serving to revitalize the texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruits instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple chunks and orange segments work beautifully. Just remember that fresh fruits release more juice, so you might want to prepare them ahead and drain well before adding to the mixture. The flavor profile will be less sweet but more vibrant.
My ambrosia seems too runny. What went wrong?

The most common culprit is insufficiently drained fruit. For next time, try placing your drained fruit on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. If you need to fix a runny batch, adding a few more marshmallows or a bit more whipped topping can help absorb extra moisture.
Can I make this recipe healthier?

Certainly! Try using light whipped topping, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reducing the marshmallows by half. Unsweetened coconut flakes also cut down on sugar content, and you can add natural sweetness with fresh berries or banana slices.
Is ambrosia a dessert or a side dish?

This versatile dish crosses boundaries! In traditional Southern cuisine, ambrosia often appears as a side dish alongside savory foods, particularly at holiday meals. However, its sweet profile makes it equally at home on the dessert table. Serve it wherever it makes sense for your meal.

Final Thoughts

Southern Ambrosia Salad is one of those magical recipes that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. With its delightful mix of sweet fruits, creamy texture, and varied consistencies, it brings a touch of Southern sunshine to any table. Whether you’re introducing this classic to your family for the first time or continuing a long-standing tradition, this no-fuss, 15-minute recipe is sure to become a requested favorite. Give yourself permission to enjoy this nostalgic treat that has delighted generations of Southerners—sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most memorable!