Easter Ambrosia Salad

Posted on February 12, 2026

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Easter Ambrosia Salad: A Sweet and Nostalgic Treat

Hello, food lovers! 🥳 As Easter approaches, it brings back a whirl of emotions and flavors from my childhood. One of the most delightful recipes that always pops into my mind during this festive season is none other than the beloved Ambrosia Salad. Whether you grew up devouring it at family gatherings or stumbling upon it at potlucks, this fluffy, fruity delight is as nostalgic as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the world of zesty fruit and creamy goodness, and create something truly special together!

A Glimpse into My Kitchen

Growing up in a small-town kitchen, I had the wonderful privilege of learning from the best—my grandma. With her worn-out wooden spoon in hand, she’d whisk together some of the coziest and most comforting recipes. But one dish I always looked forward to, especially during Easter, was her Ambrosia Salad. Oh, how I can still picture it—the vibrant colors of the fruit, the fluffy whites of the marshmallows, and that dreamy whipped cream—it’s like a delicious cloud of springtime.

I remember gathering around the table with my cousins, eagerly anticipating the Ambrosia Salad debuting amongst the savory Easter feast. Everyone would grab a generous helping, and the laughter shared over that salad was just as sweet as its flavor. Nowadays, I’m often asked to bring this delightful dish to family get-togethers, and let me tell you, it never fails to bring smiles all around.

Ready to recreate this yummy dish that’s packed with memories? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own delicious Easter Ambrosia Salad:

1 cup mini marshmallows
These little bites of sweetness bring that classic touch to the salad. You can also use colored mini marshmallows for extra fun!
1 cup shredded coconut
The unsweetened variety provides a subtle coconut flavor, while sweetened coconut adds an extra sweetness. Feel free to skip it if you’re not a fan!
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
Juicy and tropical, pineapple adds a refreshing taste. You can substitute with fresh pineapple if you’d like to cut back on the canned options.
1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
These citrus gems brighten the dish! If you can’t find canned, fresh oranges would work beautifully too.
1 cup maraschino cherries
They add a delightful pop of color and sweetness. You can also use fresh cherries if they’re in season!
1 cup diced apples (about 1-2 apples)
For a bit of crunch, diced apples always work great. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Fuji apples are sweet—pick your favorite!
1 cup sour cream
This gives the salad creaminess without being overwhelmingly rich. Greek yogurt could be a fantastic, lighter alternative!
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
To achieve that heavenly fluffiness! If you’re feeling fancy, homemade whipped cream is always a hit!
1 tablespoon lime juice
Just a splash to brighten the flavors and prevent the apples from browning. It’s also a burst of freshness!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, friends! Let’s get cooking. Here’s how to whip up this delightful Ambrosia Salad.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. You want to have everything at your fingertips, so the process flows smoothly. I tend to sing a little song while I prep—keeps the energy up! 🎶

Step 2: Prep the Fruits

🎉 Drain the pineapple and mandarins: For the canned fruit, make sure they are well-drained to avoid a watery salad. Too much liquid can make it soggy, and we definitely want that fresh texture!
🍏 Chop the apples: Dice them into bite-sized pieces; I love keeping the skin on for a little extra color and fiber. Don’t forget to squeeze that lime juice over them as soon as they’re cut to keep them crisp and bright.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, coconut, pineapple, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and apples.
Take a moment to admire those colors! It looks like a fruit party, right? Mix it gently so that everything gets to know each other.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and whipped topping until you get a smooth, luscious blend. This dreamy mix will be the binding agent for our fruity concoction.
Pour the creamy goodness over the fruit mixture and fold it all together gently. The goal is to keep those fruits intact while coating them in heavenly fluffiness!

Step 5: Chill Out

Transfer your glorious Ambrosia Salad into a serving bowl or cover it with plastic wrap (or a fancy lid if you have one). Pop it into the fridge for at least 1-2 hours—this chilling time allows the flavors to marry and develop beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

When you’re ready to serve, scoop it into pretty bowls or onto plates. You can garnish with a sprinkle of extra coconut or a few additional cherries as a finishing touch. Trust me, presentation counts!

Serving Suggestions

For an Easter brunch or dinner, consider adding some fun serving elements! You can arrange the Ambrosia Salad in elegant glass dessert cups for an extravagant touch. It looks delightful, and you can even layer it with fresh fruit for a show-stopping effect.

Lastly, don’t forget to pair it with other delicious dishes! This salad perfectly complements savory options like ham, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad. And for dessert, it’s the ideal sweet treat alongside carrot cake or chocolate bunnies. 🐰🍰

Recipe Variations

Here are a few twists to make this Ambrosia Salad your own:

Nutty Delight: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Coconut Lovers: Feel free to up the coconut by adding in some coconut milk for a richer flavor!
Berry Goodness: Swap out the canned fruit for fresh strawberries or blueberries to give it a berry twist.
Tropical Vibes: Pineapple and mango chunks pair well, bringing an exotic flair to the traditional recipe.
Health-Conscious Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and a light whipped topping to make it low-fat without sacrificing flavor.

Chef’s Notes

Did you know my Ambrosia Salad originally started out with whatever fruit my grandma had on hand? That’s right—she was a champion of using what was fresh and available! Over time, I’ve made this recipe my own, and it continues to be a crowd-pleaser at every gathering. I’ve even had the pleasure of concocting it with seasonal fruits like peaches and raspberries, which added such a lovely pop of color and flavor.

The memories made over this dish have made each version dear to my heart. I hope it becomes a delightful tradition for you and your family as well!

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Q: Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better when made a day in advance. Just give it enough time to chill, and it’ll be friendlier to your taste buds when it finally makes its debut!

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just know that the fruit can start to release juices, so it might lose a bit of that structural integrity.

Q: Can I freeze Ambrosia Salad?
While it’s not the best candidate for freezing, if you must, I’d recommend doing so before folding in the whipped topping. The texture can change after being frozen.

Q: How can I make it more tropical or exotic?
Get adventurous! Adding a little bit of crushed ginger or a splash of coconut cream can transport you to a tropical paradise.

Nutritional Info

For a serving of Ambrosia Salad (approximately 1/2 cup), you can expect it to contain:

Calories: ~180
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 2g
Sugars: 20g

Keep in mind that variations on the fruit and your ingredient choices can adjust these numbers slightly.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, my friends! A nostalgic, vibrant dish that’s not just a salad but a delightful piece of comfort food history. I hope this Easter Ambrosia Salad brings back fond memories for you and creates new ones in your kitchen. My heart and the happy memories inspire every recipe I share, and I can’t wait for you to experience this one.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, throw on your favorite apron, and let’s make some delicious Ambrosia Salad together! I promise—it’ll be worth every bite. Happy cooking! 🌸🥗