Southern Ambrosia Recipe
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Classic Southern ambrosia salad recipe with pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and sweetened coconut all in a creamy whipped dressing. This easy ambrosia fruit salad is the perfect make-ahead holiday side!
Searching for the perfect Southern ambrosia? You’ve found it! This ambrosia salad has been passed down in Southern kitchens for generations. Light, creamy, and bursting with tropical fruit flavors, this ambrosia fruit salad is always the first dish to disappear at holiday gatherings.
This ambrosia recipe has been in my family for generations! My mother, and my grandmother before her, would prepare it the day before a holiday gathering – Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter – so it would be perfectly chilled before serving. It has always been a favorite!
Why This Southern Ambrosia Salad Is a Must-Make
- Crowd Favorite – A favorite recipe for generations, it is no wonder we call it the best ambrosia salad ever!
- 10-Minute Prep – No cooking required – mix and chill.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- Kid-Approved – The mini marshmallows make it a hit with all ages.
- Naturally Gluten-Free – Safe for everyone at the table.
- Versatile – Works as a side dish or dessert!
Ingredients for Southern Ambrosia
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
Whipping cream: Makes the base for the creamy dressing in this Southern fruit salad.
Confectioner’s sugar: Mixed into the whipping cream for a touch of sweetness in the dressing.
Yogurt: Folded into the whipped cream mixture for the creamy dressing. You can use vanilla yogurt or Greek yogurt. If you use Greek yogurt, add vanilla extract to the dressing.
Mandarin oranges: You can use canned mandarin oranges or fresh. If you use canned, be sure to let them drain well.
Pineapple: You can use canned pineapple chunks or chopped fresh pineapple. If you use canned, be sure to drain it well.
Maraschino cherries: (Optional) Drain them well, pat them dry with paper towels, and then add them right before serving.
Coconut: Sweetened flake coconut adds tropical flavor and texture to this fruit salad recipe.
Mini marshmallows: The marshmallows add a soft texture and additional “fluff” to the salad. Kids love this addition!
Pecans: (Optional) Chopped roasted pecans add a crunch to this recipe.
How to Make the Best Southern Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Step by Step Instructions
- Make the Creamy Dressing: Add heavy cream to a mixing bowl.
- Whip the heavy cream with a mixer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add confectioner’s sugar.
- Whipped until stiff peaks form.
- Add the yogurt to the whipped cream mixture.
- Final creamy dressing folded together.
- Make the salad: Drain fruit well, pat dry, and add to mixing bowl.
- Add marshamallows, coconut, and creamy dressing to the fruit.
- Fold the ambrosia salad together.
- Chill, add cherries, and serve.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Ambrosia Every Time
- Drain, Drain, Drain! Pat pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges thoroughly with paper towels after draining. Excess liquid = watery salad.
- Even Easier: Swap whipped cream for an 8-oz container of thawed Cool Whip.
- Add Crunch (Optional): Fold in 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or sliced almonds.
- Tropical Twist: Add 1/2 cup diced fresh mango, kiwi, or bananas just before serving.
- Cherry Control: Pat maraschino cherries dry to prevent pink bleeding into the salad.
Recipe Variations
| Variation | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Classic Cool Whip Ambrosia | Replace whipping cream and sugar with 8 oz thawed Cool Whip; fold in yogurt as usual. |
| Nutty Ambrosia | Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted for 5 minutes at 350°F. |
| Tropical Ambrosia | Toast and additional 1/4 cup of sweetened flake coconut and sprinkle on top of the final salad. |
| Low-Sugar Version | Use sugar-free whipped topping, unsweetened coconut, no-sugar added fruit, and skip the cherries. |
What to Serve with Southern Ambrosia Salad
This ambrosia fruit salad is a Southern holiday staple. Serve alongside:
- Easy Honey-Glazed Baked Ham
- Southern Cornbread Dressing
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Green Bean Casserole
- Cranberry Sauce
How to Store Ambrosia Salad
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance – flavors improve with time!
- Freezer: Not recommended – freezing ruins the creamy texture and causes separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It’s better when made ahead. Chill overnight for the best flavor.
You didn’t drain the pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges well enough. Always pat dry with paper towels.
Both! In the South, it’s traditionally a side dish, but it’s sweet enough to double as dessert.
Yes! Use 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks and 1 1/2 cups fresh mandarin orange segments. Canned is classic for consistency.
Sour cream is the traditional swap, or omit entirely and increase whipped cream to 1 1/2 cups.
Love this ambrosia salad recipe? Try my Classic Fruit Salad or Frozen Fruit Salad next!
Southern Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
- 1/2 cup yogurt, Vanilla yogurt or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Use if using Greek yogurt for dressing
For the Fruit & Mix-ins:
- 15 ounces mandarin oranges, drained well
- 20 ounces pineapple chunks, drained well
- 1 cup Maraschino cherries, drained well (optional)
- 1 cup sweetened flake coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, optional
- 1/4 cup roasted pecans, optional
Instructions
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a large chilled mixing bowl, beat whipping cream with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1-2 minutes. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract (if using) and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the Yogurt: Gently fold Greek or vanilla yogurt into the whipped cream using a spatula until thoroughly combined and smooth. This adds the signature tangy creaminess that sets Southern ambrosia apart.
- Add Fruits and Mix-Ins: Carefully fold the creamy dressing into the drained pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, sweetened coconut flake, and until evenly distributed. Be gentle to keep the dressing light and airy.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). The chill time allows flavors to meld. Give a gentle stir before serving. Garnish with extra coconut flakes and a few cherries, if desired.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance – flavors improve with time!
- Freezer: Not recommended – freezing ruins the creamy texture and causes separation.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
This post was updated October 29, 2025, with new photos, step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations. Original publish date: 2012.
Thanks for the memory. Mama made this (almost exactly like the recipe) and I have looked for recipe ever since she passed away in 1983. Plan on re-introducing it to my Thanksgiving menu this year. Again, an amazing “pass-me-down” recipe.
What a sweet and special comment, Virginia. I’m so happy you found it and that you are including it in your holiday menu too. This is a special one we’ve always loved – I have fond memories of my grandmother making it.
I’m so honored to have you here, Virginia and hope that your family enjoys this! xo