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Ambrosia salad with cherries in a clear glass bowl.
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5 from 4 votes

Southern Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Classic Southern ambrosia salad recipe with pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and sweetened coconut all in a creamy whipped dressing. This 10-minute ambrosia fruit salad is the perfect make-ahead holiday side!
Prep Time10 minutes
Chilling Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 12
Author: Robyn Stone

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

Storage Instructions:
  • 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

Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 577IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 0.5mg