Easy Ambrosia Salad – Spend With Pennies

What is Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia means ‘food of the gods,’ this version is a family favorite.

• While it’s called “salad,” ambrosia salad is more dessert-like and is often served as a side dish for Christmas, Easter dinner, or Thanksgiving.
• This salad (also called 5-cup salad) needs just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep.
• It’s potluck perfect since it’s best made ahead of time.

Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad

Yogurt/Sour Cream – I have always used sour cream as the base is sweetened by the marshmallows. It can be replaced with plain or vanilla Greek yogurt or ½ with whipped topping (such as Cool Whip).

Marshmallows – Use miniature marshmallows (fruit-flavored or plain). They add sweetness to the base, and the texture will soften as they sit.

Fruit – I use coconut shreds, canned mandarin oranges, and pineapple as my grandma always made it, but you can mix things up with a fruit cocktail or canned peaches.

Variations

While this recipe is delicious exactly as written, you can change it up to your liking.

• Chopped maraschino cherries
• Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch
• Fresh bananas, grapes, or strawberries

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a great side dish to make if you are short on time!

1. Drain the pineapple and oranges (per the recipe below).
2. Add all ingredients except oranges to a bowl, and mix well. Gently fold in oranges.
3. Let chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Tips for Ambrosia Salad

• Be sure to make this salad ahead of time to blend the flavors and soften the marshmallows.
• Drain the canned fruit so the dish isn’t watery.
• Gently fold in the mandarin oranges last, as they can be fragile and break apart.