Fluffy Ambrosia Salad is a bright and delightful treat that combines juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple, crunchy marshmallows, and shredded coconut all folded into a creamy, fluffy base. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feels light yet satisfying, making it a beloved classic at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners.
I love making this salad because it’s so quick and fuss-free, yet it always wows everyone who tries it. Whenever I serve it, people are drawn to its colorful mix and the way the fluffy dressing gently coats every bite. A little tip I like is to let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours—it really helps the flavors blend together and makes it even more refreshing.
One of my favorite things about Ambrosia Salad is how nostalgic it feels; it reminds me of summer gatherings and holiday meals where everyone brings a dish to share. I find it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug on a plate, simple but full of joy. If you’ve never had it before, I think you’re in for a tasty surprise that’s easy to make and way too addictive to stop eating!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mandarin Oranges and Pineapple: These fruits give Ambrosia its bright, juicy base. Canned versions work great and save time, but fresh ones add a nice pop of natural flavor. Just make sure to drain well to keep the salad from getting watery.
Grapes: I like using both green and red grapes for color and sweetness contrast. You can swap grapes for diced apples or berries if you prefer or need to avoid grapes.
Mini Marshmallows: They add fun texture and a little extra sweetness. If you want to skip them or need a healthier option, try chopped nuts or seeds for crunch instead.
Shredded Coconut: Sweetened coconut brings a lovely chew and tropical taste. You can use unsweetened if you want less sugar, but the sweetened variety melts better into the salad.
Whipped Topping: This is what makes the salad fluffy and creamy. Cool Whip is a popular store-bought option, but homemade whipped cream works wonderfully too. For a dairy-free option, consider coconut whipped cream.
Cottage or Cream Cheese (Optional): Adding one of these makes the salad richer and a bit tangy. I often use cream cheese blended until smooth with the whipped topping—it adds body without overpowering.
How Can I Make the Salad Fluffy and Keep Fruits from Getting Watery?
Keeping the fluffy texture and avoiding watery fruit salad is key!
- Drain fruits well: Whether canned or fresh, make sure to drain or pat dry the fruits. Excess juice can make the salad soggy.
- Fold gently: Use a big spoon to fold in the whipped topping slowly so you keep the lightness without mashing the fruit.
- Chill before serving: Let the salad rest in the fridge at least one hour. This helps flavors blend and the whipped topping to firm up, giving that perfect fluffy feel.
- Add marshmallows last: For the best texture, fold mini marshmallows in right before chilling so they don’t become mushy.
Following these steps will keep your Ambrosia salad fresh, fluffy, and ready to win over everyone at your table!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – big enough to toss all the fruit and fluffy dressing without spilling.
- Rubber spatula or large spoon – perfect for folding ingredients gently to keep the salad light and fluffy.
- Measuring cups – to measure fruits and toppings accurately for the best balance of flavors.
- Colander or strainer – handy for draining canned fruits well and removing extra juice.
- Serving bowl – choose a clear one to show off the colorful layers of the salad.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pineapple for mango cubes to add a tropical twist and extra sweetness.
- Add crushed pineapple or coconut flakes toasted lightly for more texture and a warm nutty flavor.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and a subtle earthy note.
- Substitute mini marshmallows with dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy, fruity texture.
Fluffy Ambrosia Salad, Quick, Easy, and So Addictive
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fruits & Mix-ins:
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh, drained)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh, drained)
- 1 cup green grapes, halved
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
Dressing:
- 8 oz whipped topping (such as whipped cream or Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup cottage cheese or cream cheese (optional for added creaminess)
Garnish:
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the flavors blend and the salad becomes delightfully refreshing and fluffy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Fruits and Mix-ins:
In a large mixing bowl, add the mandarin orange segments, pineapple chunks, halved green and red grapes, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut. Gently stir to mix them evenly.
2. Add the Creamy Dressing:
If you’re using cottage cheese or cream cheese, blend it smoothly with the whipped topping first. Then fold this creamy mixture gently into the bowl with the fruit and marshmallows, making sure everything is evenly coated without crushing the fruit.
3. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become nice and fluffy.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, top the salad with maraschino cherries if you like. Serve cold as a refreshing and light dessert or side dish that’s perfect for parties and potlucks.
Can I Use Frozen Fruit for Ambrosia Salad?
Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but make sure to fully thaw and drain it well before adding. This prevents extra moisture from making the salad watery.
How Long Can I Store Ambrosia Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The marshmallows may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day.
Can I Substitute the Whipped Topping?
Absolutely! You can use homemade whipped cream or coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s whipped well to keep that fluffy texture.
Is There a Way to Make Ambrosia Salad Less Sweet?
Try using unsweetened shredded coconut and fresh fruit instead of canned. You can also skip the marshmallows or reduce the amount of whipped topping slightly for a lighter, less sugary salad.
