Print

Southern Ambrosia Salad

Southern ambrosia salad with cherries, coconut, grapes, and pastel mini marshmallows in a white bowl.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Southern ambrosia salad folds pineapple, mandarins, grapes, cherries, coconut, and fruity marshmallows into a creamy dressing. Chill ahead for an easy potluck side.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 1/2 cups fruity-fun mini marshmallows
  • 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained thoroughly
  • 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin orange segments, drained thoroughly
  • 1 cup green seedless grapes, halved
  • 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Place the pineapple and mandarin oranges in separate strainers to release excess juice. Drain the cherries and gently blot them with paper towels to limit pink streaks; halve the grapes and any whole cherries.
  2. Fold the salad together: Stir the sour cream until smooth in a large mixing bowl, then fold in the thawed whipped topping with a flexible spatula. Gently fold in the coconut, marshmallows, pineapple, grapes, and optional pecans until coated; add the mandarin oranges and cherries last with just a few folds to keep the segments intact.
  3. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill the fruit and soften the marshmallows. Gently stir before serving and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Equipment

Notes

Substitutions: Use plain mini marshmallows instead of fruit-flavored marshmallows, or red seedless grapes instead of green. Plain whole-milk Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream. Substitute chopped walnuts for the pecans, or omit the nuts.
Serving: Serve chilled alongside baked ham, roasted turkey, barbecue, or a holiday meal. It also works as a light dessert served in small bowls.
Make Ahead: Prepare up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate in a covered container. For firmer pecans, fold them in just before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The fruit may release liquid as it sits; stir gently before serving.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended. Thawed fruit can become watery, and the creamy mixture may separate.

Find it online: https://jennifercooks.com/southern-ambrosia-salad/