There’s something undeniably magical about a dessert that combines sweet, juicy fruits with creamy, fluffy textures. Tasty Simple Ambrosia Salad is that perfect dish that brings joy to any gathering or family meal. With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, this salad transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a summer barbecue, or just looking for a refreshing snack, ambrosia salad never fails to impress. It’s not only easy to make but also allows for a bit of creativity in ingredient selection. Let’s dive deeper into why this ambrosia salad will become your go-to recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tasty Simple Ambrosia Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, you can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Key Ingredients

This Tasty Simple Ambrosia Salad requires just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component adds its unique flavor and texture to create a delightful dish.
- Canned Fruit Cocktail: Provides sweetness and juiciness; opt for one without added sugars if desired.
- Mini Marshmallows: Adds chewy texture and sweetness that balances the fruit’s tartness.
- Coconut Flakes: Offers a tropical twist and chewy texture; use unsweetened for a healthier option.
- Sour Cream: Gives creaminess; it can be substituted with yogurt for a lighter version.
- Whipped Topping: Lightens the salad; feel free to use homemade whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned fruit cocktail (drained) with mini marshmallows.
- Add shredded coconut flakes to the mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- In another bowl, whisk together sour cream and whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the fruit concoction and fold gently until everything is well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This step allows flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with extra coconut flakes or fresh fruit if desired!
Expert Tips
If you want to elevate your Tasty Simple Ambrosia Salad, consider these expert tips. First, always choose ripe fruits when adding fresh options; they enhance flavor significantly. Second, letting the salad chill in the refrigerator allows flavors to deepen; patience pays off! Lastly, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft textures present in ambrosia salad.
Presentation Ideas
FAQs
Can I make ambrosia salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare ambrosia salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. The chilling time helps meld flavors beautifully while keeping it fresh!
What fruits can I add to ambrosia salad?
You can add various fruits according to your taste preferences! Fresh fruits like strawberries, pineapple chunks, kiwi slices, or bananas work wonderfully alongside traditional canned fruits like mandarin oranges and cherries. Get creative!
Is ambrosia salad healthy?
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
This sounds delicious! How should I store leftovers?
Tasty Simple Ambrosia Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Tasty Simple Ambrosia Salad is a delightful fruit salad that combines sweet, juicy fruits with a creamy texture, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. This vibrant and refreshing dish is easy to prepare, allowing you to customize it with your favorite fruits. Whether served at a holiday dinner or a summer barbecue, this ambrosia salad is sure to impress your guests and become a cherished staple at your gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can fruit cocktail, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut flakes (unsweetened if preferred)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned fruit cocktail and mini marshmallows.
- Stir in the shredded coconut flakes until evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream and whipped topping until smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the fruit and fold gently until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, stir gently and garnish with additional coconut flakes or fresh fruit if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup or approximately 120g
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg