Name: Ambrosia (Mom’s Marshmallow Salad)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484632H13M36S
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mini marshmallows; 1 1/2 cups whipped cream (or whipped topping); 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained; 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained; 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

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Short Description

This classic Ambrosia Salad, also known as Mom’s Marshmallow Salad, is the ultimate retro dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Creamy, sweet, and packed with fruity goodness, it’s a dessert that brings comfort and memories of family gatherings. With marshmallows, whipped cream, fruit, and a touch of coconut, this dish is as delightful as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ambrosia Salad is the definition of comfort food—creamy, sweet, and oh-so-refreshing. It’s a simple, no-cook dessert that comes together quickly, making it perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or just when you want a nostalgic treat. The combination of fluffy marshmallows, juicy fruit, and whipped cream makes this a crowd-pleasing side dish or dessert that everyone loves. Plus, it’s always a fun throwback to those good old family recipes!

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at the key ingredients you’ll need:

Mini marshmallows
Whipped cream (or whipped topping)
Pineapple chunks (drained)
Mandarins (drained)
Sweetened shredded coconut

You’ll find the full list of ingredients (with exact measurements) below!

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by draining the pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges really well. You don’t want excess liquid in your salad, or it could get too watery. Once drained, chop the pineapple into smaller pieces if you prefer bite-sized chunks in your salad.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, drained pineapple, mandarins, and shredded coconut. Gently toss everything together to make sure it’s evenly mixed.

Step 3: Add the Whipped Cream

Fold in the whipped cream (or whipped topping) until everything is well coated. The whipped cream is what gives Ambrosia its signature light and fluffy texture, so be sure to mix gently to keep the creaminess intact.

Step 4: Chill the Salad

Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it even tastier!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled, and enjoy the refreshing, creamy goodness of this classic salad. Garnish with a little extra shredded coconut or a few more mini marshmallows for a fun touch if you like!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use fresh whipped cream: If you’re using homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought, make sure to beat it until soft peaks form—this will give your Ambrosia that perfectly fluffy texture.
Add more fruit: Feel free to add other fruits like maraschino cherries or grapes for extra sweetness and color. Just make sure to drain everything properly to avoid excess liquid.
Customize the coconut: If you love coconut, go ahead and add more shredded coconut for a more pronounced coconut flavor. You can also toast it for an extra crunch!
Make ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time! It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight, as the flavors develop.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Non-dairy option: You can make a dairy-free version by using non-dairy whipped topping or whipped coconut cream instead of regular whipped cream.
Use different fruit: While pineapple and mandarins are traditional, you could swap them out for other fruits like grapes, strawberries, or even chopped apples. Just make sure to keep the fruits juicy and sweet.
Add nuts: For a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to your Ambrosia Salad.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Ambrosia Salad is a sweet and refreshing dish, and it pairs wonderfully with:

Holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, where you want something light to balance out the heavier dishes.
BBQ and summer picnics because it’s a cool and refreshing dish that’s perfect for outdoor dining.
With grilled meats or as a side to creamy casseroles for an easy, flavorful addition to your spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps for up to 3 days, though the marshmallows may soften a little as it sits.
No reheating needed: This is a cold salad, so no reheating required! Just pull it out of the fridge when you’re ready to serve.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, it’s better to make it ahead of time so the flavors have a chance to meld. Just keep it in the fridge and serve it chilled.

2. Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Absolutely! Ambrosia is super versatile, so feel free to add or swap fruits. Chopped apples, grapes, or even strawberries are great additions. Just make sure to drain them properly.

3. Is Ambrosia Salad only for the holidays?
While it’s a popular dish during the holidays, Ambrosia Salad is perfect year-round! It’s great for picnics, potlucks, and BBQs. It’s a fresh and sweet treat for any occasion.

4. Can I use frozen fruit in this salad?
It’s best to use fresh or canned fruit for this recipe. If you use frozen fruit, be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the salad.

Conclusion

Ambrosia Salad, or Mom’s Marshmallow Salad, is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s been loved for generations. With its creamy, sweet flavor and fruity goodness, it’s the perfect dish for any family gathering, party, or holiday meal. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to throw together with just five ingredients, making it an easy win every time. If you’re looking for a refreshing and nostalgic treat, this Ambrosia Salad is exactly what you need!

Ambrosia (Mom’s Marshmallow Salad)

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert, Side Dish
Method: No-cook, Mix and Chill
Cuisine: American, Retro
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cups whipped cream (or whipped topping)
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

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Instructions

Prepare the Fruit: Drain the pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges well. If preferred, chop the pineapple into smaller pieces.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, drained pineapple, mandarins, and shredded coconut. Toss gently to combine.
Add the Whipped Cream: Fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping until evenly coated.
Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra shredded coconut or marshmallows, if desired, and serve chilled.

Notes

Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight as the flavors develop.
Fruit Variations: Feel free to swap the pineapple and mandarin oranges with other fruits such as grapes, strawberries, or chopped apples. Just ensure everything is well-drained to avoid excess liquid.
Non-Dairy Option: You can use non-dairy whipped topping or coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version.
Crunchy Variation: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a bit of texture.