Easy & Sweet Ambrosia (Mom’s Marshmallow Salad) Recipe

Memories of summer gatherings always dance around my favorite ambrosia, a marshmallow-studded delight that whispers nostalgia.

Sweet moments from childhood picnics flood back with each creamy spoonful.

Grandma’s kitchen echoed with laughter while she mixed this heavenly concoction.

Soft mini marshmallows nestled between chunks of tropical fruit create pure magic.

Pineapple and mandarin oranges bring a sunshine-bright melody to this classic dessert.

Coconut flakes add a delightful crunch that makes you smile.

Every bite promises a trip down memory lane, beckoning you to savor this simple yet extraordinary treat.

Ambrosia Salad Brings a Sweet, Marshmallowy Nostalgia

Quick Family Feast: Effortlessly whip up this delightful dessert in minutes with minimal preparation skills required.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Marshmallow-packed treat guaranteed to make kids and adults smile, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

No-Bake Convenience: Skip complicated cooking techniques – simply mix ingredients and chill, making it an ideal last-minute dessert option for busy households.

Nostalgic Charm: Recreate classic retro recipes that remind you of childhood memories and grandmother’s special gatherings, connecting generations through one sweet dish.

Ambrosia Salad (Mom’s Recipe) Ingredients

• Fruit Cocktail, Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and juicy fruits that add tropical flavor and texture to the salad. Look for well-drained, high-quality canned fruits.

• Mini Marshmallows: Soft and fluffy element that provides sweetness and unique texture. Choose fresh, soft marshmallows for best results.
• Coconut Flakes: Adds tropical taste and crunchy texture. Select unsweetened or sweetened flakes based on preference.

• Whipped Topping: Creamy component that binds the salad together and creates a light, airy texture. Use store-bought or homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.

Ambrosia Marshmallow Salad Classic Prep

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Produce

Grab a colander and carefully drain the fruit cocktail and pineapple chunks, shaking off any excess liquid to keep the salad from getting watery.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Base

• Mini marshmallows
• Shredded coconut flakes

Step 3: Blend Creamy Texture

Softly fold in whipped topping, ensuring every morsel gets a smooth, velvety coating.

Use gentle circular motions to keep the mixture light and airy.

Step 4: Chill and Delight

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and tuck it into the refrigerator.

Let the flavors mingle and settle for a minimum of 2 hours – or even better, overnight.

This resting time allows the ingredients to blend beautifully.

Step 5: Serve with Happiness

When ready to enjoy, scoop the chilled ambrosia into serving bowls.

The dessert will be cool, creamy, and bursting with tropical sweetness.

Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a refreshing summer treat.

Family Salad Tips for Classic Ambrosia

• Use a fine-mesh strainer or colander to remove every bit of liquid, preventing a watery dessert.
• Gently sprinkle coconut flakes to maintain their light texture and prevent clumping.
• Fold whipped topping slowly and carefully to preserve its airy consistency and avoid deflating.
• Swap out fruits like mandarin oranges or add chopped nuts for extra crunch and personal flair.
• Prepare the day before serving to let flavors meld and develop a richer, more harmonious taste.

Marshmallow Salad Leftovers Guide

• Store the ambrosia in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it cool and fresh in the refrigerator.
• Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to reduce moisture and stop ingredients from separating.
• Avoid freezing this dessert, as the whipped topping and fruit will lose texture and become watery when thawed.
• Serve directly from the refrigerator, as this dish is meant to be enjoyed cold and should not be warmed up.

Light Picks for Ambrosia Salad

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wines: Select a light, fruity moscato or riesling that complements the marshmallow salad's sweetness and enhances its tropical fruit notes.
• Complement with Nutty Side Treats: Serve alongside toasted almond biscotti or pecan shortbread cookies to add a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy texture.
• Match with Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: Offer a refreshing lemon or orange sparkling beverage that cuts through the richness and provides a zesty palate cleanser.
• Create Breakfast Combination: Serve this ambrosia as a delightful side dish with light, fluffy buttermilk pancakes or golden french toast for a decadent morning treat.

Ambrosia Marshmallow Salad with Add-In Ideas

• Tropical Paradise: Replace fruit cocktail with fresh mango, papaya, and passion fruit for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Delight: Use sugar-free whipped topping, fresh berries, and unsweetened coconut flakes for a healthier version.
• Vegan Coconut Dream: Swap marshmallows with vegan marshmallows, use coconut whipped cream, and add chia seeds for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Summer Treat: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and add sliced almonds for crunch and texture.

FAQs

• Is Ambrosia a dessert or a salad?

Ambrosia is technically a fruit salad that’s sweet enough to be considered a dessert, often served as a side dish or light dessert at potlucks and family gatherings.

• Can I make Ambrosia ahead of time?

Yes, Ambrosia actually tastes better when prepared in advance. You can make it a day before serving, which allows the flavors to blend and enhances the overall taste.

• What gives Ambrosia its creamy texture?

The whipped topping and marshmallows create the signature creamy and fluffy texture that makes this dish so unique and enjoyable.

• Is Ambrosia a healthy dish?

While delicious, Ambrosia is more of an indulgent treat due to its high sugar content from marshmallows and sweet fruits. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as a special occasion dish.

Ambrosia (Moms Marshmallow Salad) Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic Ambrosia salad brings nostalgic comfort through sweet marshmallow magic, blending family memories with creamy tropical delight. Generations of home cooks have cherished this simple dessert that promises pure summer happiness in each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Fruits:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) fruit cocktail, drained
• 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple chunks, drained

Dairy and Sweet Components:

• 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes

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Instructions

1. Meticulously strain the fruit cocktail and pineapple chunks using a colander, ensuring minimal moisture remains to prevent diluting the creamy texture.
2. Select a spacious mixing vessel and combine the thoroughly drained tropical fruit medley with fluffy miniature marshmallows and delicate coconut shavings.
3. Incorporate whipped topping with a gentle folding technique, carefully blending ingredients to create a uniform, velvety consistency without deflating the airy cream.
4. Transfer the mixed confection into a sealed container, allowing it to rest and meld flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours or ideally overnight.
5. Before serving, give the ambrosia a light stir to redistribute the ingredients and ensure a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity elements.
6. Present the chilled dessert in decorative serving bowls, offering a refreshing and indulgent treat perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful after-dinner indulgence.

Notes

• Pat fruits completely dry to prevent watery texture and maintain the salad’s creamy consistency.
• Use full-fat whipped topping for richer flavor and smoother mouthfeel.
• Customize with additional mix-ins like chopped nuts or maraschino cherries for extra crunch and color.
• Make ahead and store in sealed container for up to 3 days, giving flavors time to meld together deliciously.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg