Introduction to Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad is a sweet, old-fashioned side that needs no oven and very little preparation. Mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows come together in a colorful bowl that feels right at a holiday table.
This version keeps the ingredient list short and lets the fruit juices lightly coat the coconut and marshmallows as the salad chills. It is best made ahead, giving the marshmallows time to soften slightly while the coconut picks up the citrus and cherry flavors.
Why You'll Love This Ambrosia Salad
- This salad uses only four ingredients and takes about 20 minutes to assemble.
- There is no cooking, baking, or complicated dressing to prepare.
- The bright colors make it a cheerful addition to a Thanksgiving dessert table.
- You can make it several hours ahead and keep it chilled until serving.
- The soft marshmallows, juicy oranges, chewy coconut, and cherries give every spoonful a different texture.
Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad
- Mandarin Oranges
- Maraschino Cherries
- Shredded Coconut
- Mini Marshmallows
Drain the Mandarin Oranges and Maraschino Cherries well before mixing. Excess liquid can make the salad watery, but reserve a tablespoon or two of the fruit juice if the finished mixture needs a little moisture after chilling.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
Step 1: Drain the Fruit
Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or measuring cup. Pour in the Mandarin Oranges and let them drain for several minutes. Drain the Maraschino Cherries separately, then gently pat both fruits with paper towels. If the cherries are whole, cut them in half so their color and flavor distribute more evenly.
Step 2: Check the Coconut
Place the Shredded Coconut in a large mixing bowl and break apart any clumps with clean fingers or a fork. If the coconut is very long, you can snip it into shorter pieces with clean kitchen shears, although this is optional. Shorter strands make the salad easier to scoop and eat.
Step 3: Combine the Fruit
Add the drained Mandarin Oranges and halved Maraschino Cherries to the bowl with the coconut. Fold slowly with a rubber spatula so the orange segments stay as intact as possible. Mixing the fruit first helps spread the juices through the coconut without crushing the oranges.
Step 4: Add the Marshmallows
Fold in the Mini Marshmallows until they are evenly distributed. Use slow turns from the bottom of the bowl rather than stirring quickly. This keeps the orange segments from breaking and prevents the marshmallows from being compressed into a sticky layer.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The salad is also fine to chill for up to 8 hours before serving. During this time, the coconut and marshmallows will absorb some of the fruit juices. If the mixture looks dry after chilling, fold in 1 tablespoon of reserved mandarin or cherry juice at a time.
Step 6: Stir and Serve
Give the ambrosia salad one gentle fold just before serving. Transfer it to a clean serving bowl, or spoon it into individual dessert cups. Keep it refrigerated until it is time to eat, and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly after the meal.
Tips for Success
- Drain both kinds of fruit thoroughly so the salad stays spoonable instead of watery.
- Use a large bowl to give the ingredients room to fold together without crushing the orange segments.
- Cut whole cherries in half for a more even distribution and easier serving.
- Chill the salad for at least 1 hour so the marshmallows soften slightly and the mixture comes together.
- For food safety, keep the salad at 40°F or below and refrigerate it within 2 hours of serving, or within 1 hour if the room is above 90°F.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Rubber spatula
Variations
- Use sweetened or unsweetened Shredded Coconut according to your preference; sweetened coconut will make the salad more dessert-like.
- For smaller portions, halve the recipe and serve it in small glasses or custard cups.
- Fold in a few extra halved Maraschino Cherries on top just before serving for a more finished look.
- Add the drained fruit and coconut to the bowl several hours ahead, then fold in the Mini Marshmallows closer to serving for a slightly firmer texture.
- For a holiday buffet, spoon the salad into a chilled serving bowl and garnish with a few Mandarin Oranges and Maraschino Cherries from the measured ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve ambrosia salad cold as part of a Thanksgiving dessert spread or alongside the meal as a sweet side. A slotted serving spoon works well if any juice settles at the bottom. Leftovers should be covered and refrigerated, and they are best used within 3 to 4 days. Do not leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, since the fruit mixture should remain properly chilled.
FAQs about Ambrosia Salad
Can I make ambrosia salad ahead of time? Yes. Prepare it up to 8 hours ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Fold it gently before serving. The marshmallows will soften as the salad rests, so making it several hours ahead gives the mixture a more unified texture.
Why is my ambrosia salad watery? The fruit may not have been drained long enough, or the salad may have been mixed while the fruit was still carrying a lot of liquid. Drain the fruit thoroughly, pat it dry, and add the marshmallows only after the excess juice has been removed. If liquid collects after chilling, gently fold the salad and serve it with a slotted spoon.
How long does ambrosia salad last in the refrigerator? Keep it covered in a refrigerator at 40°F or below and use it within 3 to 4 days. The texture will become softer over time, and the fruit may release more liquid. Discard it if it has been left out longer than the recommended food-safety window.
Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned Mandarin Oranges? Fresh orange segments can work, but they will have a different texture and may release less juice. Peel away excess white pith, separate the segments, and remove seeds before adding them. The recipe is written for canned Mandarin Oranges because they are tender and convenient.
Is ambrosia salad a dessert or a side dish? It can be served either way. At Thanksgiving, many families serve it as a sweet side with the main meal, while others place it on the dessert table. Its role depends on your menu and family tradition.
Final Thoughts
Ambrosia salad is a practical choice when the oven is busy and the holiday menu needs one more colorful dish. With just four ingredients and a short chill, it brings a soft, sweet contrast to a Thanksgiving spread without adding another cooking project.
Looking for more? This recipe is part of our roundup of 4 Thanksgiving Dessert Salads For An Easy Make-Ahead Finish.
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Drain the Mandarin Oranges and Maraschino Cherries well, then halve the cherries.
- Fold the fruit and Shredded Coconut together in a large bowl.
- Add the Mini Marshmallows and fold gently until evenly distributed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Fold gently before serving and keep leftovers refrigerated.
Nutrition
Notes
- Drain the fruit thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
- Keep the salad at 40°F or below and refrigerate it within 2 hours.
- Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.
