8 servings

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Recipe by: True Taste Buds

A light, fluffy, and nostalgic vintage Southern classic packed with vibrant fruit, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut, all folded into a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy creamy base.

★★★★★ 4.77 from 355 votes
PREP TIME 15 mins
COOK TIME mins
TOTAL TIME 15 mins
SERVINGS 8
Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 (11 ounce) can Mandarin oranges, drained well
  • 1 (20 ounce) can Pineapple tidbits, drained well
  • 1 (10 ounce) jar Maraschino cherries, drained and stems removed
  • 1 cup Green grapes, halved
  • 1 (8 ounce) container Frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 2 cups Mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup Sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup Chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

  1. Place a large colander or fine mesh strainer in your sink. Pour in your canned mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits. Give the strainer a very gentle shake to knock loose any trapped juices. Let the fruit sit and drain for at least ten to fifteen minutes. Drain the maraschino cherries in a separate smaller strainer.
  2. Scoop the entire container of thawed whipped topping into your oversized mixing bowl. Add the half cup of sour cream right on top. Use your silicone spatula to gently stir the two ingredients together until perfectly smooth.
  3. Add your thoroughly drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, and halved green grapes to the creamy base. Sprinkle in the shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and toasted chopped pecans. Slide your silicone spatula down the side of the bowl, sweep it across the bottom, and lift the cream mixture up and over the fruit. Turn the bowl slightly and repeat this motion until everything is just coated.
  4. Cover your large mixing bowl tightly with a layer of plastic wrap. Place the bowl in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill undisturbed for a minimum of one hour.

Notes

Tip: Take a paper towel and gently pat your drained maraschino cherries completely dry to prevent them from bleeding. Tip: Make sure your whipped topping is fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight before you begin. Tip: Always give the salad one final, very gentle fold right before serving to redistribute any cream that might have settled.

Nutrition

Calories: 245 | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 35mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 26g