Grandma’s ambrosia salad filled with fresh coconut, pineapple, marshmallows and more. So creamy and absolutely delicious. This family favorite is one of my go-to easy fruit salad recipes!
Table of Contents
Ambrosia Salad (The Best Fruit Salad)
This creamy fruit salad, commonly known as ambrosia salad, is so yummy and is super easy to make! It’s always a favorite whenever I bring it to a potluck. The coconut and marshmallows are what really put it over the top. It’s super easy too, which is always a bonus! :)
This ambrosia salad is a family recipe that’s very dear to me. The recipe came from my Grandma and is a dish that my whole family loves, especially my Uncle Harold. He would make it every time I came to visit and called it his “special dish.” We all loved it and still try to make it often. It’s now one of my kid’s favorites too! Thanks to my grandma for this delicious ambrosia salad recipe :)
How to Make Cream Cheese Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces cream cheese
- 22 ounces mandarin oranges (drained)
- 20 ounces pineapple tid bits (drained)
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple (drained)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup coconut
Instructions:
First, whip the cream cheese in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Then fold in the drained fruit, marshmallows and coconut. Cover and let chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour prior to serving.
Modifications
- Can substitute cream cheese with sour cream if preferred.
- For a lighter version, try mixing together 8 ounces cool whip with 6 ounces greek yogurt.
- To add a crunch, mix in some chopped pecans.
- Add in some orange zest for an extra boost of fresh flavor.
- If you love cherries, feel free to fold in as many maraschino cherries as you’d like.
Can you Make Ambrosia Salad a Day Ahead?
One of the main questions I get about this recipe is if you can make it a day ahead. The answer is yes! It needs to chill in the refrigerator before serving anyways, so that the salad forms and the flavors marinate together. If making a day ahead, I would just drain some of the liquid the next day and stir very well before serving. It will taste just as yummy and delicious!
More Fruit Salad Recipes
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese , softened (could also substitute with sour cream)
- 22 ounces mandarin oranges , drained (2 cans)
- 20 ounces pineapple tid bits , drained (1 can)
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple , drained (1 can)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup coconut
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whip the cream cheese.
- Then fold in oranges, pineapple, marshmallows and coconut.
- Place salad in refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. Enjoy! :D
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
This recipe is a big time favorite of ours, thank you!
I forgot to add my rating. Definitely five stars!
So yummy! I took this to a Christmas party, and was told it was the best out of all of them there. This definitely will be my go-to recipe when I need to make ambrosia salad!
Looks great!
Love this recipe and salad!!!!!
What wouldn’t estimate the serving size to be for the given measurements? Should recipe be doubled for a pot luck setting?
Thanks for sharing.. looking forward to making!
Hi Lorena! It should serve 8-10 people!
Tried this earlier but it didn’t look as good as yours. Anyways, it tastes really great.
I always just throw a few marshmallows and coconut on the top for presentation! I’m glad you tried it! :)
Almost like yogurt, looks delicious!
Peaches
Agree!!! We luke ours with chopped mango too.
Mmmm that sounds delicious! I’m going to have to give that a try next time!
My oldest daughter is allergic to pineapple so we have to add different fruit.
Do you drain the cans of fruit? It doesn’t appear as though you do. Thank you!
You can drain all the cans of fruit! Also, if you want to add a little bit of pineapple juice to the cream cheese, it will make it a little more smooth!