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Overhead smartphone photo of Ambrosia Fruit Salad in a glass bowl with mandarin segments and fluffy marshmallows. (Ambrosia Fruit Salad)

Ambrosia Fruit Salad: The Ultimate Creamy Southern Classic Recipe

A nostalgic, Southern-style Ambrosia Fruit Salad featuring a thick whipped cream and sour cream dressing, fluffy marshmallows, and vibrant fruit. Perfectly balanced, creamy, and designed to stay fluffy for holiday gatherings or summer potlucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) Heavy Whipping Cream Chilled
  • 1 cup (240ml) Full-Fat Sour Cream Cold
  • 2 cups (100g) Mini Marshmallows White and fluffy
  • 15 oz (425g) Mandarin Orange Segments Drained thoroughly
  • 20 oz (565g) Pineapple Tidbits Drained thoroughly
  • 1 cup (150g) Green Grapes Sliced in half
  • 1/2 cup (115g) Maraschino Cherries Patted dry with paper towels
  • 1 cup (90g) Sweetened Shredded Coconut

Equipment

  • 1 Large Clear Glass Bowl To showcase the colorful fruit.
  • 1 Electric Hand Mixer For whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
  • 1 Silicone Spatula For gentle folding.
  • 1 Fine-mesh Sieve To thoroughly drain canned fruit.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits in a fine mesh sieve. Allow to drain for 10 minutes to ensure no excess syrup thins the dressing.
  2. Place maraschino cherries on paper towels and pat firmly until they no longer release red dye.
Assembly
  1. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. The texture should be thick and airy.
  2. Gently fold the sour cream into the whipped cream using a spatula until smooth and thick.
  3. Fold in the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut. These help build the structural base of the salad.
  4. Gently fold in the drained oranges, pineapple, grapes, and finally the cherries. Mix until fruit is partially submerged in the white cream.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften.

Notes

Thoroughly dry your maraschino cherries to prevent the white dressing from turning pink.
For a thicker dressing, use full-fat sour cream rather than light versions.