Ambrosia Salad, Light, Fluffy, and Delicious

Ambrosia Salad is a bright and fluffy treat that brings together the sweet flavors of mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and shredded coconut, all wrapped up in a creamy, light dressing.…

By Julia • November 2, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Ambrosia Salad is a bright and fluffy treat that brings together the sweet flavors of mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and shredded coconut, all wrapped up in a creamy, light dressing. It’s a classic fruit salad that feels a little like a party in your mouth with every spoonful, combining juicy fruit and creamy textures that just melt together perfectly.

I love making Ambrosia Salad, especially when I want something refreshing but still a little special. It’s one of those dishes that feels homemade and comforting but also looks beautiful on the table with its soft white cream and pops of orange and yellow fruit. I usually like to toss in some mini marshmallows for a little extra chewiness—makes it even more fun to eat!

Ambrosia Salad is my go-to side for potlucks, family dinners, or when I want a simple dessert. It’s light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down, but sweet enough to satisfy my cravings. Plus, it’s super easy to make ahead and chill in the fridge so the flavors can really blend together nicely. I always find myself going back for seconds—and sometimes thirds!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Mandarin Oranges & Pineapple: These canned fruits add sweetness and juiciness. Drain well to avoid too much liquid. Fresh can work too, but canned gives that classic soft bite I like.

Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows give fluffy texture and a mild sweetness. If you prefer less sugar, you can reduce the amount or skip them altogether, but they do add a fun chewiness.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: I use Greek yogurt for a lighter and tangier taste, but sour cream keeps it creamy and traditional. For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt.

Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut adds a tropical flavor and texture contrast. Unsweetened coconut works if you want less sweetness.

Nuts: Pecans or walnuts are optional but add lovely crunch. If you have allergies or dislike nuts, just leave them out.

How Do You Keep Ambrosia Salad Light and Fluffy?

The key is folding, not stirring hard, to keep the fruit pieces and marshmallows intact.

• Start by mixing fruits gently in a big bowl so nothing gets crushed.
• Add the marshmallows and coconut, folding them in carefully.
• When adding sour cream or yogurt, gently fold it in with a spatula—this helps keep the salad airy and fluffy.
• Chill the salad for at least an hour. This allows flavors to blend and helps the salad firm up slightly without losing fluffiness.
• Just before serving, give a light stir to fluff everything up again.

Taking your time with the folding and chilling steps will make the salad lighter and more enjoyable!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl – big enough to gently toss all the fruit and marshmallows without crushing them.
• Rubber spatula – perfect for folding in the sour cream or yogurt without mashing the ingredients.
• Measuring cups – to get the fruit and marshmallows just right for balance.
• Colander or strainer – helps drain canned fruit well to avoid watery salad.
• Serving bowl – choose one that shows off the pretty colors of the salad.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Try adding chopped apples for a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the soft fruit.
• Swap in canned peach slices instead of pineapple for a sweeter, milder flavor.
• Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to add a nutty crunch and richness.
• Use coconut flakes or toasted coconut for a deeper coconut flavor and a bit more texture.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad, Light, Fluffy, and Delicious

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Fruit & Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup canned mandarin orange segments, drained
• 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
• 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved or whole
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows (optional extra for fluff)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 cherry, for garnish

Dressing:

• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for lightness)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Ambrosia Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare with a quick toss of fruits and marshmallows, folding in the dressing. Then, chill it for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the salad firm up to the perfect fluffy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine the Fruit:

In a large mixing bowl, add the drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple chunks, and green and red grapes. Gently toss them together to mix evenly without squishing the fruit.

2. Add Marshmallows and Coconut:

Sprinkle the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut over the fruit. Toss gently again to combine all ingredients nicely.

3. Fold in the Dressing:

Carefully fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt using a spatula or large spoon. This slow folding helps keep the salad light and fluffy without crushing any fruit.

4. Add Nuts and Extra Marshmallows (Optional):

If you like a bit of crunch, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts. You may also add extra miniature marshmallows here for more fluffiness.

5. Chill and Fluff:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This lets all the flavors come together and the salad to become pleasantly firm but still airy.

6. Serve and Garnish:

Before serving, gently stir the salad to fluff it up. Transfer to a serving dish if you wish, then top with a bright red cherry to add a classic finishing touch.

Can I Use Fresh Fruit Instead of Canned?

Absolutely! Fresh mandarin oranges, pineapple, and grapes work great. Just make sure to peel, core, and chop the fruit into bite-sized pieces for the best texture and flavor.

What’s the Best Way to Store Ambrosia Salad?

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but chilling helps the flavors meld nicely. Give it a gentle stir before serving.

Can I Make Ambrosia Salad Dairy-Free?

Yes! Swap the sour cream or Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt to keep it creamy while making it dairy-free.

How Can I Make the Salad Extra Fluffy?

Folding in the dressing gently and adding extra miniature marshmallows helps maintain a light, airy texture. Also, chilling the salad for at least an hour before serving is key!