Ambrosia Salad: No More Soggy Fruit!

Posted on April 13, 2025

Isn’t it just the worst when your beautiful Ambrosia salad turns into a watery, sad mess before you even get a chance to enjoy a second helping? I’ve been there! But fear no more, because I’ve discovered a simple, almost magical trick that will keep your fruit perfectly plump and the salad as creamy as can be. This Ambrosia salad recipe is about to become your go-to for potlucks, holidays, and any time you crave a taste of sweet, fruity nostalgia. Get ready for the best Ambrosia Salad you’ve ever tasted!

Why You’ll Love This Ambrosia Salad

This isn’t your grandma’s soggy Ambrosia! Here’s why you’ll be making this recipe again and again:

No More Soggy Fruit: Our secret weapon is all about proper draining, ensuring a creamy, not watery, salad.
Perfectly Sweet: The combination of fruit and marshmallows creates a delightful sweetness that’s balanced by the tang of sour cream.
Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and no cooking! Just mix, chill, and enjoy.
Crowd-Pleasing: Ambrosia is a classic for a reason! It’s always a hit at gatherings.
Customizable: Feel free to add your own personal touch with different fruits or toppings.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad

Let’s talk ingredients! The key to a truly exceptional Ambrosia salad lies in the quality and preparation of each component. We’re aiming for a symphony of sweet, tangy, and creamy textures that will transport you back to your childhood (in the best way possible!).

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert salad:

Canned Mandarin Oranges: One 15-ounce can. Draining these well is crucial! These little bursts of citrus provide a bright, juicy element that complements the other sweet ingredients.
Canned Pineapple Chunks: One 20-ounce can. Again, proper draining is key to prevent a watery salad. Pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and a slightly chewy texture.
Miniature Marshmallows: One cup. These iconic little pillows add sweetness and a delightful soft texture. You can use colored marshmallows for a festive touch, especially around the holidays.
Sour Cream: One cup. Don’t skip this! Sour cream adds a crucial tang that balances the sweetness of the fruit and marshmallows. It also provides the creamy base for the salad. Full-fat sour cream will give you the richest flavor and texture.
Shredded Coconut: 1/2 cup. Coconut adds a slightly nutty flavor and a pleasant chewy texture. Use sweetened or unsweetened coconut, depending on your preference. If you are not a fan of coconut, you can omit it altogether.
Maraschino Cherries: 1/4 cup, halved. These add a pop of color and a classic sweet cherry flavor. Be sure to drain them well, too!
Pastel Candy-Coated Chocolate Eggs (for decoration): These are optional, but they add a festive touch, especially for spring holidays like Easter.
Sprinkles (for decoration): Because who doesn’t love sprinkles? These are also optional, but they add a fun and colorful finishing touch.

Crafting Your Ambrosia Salad: Step-by-Step

Ready to make some Ambrosia magic? Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is incredibly simple, and with a few key techniques, you’ll be enjoying a perfectly creamy, non-soggy salad in no time. The most important part is properly draining the canned fruit, so let’s dive in!

The Draining Game is Strong: This is the most important step! The secret to avoiding a watery Ambrosia salad lies in thoroughly draining the canned fruit. Place the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks in separate colanders. Line each colander with a clean paper towel – this helps to catch even the smallest bits of juice. Gently press down on the fruit with another paper towel to remove as much excess liquid as possible. Let them drain for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The drier the fruit, the better!
The Gentle Fold: In a large bowl, gently fold together the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, sour cream, shredded coconut, and halved maraschino cherries. Folding, rather than stirring, helps to keep the fruit intact and prevents the marshmallows from getting too squished.
Presentation Matters: Transfer the Ambrosia salad to a pretty serving bowl. This makes it look even more appealing!
Decorate and Delight: Now for the fun part! Decorate the salad with pastel candy-coated chocolate eggs and sprinkles. Get creative and make it your own!
Chill Out: Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or even better, 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the salad to firm up slightly. Patience is a virtue when it comes to Ambrosia!

Tips for Perfect Ambrosia Salad Every Time

Want to take your Ambrosia salad to the next level? Here are a few pro tips and variations to ensure a delicious and memorable dessert:

Drain, Drain, Drain!: Seriously, can’t emphasize this enough. The drier the fruit, the better the salad. Consider letting the fruit drain for even longer than 30 minutes, especially if you’re making the salad ahead of time.
Use Full-Fat Sour Cream: It provides the best flavor and texture. Reduced-fat sour cream can be used, but the salad won’t be as rich and creamy.
Add a Little Crunch: For a textural contrast, consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts.
Make it Ahead: Ambrosia salad is a great make-ahead dessert. It can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Storage: Store leftover Ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the marshmallows may start to dissolve slightly over time.
Spice it Up (Cinnamon): For a slightly warmer flavor, a dash of cinnamon can transform the taste and elevate the experience of eating ambrosia.

What to Serve With Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a dessert, a side dish, or even a light meal. It pairs well with a variety of other dishes. For a complete meal, you might consider serving it alongside a savory dish like cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole or a simple sandwich. It’s also a great addition to a potluck or holiday buffet.

Your Ambrosia Salad Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

While you can use fresh fruit, canned fruit is traditionally used in Ambrosia salad and provides a consistent level of sweetness and moisture. If you do use fresh fruit, be sure to choose fruits that are not overly juicy, such as grapes, mandarin oranges, or pineapple. Also, be aware that fresh fruit may release more liquid over time, potentially leading to a slightly soggier salad. Consider adding a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the sour cream to help absorb any excess liquid.

Can I make Ambrosia salad dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream substitute. Be sure to choose an unsweetened option to avoid making the salad too sweet.

Can I add other fruits to Ambrosia salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Ambrosia salad with your favorite fruits. Some popular additions include grapes, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. Just be sure to drain any excess juice from the fruit before adding it to the salad.

Why is my Ambrosia salad watery?

The most common reason for a watery Ambrosia salad is not draining the canned fruit thoroughly enough. Be sure to follow the instructions in the recipe and drain the fruit for at least 30 minutes, pressing down to remove as much excess juice as possible. You can also line the colander with a paper towel to help absorb even more liquid.

Can I freeze Ambrosia salad?

Freezing Ambrosia salad is not recommended. The marshmallows will become hard and the fruit will become mushy when thawed. The texture of the sour cream may also change, resulting in a less desirable salad.

Enjoy Your Homemade Ambrosia Salad!

And there you have it – a classic Ambrosia salad recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! The key to success lies in the proper draining of the fruit, which ensures a creamy, not watery, texture. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you’re craving a sweet and nostalgic treat. Now it’s your turn to try this recipe and experience the joy of a perfectly made Ambrosia salad! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!