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Top view of a clear glass bowl filled with Ambrosia Fruit Salad, showing textures of shredded coconut and mini marshmallows.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad: The Ultimate Creamy Retro Dessert

This classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad features a thick, creamy whipped dressing, soft mini marshmallows, and vibrant fruit. A nostalgic, cloud-like dessert perfect for potlucks, holidays, or summer BBQs that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups (475ml) Heavy Whipping Cream Whipped to stiff peaks (or use 8oz whipped topping)
  • 2 cups (100g) Mini Marshmallows Fresh and soft
  • 15 oz (425g) Mandarin Orange Segments Canned, drained thoroughly
  • 20 oz (565g) Pineapple Tidbits Canned, drained thoroughly
  • 1 cup (150g) Green Grapes Halved
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Maraschino Cherries Drained and patted dry
  • 1 cup (80g) Shredded Coconut Flakes Sweetened, thin flakes

Equipment

  • 1 Large Glass Serving Bowl Clear glass is best for visual appeal.
  • 1 Fine-mesh Sieve For draining canned fruit.
  • 1 Rubber Spatula For gentle folding.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the mandarin orange segments and pineapple tidbits in a sieve to drain for 20 minutes to prevent a watery salad.
  2. Halve the green grapes and pat the maraschino cherries completely dry with a paper towel.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, whisk the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, or prepare your whipped topping.
  2. Gently fold the mini marshmallows, drained fruit, and half of the coconut into the cream using a rubber spatula.
  3. Transfer to a clear glass bowl. Top with remaining coconut flakes and extra cherries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

Ensure fruit is bone-dry to keep the dressing thick.
The marshmallows soften significantly after 4 hours of chilling.