Jump to RecipeJump to VideoLeave a ReviewPin Recipe

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

You just need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes for this easy Pink Ambrosia Salad recipe! Made with sweet fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy Cool Whip, the simple side dish is perfect with any holiday meal!

Overhead shot of pink ambrosia salad surrounded by flowers

Jell-O salads, Southern ambrosia recipes, and fruit salads with Cool Whip are a staple on just about every holiday table around here. Regardless of the occasion, there’s a perfectly sweet, fluffy dish that pairs perfectly with the savory entrées and sides!

What is ambrosia?

How about a little ambrosia salad history! The origin of ambrosia salad goes back to the late 19th century, and was named for the food of the Greek gods (source).

A classic ambrosia salad recipe is an American fruit salad that typically contains pineapple, mandarin oranges, miniature marshmallows and coconut. Some versions may also include maraschino cherries, sliced banana, grapes, strawberries or pecans. The dish is often dressed with either Cool Whip, sour cream, cream cheese, yogurt, or mayonnaise.

Close up front shot of a big bowl of Pink Ambrosia Salad with a serving spoon in the bowl

As much as I love our family’s original recipe for ambrosia, I also have fun experimenting with other sweet fruit salads. This pink version is definitely one of the best ambrosia salad recipes yet!

We call this “Pink Ambrosia” because the red maraschino cherries turn the Cool Whip a very pale pink color. It’s beautiful!

Is Ambrosia Salad a dessert?

We always serve this fruit salad as a side dish with a holiday meal, but it’s certainly sweet enough to qualify as a dessert. You decide when you offer it — anything goes (and it’s delicious at any time)!

Front shot of a bowl of Pink Ambrosia Salad with flowers in the background

How to make Ambrosia Salad:

This 5 minute recipe only requires 5 ingredients! You’ll need:

  • Maraschino cherries
  • Mandarin oranges
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Miniature marshmallows
  • Cool Whip

5 ingredients for Pink Ambrosia Salad

First, stir together the cherries, oranges, pineapple and marshmallows in a bowl.

Fruit and marshmallows in a glass mixing bowl

Gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve!

Pink Ambrosia Salad in a blue and white bowl with a pink and white stripe cloth napkin in the background

How long is Ambrosia good? How long does Ambrosia Salad last?

This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so it’s a great make ahead option! The fruit releases some liquid as it sits, so be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving. It’s best when consumed within 24 hours.

Can you freeze Ambrosia Salad?

I would not recommend freezing the leftovers. When it thaws, the salad will likely be watery and soggy.

What to serve with Ambrosia Salad:

Here are a few entrées that go well with the fruity side dish:

COOK’S TIPS AND RECIPE VARIATIONS:

  • When adding the Cool Whip to the salad, be sure to gently fold it in to the mixture. You want to maintain as much of the airy, fluffy texture as possible.
  • You can prepare this recipe in advance or serve it immediately. It’s best if enjoyed within 24 hours.
  • Feel free to add some sweetened shredded coconut or chopped pecans to this ambrosia as well!
  • Garnish with additional marshmallows or cherries, if desired!

Close overhead shot of bowl of Pink Ambrosia Salad

Other easy Ambrosia Salad recipes that you might enjoy:

Close overhead shot of bowl of Pink Ambrosia Salad

Pink Ambrosia Salad

5 from 3 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings 7 servings (1/2 cup each)
Calories 125.8 kcal
You just need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes for this easy Pink Ambrosia Salad recipe! Made with sweet fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy Cool Whip, the simple side dish is perfect with any holiday meal!

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained
  • 11 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup whipped topping, thawed (I used sugar free Cool Whip, but anything similar will work)

Instructions

  • Stir together first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl. Gently fold in the whipped topping until all of the fruit is completely coated.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 125.8kcalCarbohydrates: 28.5gProtein: 0.6gFat: 1.2gSaturated Fat: 1.2gSodium: 9.2mgPotassium: 74.1mgFiber: 1.3gSugar: 22.4g
Keyword: ambrosia salad, fluff salad, fruit salad
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Author: Blair Lonergan

This recipe was originally published in April, 2014. It was updated in March, 2019.

blair

Hey, I’m Blair!

Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!

Read More

Square overhead shot of hands serving a chicken pot pie recipe with biscuits
Overhead image of a bowl of chili mac on a dinner table with cornbread
Hands serving a platter of sheet pan sausage and potatoes

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. I remember eating this as a kid and loved it! I love the pink for spring, my kids will go into a diabetic coma after this. Definitely making it for Easter. Have a great weekend.

  2. This looks like such a fun recipe to make with the kids! I might have to try it after the sugar rush of Easter.

  3. 5 stars
    love this ‘salad’ pink or white or any color!! so delish! My mom always added some chopped pecans which gives it some crunchy goodness. Now I have to read the orange fluff one.

  4. 財布コピー、バッグコピー、腕時計コピー、ベルトコピー靴コピーネックレスコピー、手帳コピー、小物コピー、SS品、N品、価格激安、品質の保証,2015人気ブランド偽物,歓迎光臨楽天★ says:

    ┓┏┓┏┓
    財布コピー、バッグコピー、腕時計コピー、ベルトコピー靴コピーネックレスコピー、手帳コピー、小物コピー、SS品、N品、価格激安、品質の保証,2015人気ブランド偽物,歓迎光臨楽天★送料無料(日本全国)典雅気質!シャネルバッグCHH67723(*^^*)11月シャネル手作り新作(*^^*)時流の先端快適美品!シャネルブーツCH783283四季向け「 シャネル靴」最高な選択!ブランドコピー 代引きコピーブランド 代引きスーパーコピー 代引きスーパーコピーブランドバッグルイヴィトン コピーシャネル コピー https://www.msnbrand.com/brand-copy-IP-33.html

  5. Just a tip for families with milk intolerances – Nutri Whip topping is a great milk free substitute for cool whip or whip cream!

    1. Hi, Heather! Thanks for that tip! I’ve never heard of Nutri Whip, but it’s nice to know there’s an alternative out there. 🙂

    1. That’s great, Angel! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it! I agree — a holiday table wouldn’t be complete without a salad like this!

  6. im from east texas and this is mostd efinately on the table at every family function! now for the big question…where can i get that blue print china in your pics? my grandfather had this when i was a kid and i cannot find it anywhere. thank yoiu

    1. Hi, Danis! I have the Churchill Blue Willow pattern, which is available online and in stores. You can get some pieces on Amazon, and others on more specific specialty sites. Love it! 🙂

  7. 5 stars
    Yum. I’ve actually made this 3 times now but just getting around to reviewing it. So quick, simple, and delish. It’s become a family favorite. Thanks for sharing.