Creamy Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip and Fruit

This Ambrosia Salad made with Cool Whip is a creamy, refreshing fruit salad that combines mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, pineapple tidbits, sweetened shredded coconut, and mini fruit-flavored marshmallows. It’s simple to prepare, travels well for picnics, and is a classic favorite at holiday gatherings.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Cool Whip

Ambrosia salad strikes a satisfying balance between dessert and fruit. The smooth whipped topping mixed with a touch of vanilla yogurt creates a light, sweet dressing that coats the fruit and mini marshmallows. The coconut adds a tropical note while the mandarin oranges and pineapple bring bright, juicy bursts of flavor. Maraschino cherries add pops of color and sweetness.

This version is straightforward, forgiving, and perfect for adapting to what you have on hand. It’s ideal when you want a simple make-ahead side or a sweet, fruity dessert for family get-togethers.

What is Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia salad is a creamy fruit salad popular in many regions of the United States. It traditionally contains a whipped topping or whipped cream mixed with canned or fresh fruit, marshmallows, and shredded sweetened coconut. The finished salad is served chilled and is often featured at holiday tables, summer potlucks, and family reunions.

Watergate Salad vs Ambrosia Salad

Though both are retro “salads” that combine sweet ingredients with a creamy base, Watergate salad and ambrosia salad are different. Watergate typically uses pistachio instant pudding mix and often includes nuts, giving it a green color and a nutty crunch. Ambrosia keeps a lighter appearance with whipped topping and coconut, and it usually focuses on tropical fruit and marshmallows rather than pudding and nuts.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad Ingredients

• Cool Whip or another frozen whipped topping, thawed
• Vanilla yogurt – adds subtle tang and softens the overall sweetness
• Sweetened shredded coconut – for texture and a tropical flavor
• Mandarin oranges – drained well to prevent excess liquid
• Pineapple tidbits – drained for even distribution without large chunks
• Maraschino cherries – drained and halved if desired for bite-sized pieces
• Mini fruit-flavored marshmallows – colorful and fun, they help create that classic ambrosia texture
• Optional toppings – chopped apples, chopped pecans, or banana slices can be added just before serving

How to Make Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip

Making ambrosia salad is quick and forgiving. The steps below yield a creamy, well-balanced fruit salad that holds up for several days in the refrigerator.

1. In a very large bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping and vanilla yogurt. Stir until smooth and evenly blended.
2. Gently fold in the shredded sweetened coconut, drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple tidbits, drained maraschino cherries, and mini marshmallows. Fold just until everything is evenly coated; avoid overmixing to keep the marshmallows fluffy.
3. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and the salad firm slightly. If using optional toppings such as bananas or apples, add them right before serving to prevent browning.

How Long is Ambrosia Salad Good For?

You can prepare ambrosia salad the night before serving. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will maintain good quality for up to three days. After that it may start to weep and the marshmallows may soften further.

Can You Freeze Ambrosia Salad?

Freezing ambrosia salad is not recommended because the texture changes significantly when thawed; the fruit and whipped topping can separate and become watery. If you must freeze it, use an airtight, freezer-safe container and plan to serve it frozen as a slushy dessert rather than thawed.

Tools You Need

• Large mixing bowl with a lid for easy chilling and transport
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowls or dessert dishes for presentation

More Fruit Salad Ideas

If you enjoy ambrosia salad, you might also like other creamy fruit salads and dessert-style salads that pair well with family meals and holiday spreads. Try variations with different fruit combinations, add a nut for crunch, or swap the yogurt for sour cream for a tangier dressing.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

Servings: 14 (about 7 cups) | Prep time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Cool Whip or other frozen whipped topping, thawed
• ½ cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 15-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
• 8 ounces pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
• 1 ¾ cups mini fruit-flavored marshmallows
• Optional: chopped apples, chopped pecans, or sliced bananas

Instructions

• Combine the whipped topping and vanilla yogurt in a large bowl and stir until smooth.
• Fold in the coconut, mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, and marshmallows until evenly combined.
• Cover and chill for about 1 hour before serving. Add optional toppings just before serving if desired.

Notes

• Storing: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended. If frozen, expect texture changes; serve frozen as a novelty if you choose to freeze it.

Nutrition (approx.)

Calories: 133 kcal per serving. Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a guideline only.