Name: Ambrosia Fruit Salad- With Sour Cream and Cool Whip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup pecans (chopped); 8 oz cool whip; 1/2 cup sour cream; 11 oz mandarin oranges (drained); 20 oz crushed pineapple (drained); 10 oz maraschino cherries (drained); 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes; 2 cups miniature marshmallows

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Ambrosia Salad is an American variation of fruit salad that has been around for years.

It is a tasty combination of pineapple, oranges, cherries, pecans, and coconut, in a whipped cream mixture.

This classic "church salad" has been made for many church family gatherings, potlucks, backyard barbecues, and pig pickings.

It is quick and easy to make. Make Ambrosia Fruit Salad for your next gathering!

Ambrosia Salad in a a white serving bowl

Do you remember this classic dish from your childhood?

Ambrosia means, "Something something very pleasing to taste or smell." I remember as a child always seeing this colorful dish on the church potluck tables and being incredibly fascinated by the marshmallows and cherries.

I always placed a heaping scoopful on my plate and it was one of the first things I would dig into. Next, I would pick out the maraschino cherries, eat them first, then devour the rest.

It was indeed pleasing to taste. I wasn't afraid to go back for seconds.

I also remember ambrosia fruit salad on the table of my grandmother's family barbecues. She sometimes made this or alternated with watergate salad I miss my grandmother terribly.

Whenever I make this no-bake dessert, it makes me think of her, and brings back happy memories.

fruit salad with coconut and cherries on top

What is Ambrosia Fruit Salad Made Of?

To make this pretty ambrosia fruit salad, you will need the following ingredients:

maraschino cherries
mandarin oranges
crushed pineapple
sweetened coconut flakes
toasted chopped pecans
mini marshmallows
Cool Whip
sour cream

ambrosia salad in white bowl on a red plate

Do you have to use pecans?

The pecans give your salad a great crunch and texture. I do recommend using nuts, but if you do not want to use pecans, you can replace them with toasted walnuts, cashews, or almonds.

steps on How to make Ambrosia Salad process photos

How do you make Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia salad is crazy easy to make. Follow these steps:

Toast the pecans.
In a large mixing bowl mix, combine pecans, sour cream, cool whip, mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, 10 oz maraschino cherries, coconut flakes, and marshmallows.

You can serve immediately, but I like to chill mine at least an hour before serving.

Garnish Tip!

When making it, set aside a little of your coconut flakes and a few of your oranges and cherries. You can use them to garnish. It will make your ambrosia salad pretty!

Fruit salad with cherries, mandarin oranges, coconut, and cool whip

Looking for some more church potluck recipes? Try some of these:

If you liked this easy ambrosia salad recipe, please leave me a comment and tell me how it went. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers. xoxo!

Also post your picture of your ambrosia salad on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!