Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

If you grew up in the South, chances are you’ve seen Ambrosia Fruit Salad gracing more than one holiday table. This Southern Ambrosia Salad recipe is as much a part of gatherings as deviled eggs and sweet tea: creamy, colorful, and delightfully nostalgic. It’s perfect for Easter brunch, summer cookouts, Christmas dinner, or just because.

Simple Southern meals for smaller households, reinvented.

This Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip is a make-ahead, no-cook dessert featuring pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, grapes, marshmallows, coconut, and pecans in a fluffy whipped topping. Sweet, creamy, and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a classic crowd-pleaser for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight treats.

Why you’ll love this recipe (and make it again and again)

This Ambrosia Fruit Salad recipe is perfect because:

• Like my old-fashioned ambrosia made with just oranges, it’s quick, no cooking, minimal chopping, and ready in half an hour.
• The creamy Cool Whip dressing perfectly coats the fruit for that dreamy texture.
• Like my Southern grape salad, it’s nostalgic, a true Southern tradition that never goes out of style.
• You can make it ahead of time so the flavors meld beautifully.
• Cooking for just two? This Ambrosia Fruit Salad can easily be halved, though the full batch disappears surprisingly fast, especially if you have friends or family to share it with.

Ingredient notes and smart swaps

Let’s talk ingredients: what you need, what you can swap, and how to make it work with what’s in your pantry. These are the main ingredients; this easy dessert uses simple, affordable ingredients with plenty of room for variation. The complete list is provided in the recipe card below.

• Very cherry fruit cocktail – Canned fruit with extra cherries for sweetness.
• Mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits – Sweet-tart citrus balance. Fresh pineapple works too for a brighter flavor.
• Maraschino cherries – Halved for color and flavor pops.
• Green grapes – Fresh crunch that balances the creamy texture. You can substitute red or purple grapes.
• Mini marshmallows – A fluffy, fun addition; add just before serving for maximum softness.
• Cool Whip (extra creamy) – The classic choice; swap with homemade whipped cream or a whipped cream + Greek yogurt blend for tang. Some Southern cooks also use a sour cream and Cool Whip mix for a slightly tart edge.

Fun twists and tasty variations

• Tropical Ambrosia Salad – Add mango, kiwi, and toasted coconut.
• Fresh pineapple ambrosia – Use fresh pineapple for a juicy, bright flavor.
• Berry Ambrosia Salad – Swap in strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a summery version.
• Yogurt Ambrosia Salad – Replace half the Cool Whip with vanilla Greek yogurt.
• Ambrosia trifle – Layer the salad with cubes of pound cake in a trifle dish for a show-stopping dessert.

Making this simple Ambrosia Salad recipe couldn’t be easier:

1. Combine the fruit. In a large bowl, mix drained fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, and grapes.

2. Add the extras. Stir in mini marshmallows, coconut, and pecans.

3. Fold in the cream. Gently fold Cool Whip into the fruit mixture until everything is coated.

4. Chill and serve. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

What to serve with Ambrosia Fruit Salad

This creamy Southern dessert salad is a versatile side or sweet finish that pairs beautifully with many Practical Southern Cooking favorites:

• French Onion Bake – The rich, savory flavors of baked onions and cheese balance Ambrosia’s sweetness perfectly.
• Mushroom Pork Chops – Hearty and comforting, these pork chops make Ambrosia a refreshing, light dessert.
• Pecan Crusted Chicken – The nutty crunch complements the creamy, fruity salad for a Southern supper you’ll remember.
• Four Cheese Mac and Cheese – For holidays or Sunday dinners, this combo is pure comfort food bliss.

Whether it’s a holiday spread or a casual weekend meal, Ambrosia Fruit Salad rounds out the table with a pop of color and a sweet, nostalgic touch.

Shortcut to supper (time-saving tips)

This dish already comes together in minutes, but you can save even more time by:

• Using pre-chopped pecans and pre-shredded coconut.
• Prepping the fruit mixture in the morning, then folding in marshmallows and Cool Whip just before serving for the fluffiest marshmallows.

Storing leftovers (keep it fresh!)

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Stir gently before serving. This salad is not freezer-friendly.

Supper and then some (reimagining leftovers)

Leftover Ambrosia is never a problem; it’s an opportunity! Here’s how to turn it into something new:

• Breakfast treat: Spoon it over pancakes, waffles, or Greek yogurt.
• Layered dessert: Serve over angel food cake or pound cake for a quick trifle.
• Sweet snack: Enjoy a small bowl with a sprinkle of granola for crunch.

Southern Shortcut: Even if you’re cooking for just two, make the full recipe. It keeps beautifully for 2–3 days, and you’ll thank yourself when dessert is already waiting in the fridge.

Make it ahead (plan and prep tips)

Ambrosia Salad is a make-ahead friendly dessert. Assemble all of the ingredients except the marshmallows up to a day in advance, then stir in marshmallows just before serving for maximum fluffiness.

Recipe FAQs

Pro tips for foolproof results

• Drain the fruit very well—excess juice makes the salad runny.
• Chill the salad for the flavors to develop.
• Try toasting the pecans for a deeper flavor and aroma.

More sweet Southern favorites

More sweet recipes are coming soon! Bookmark Practical Southern Cooking so you don’t miss a bite!

Whether you grew up with Ambrosia Fruit Salad or you’re trying it for the first time, this sweet, creamy classic has a way of bringing smiles to the table. It’s proof that the simplest recipes, just a few pantry staples and a chilled bowl, can create the fondest memories.