There is something truly magical about the Easter Ambrosia Salad that makes it the star of any spring gathering. This vibrant, creamy fruit salad is a nostalgic mix of sweet marshmallows, juicy mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries, all folded into a luscious sour cream dressing with a hint of vanilla. It’s a dish that brings together refreshing textures and flavors, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and crunch. Whether you’re looking for a festive side dish or a light dessert, this Easter Ambrosia Salad is bound to bring smiles to your table and create warm memories with family and friends.

Easter Ambrosia Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Easter Ambrosia Salad are wonderfully simple, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the salad’s irresistible taste and texture. Fresh fruit adds bright pops of flavor, marshmallows provide softness and chewiness, and the creamy dressing ties everything together with a smooth tanginess that’s simply divine.

Mini marshmallows: These add a sweet chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the juicy fruit.
Mandarin oranges, drained: Their vibrant citrus flavor adds freshness and a splash of color.
Pineapple chunks, drained: Sweet and slightly tart, pineapple gives a tropical twist that brightens the salad.
Shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened): Adds a subtle nutty sweetness and chewy texture.
Maraschino cherries, halved: Their bold red color and sugary flavor bring a festive touch to the mix.
Sour cream: Provides a creamy, tangy base that binds all the flavors together perfectly; Greek yogurt can be substituted for a lighter version.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): These add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor for added complexity.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the creaminess and enhances the sweetness.

How to Make Easter Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Combine the Fruit and Marshmallows

Start by gathering all your colorful fruits and mini marshmallows in a large bowl. Gently tossing these together ensures that every bite will deliver a medley of flavors. Be careful to mix lightly so the fruit remains in perfect chunks without turning mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream together with the vanilla extract until you get a silky smooth mixture. This dressing is where the salad gets its luscious, dreamy texture and subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweet fruits.

Step 3: Fold the Dressing into the Fruit

Pour the creamy mixture over the fruit and marshmallows, then carefully fold everything together. Folding, rather than stirring, keeps the fruit intact and evenly coats every morsel with that delicious dressing.

Step 4: Add Nuts for Crunch (Optional)

If you enjoy a bit of texture contrast, now’s the time to gently fold in your chopped pecans or walnuts. These nuts add a wonderful crunch and complement the fruity sweetness beautifully.

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Once everything is combined, transfer your Easter Ambrosia Salad to a serving dish and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors mingle and marry, making each bite even more delightful.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Bring your chilled salad to the table and watch as everyone dives in for a taste. The festive colors and fresh flavors make it an instant favorite at any Easter celebration or springtime meal.

How to Serve Easter Ambrosia Salad

Garnishes

Enhance the presentation of your Easter Ambrosia Salad with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few whole maraschino cherries on top. Not only will these garnishes add visual appeal, but they also offer extra texture and bursts of flavor that elevate the dish even more.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with classic Easter entrées like glazed ham, roasted turkey, or savory quiches. Its sweet brightness and creamy consistency provide a refreshing counterpoint to richer main dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Serve your Easter Ambrosia Salad in individual clear glass cups or mason jars. This way, the colorful layers shine through, making the salad as beautiful as it is delicious. For a fun twist, try hollowing out oranges and using the skins as natural serving bowls for a charming presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your celebration, store any leftover Easter Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first day to keep the marshmallows from absorbing too much moisture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of the fresh fruit and marshmallows will degrade when thawed, resulting in a mushy and less enjoyable dish.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold and should not be reheated. Instead, give it a gentle stir if the dressing separates slightly after refrigeration, and enjoy it fresh for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream if you want a lighter version. It adds a similar tangy creaminess without as much fat.

Is it okay to use canned fruit for Easter Ambrosia Salad?

Absolutely! Just make sure to drain the fruit well to avoid excess liquid making the salad soggy. Fresh fruit can be used too, but canned is convenient and delicious.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To create a vegan version, use coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative and ensure your marshmallows are gelatin-free. The result is just as delightful and perfect for all guests.

What nuts work best in this salad?

Chopped pecans or walnuts are the traditional choices, offering great texture and flavor. However, toasted almonds or pistachios could also add a unique crunch.

How far in advance can I prepare Easter Ambrosia Salad?

You can prepare this salad up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated, but any longer and the marshmallows may start to lose their texture. For best results, make it fresh the same day or the day before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a bowl of Easter Ambrosia Salad with your loved ones during the holidays or any special spring occasion. Its delightful combination of flavors, textures, and colors makes it a timeless favorite that’s sure to bring joy and brighten up your table. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s easy to make, refreshing, and truly a celebration on a plate. Enjoy every spoonful!

Easter Ambrosia Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Easter Ambrosia Salad that combines sweet mini marshmallows, juicy mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries, all coated in a creamy vanilla-infused sour cream dressing. Optional chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, making this salad a refreshing and festive addition to your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Mix-ins

1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
1 cup maraschino cherries, halved

Dressing

1 cup sour cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

Combine fruits and marshmallows: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and halved maraschino cherries. Gently toss them together until evenly mixed to ensure every bite has a good balance of flavors.
Prepare the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which will add sweetness and a fragrant note to the salad.
Mix dressing with fruit: Pour the sour cream mixture over the fruit and marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the dressing into the ingredients to coat them evenly without breaking up the fruits.
Add nuts: If using, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts now to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
Chill: Transfer the ambrosia salad to a serving dish or storage container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly before serving.
Serve: Serve the Easter Ambrosia Salad chilled as a sweet and refreshing side dish or dessert, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Notes

Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangier version.
Use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut based on your preference for sweetness.
For added texture, you can substitute or add other nuts like almonds or cashews.
This salad is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish, Dessert
Method: No-cook, Mix and Chill
Cuisine: American