Mandarin Orange Ambrosia Salad
Description
Mandarin Orange Ambrosia Salad is a light, creamy, sweet fruit salad made with juicy mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, marshmallows, and whipped topping. It comes together quickly with no cooking required, making it ideal for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, and summer gatherings.
Servings
6–8 servings
Prep Time
15 minutes
Chill Time
1–2 hours
Total Time
About 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cans (11 oz/312 g each) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 oz/567 g) crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped topping, such as Cool Whip
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar, optional, depending on desired sweetness
- A few extra mandarin orange segments and coconut for garnish
Instructions
- Drain the fruit: Drain the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple very well. Excess liquid can make the salad watery.
- Make the creamy mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the whipped topping, sour cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar if using.
- Add the fruit: Fold in the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple carefully so the orange segments remain intact.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Fold in the shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and nuts if using.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Two hours gives the flavors more time to blend.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with mandarin orange segments and a little shredded coconut.
Recipe Notes
- Drain thoroughly: This is the most important step for a thick, creamy ambrosia salad.
- Fresh or canned fruit: Canned mandarin oranges work particularly well because they are sweet and tender.
- Nuts are optional: Leave them out for a nut-free version.
- Texture: For a softer, more traditional ambrosia, refrigerate overnight. For more marshmallow texture, serve within a few hours.
- Sweetness: Taste the creamy mixture before adding powdered sugar because the fruit and marshmallows are already sweet.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free whipped topping and dairy-free sour cream.
Tips for the Best Ambrosia Salad
1. Don’t skip the draining.
Press or strain the pineapple well and allow the mandarin oranges to drain completely.
2. Fold gently.
Mandarin oranges can break apart easily, so avoid vigorous stirring.
3. Chill before serving.
At least one hour of refrigeration improves both flavor and texture.
4. Add nuts just before serving.
If you prefer a crunchy texture, add pecans or walnuts shortly before serving.
5. Don’t overmix.
Overmixing can crush the fruit and make the salad watery.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving, assuming 8 servings and including pecans. Actual values vary according to brands and ingredient quantities.
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Sodium | 55 mg |
| Calcium | 45 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Benefits
- Mandarin oranges provide vitamin C and contribute antioxidants.
- Pineapple provides vitamin C and manganese.
- Coconut adds some fiber and fat.
- Pecans or walnuts provide unsaturated fats and some protein.
- Fruit-based ingredients make this a flavorful way to add fruit to a meal.
Because this is a sweet dessert salad containing marshmallows and whipped topping, it is best considered an occasional treat rather than a substitute for a serving of fresh fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Mandarin Orange Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
Yes. It can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated. For the freshest texture, garnish immediately before serving.
How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Store it covered in the refrigerator and preferably consume it within 2–3 days. The fruit will gradually release liquid and the marshmallows will soften.
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges?
Absolutely. Fresh mandarins can be used in place of canned oranges. Remove the peel, seeds, and excess membrane before adding them.
Can I leave out the coconut?
Yes. The salad will still be delicious without coconut.
What nuts work best?
Chopped pecans are especially good, but walnuts or almonds also work.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream for a slightly tangier, higher-protein variation.
Why is my ambrosia salad watery?
Usually because the canned fruit wasn’t drained thoroughly or because the salad sat for a long time. Drain the fruit very well and avoid adding extra juice.
Can I freeze ambrosia salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended. The fruit and creamy ingredients can become watery or grainy after thawing.
Is this the same as traditional ambrosia?
It is a modern creamy version of ambrosia. Traditional versions vary considerably, but commonly feature oranges, coconut, and sometimes pineapple, marshmallows, cherries, or other fruit.