Holiday Ambrosia Salad, The Easiest Party Dessert Ever
Holiday Ambrosia Salad is a sweet, colorful mix that's packed with juicy fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and a creamy dressing that just feels like a little celebration in every bite. With…
Tip: save now, cook later.Holiday Ambrosia Salad is a sweet, colorful mix that’s packed with juicy fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and a creamy dressing that just feels like a little celebration in every bite. With a blend of citrusy oranges, tart pineapple, plump cherries, and coconut flakes, it’s like a party on your spoon. It’s one of those dishes that instantly brightens up any holiday table with its cheerful look and endless sweetness.
I love making this salad because it’s so simple but always gets rave reviews. The best part is that you can prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together so it tastes even better the next day. I usually sneak a little extra marshmallow or whipped cream into the mix because, let’s be honest, it’s the marshmallows that make this dessert so fun to eat. Plus, it’s a great break from all the heavy holiday meals, offering a fresh, fruity option that still feels wonderfully indulgent.
Whenever I bring this to holiday parties, it disappears fast – everyone loves it! I like to serve it in a big clear bowl so all the colors shine through, and sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for a little extra crunch. It’s really the easiest party dessert ever, and it never fails to make me smile every time I dig in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is what makes the salad light and fluffy. If you want a lighter option, try using whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. It adds a nice tropical flavor too.
Mini Marshmallows: These little puffs add fun texture and sweetness. If you’re avoiding marshmallows, you can add extra pineapple or sweetened shredded coconut to keep it sweet and soft.
Fruit: Mandarin oranges and pineapple bring bright, juicy flavors, while maraschino cherries add color and pop. Fresh fruit like strawberries or grapes can be swapped in for a fresher taste if you prefer.
Coconut Flakes & Almonds: These add a bit of crunch and chewiness. If you’re allergic to nuts, just skip the almonds or swap with toasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
How Do You Whip Heavy Cream to the Perfect Fluffy Texture?
Getting fluffy whipped cream is key to this salad. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with cold heavy cream — chill your bowl and whisk too if you can!
- Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, then add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Keep whipping until stiff peaks form — the cream should hold its shape but stay smooth and not grainy.
- Stop whipping immediately once stiff peaks form to avoid turning it into butter.
This fluffy base holds the fruit and marshmallows together nicely and makes the salad feel light and creamy. It’s easier than it sounds once you try it a couple of times!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – big enough to hold all the fruit and whipped cream while mixing without spills.
- Electric mixer or whisk – helps you whip the cream quickly to the perfect fluffy texture.
- Rubber spatula – great for folding in fruit and marshmallows gently without deflating the whipped cream.
- Serving bowl – pick a clear one to show off the colorful fruit and marshmallows.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap maraschino cherries with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fresher, less sweet taste.
- Add chopped kiwi or grapes to boost the fruit variety and add a slight tartness.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for a tangier, lighter salad.
- Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for a different crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Holiday Ambrosia Salad, The Easiest Party Dessert Ever
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained and chopped
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut or coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus at least 1 hour of chilling time to let the flavors blend beautifully. The chilling step makes sure the salad is cool and creamy when served, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whip the Cream:
Begin by pouring the heavy whipping cream into a large bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the cream until stiff peaks form—that means when you lift your whisk, the cream holds its shape without falling over.
2. Fold in Marshmallows:
Gently fold the mini marshmallows into the whipped cream using a rubber spatula. Be gentle to keep the whipped cream fluffy.
3. Add the Fruit:
Now carefully stir in the drained mandarin orange segments, chopped pineapple chunks, and halved maraschino cherries. Mix just enough to combine all the fruit without breaking it up too much.
4. Mix in Coconut:
Fold the shredded coconut or coconut flakes into the salad, distributing the sweet coconut flavor evenly throughout.
5. Chill and Garnish:
Transfer your ambrosia salad to a serving bowl and smooth the top. Add a few maraschino cherries, mandarin segments, and sliced almonds as a pretty garnish if you like. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
This Holiday Ambrosia Salad is creamy, colorful, and just the right balance of sweet and fruity. It’s a simple dessert that’s sure to brighten your party table and delight your guests!
Can I Use Frozen Fruit Instead of Canned?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain the fruit before adding it to avoid excess moisture that can make the salad watery.
Can I Prepare Ambrosia Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make it up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully, but avoid adding nuts until just before serving to keep them crunchy.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream?
You can substitute with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter twist.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute any separated liquids.
