Make this refreshingly light and sweet retro treat for your next dessert!

Its definitely strange to call this fruit-and-whipped-cream mixture asalad,which I normally would associate with vegetables.

It should come as no shock to you that kids find it amazing and hilarious.

Two small bowls of marshmallow salad with cherries on top are at the front of the image. Two spoons are crossed to the right of the first bowl. A striped dish towel is in the background.

Nick Evans

(Marshmallows in salad?!

But, adults love it too.

What Is Ambrosia Salad?

A mixing bowl of marshmallow salad is in the center of the horizontal image. Cream coated slivered almonds, mini marshmallows and fruit are in the bowl. A single bright red cherry is on the top of the salad. A striped dish towel is under the bowl and a slotted spoon is to the right.

Nick Evans

There aremanyversions out there, but this version is my personal favorite.

It includes some canned and fresh fruit, and some crunchy elements (slivered almonds) for texture.

Whats in Ambrosia Salad?

A large mixing bowl with Easter fruit salad inside. Creamy mixture with colorful mini marshmallows and slivered almonds visible. A cherry sits on top of the bowl. To the left of the bowl is a slotted spoon with a spoonful of the ambrosia salad on it. A pastel striped linen is under the bowl.

Nick Evans

Beyond that, it is kind of dealers choice.

Marshmallows are a fun addition that add some lightness and cheerful colors to the salad.

I like to use the pastel mini marshmallows in my version.

A mixing bowl with colorful mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut and chopped apples for an Easter fruit salad.

Nick Evans

Dairy-Free Ambrosia Salad

Dairy-free?

Just fold it with the fruit in place of the dairy cream.

What Kinds of Fruit Are Used in Ambrosia Salad?

Close up of the top of a whisk with a stiff peak of whipped cream. A metal bowl with whipped cream is out of focus in the background.

Nick Evans

A peeled and chopped apple adds a nice crunch to the salad.

Can You Make Ambrosia Salad in Advance?

Ambrosia salad doesnt have a great shelf life.

If you think about it, its fruit and whipped cream.

Make it a few hours before you plan to serve it.

If you end up with leftovers, I like to eat mine within two days.

Toast until fragrant, stirring regularly.

Watch it closely, as it can burn quickly.

When the coconut starts to turn a light brown color, 2 to 3 minutes, its done.

This is an optional step, but it adds a flavor boost to the coconut.

Fold the whipped cream mixture into the fruit and nut mixture.

Serve immediately, or at most a few hours after making.

Keep the ambrosia salad leftovers in the fridge for up to two days.