Classic Homemade Ambrosia Salad Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Dessert Like Grandma Made
A quick and easy ambrosia salad with just five simple ingredients, delivering creamy sweetness, juicy fruit bursts, and a delightful coconut crunch. Perfect for gatherings and nostalgic comfort.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup whipped topping (store-bought whipped cream or Greek yogurt)
Instructions
- Drain the cans of mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly to remove all syrup or juice.
- In a mixing bowl, gently fold together the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and sweetened shredded coconut.
- Sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the fruit mixture and fold in carefully to avoid crushing.
- Gently fold the whipped topping into the fruit and marshmallow mixture until evenly coated and creamy but not soupy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and marshmallows soften.
Notes
Drain fruit carefully using a fine-mesh strainer and press gently to avoid watery salad. Use mini marshmallows for best texture. Chill at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Folding gently keeps fruit intact and salad light. For dairy-free, use coconut whipped cream and gelatin-free marshmallows. Variations include adding nuts, fresh fruit, or cream cheese for richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup per se
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Keywords: ambrosia salad, classic ambrosia, easy dessert, 5-ingredient dessert, homemade ambrosia, fruit salad, marshmallow salad, coconut dessert