Description

This Ultimate Fruit Cocktail Ambrosia Salad is a refreshing, creamy dessert salad featuring a medley of canned fruits, mini marshmallows, sweetened shredded coconut, and a luscious blend of sour cream and whipped topping. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings, this no-cook salad combines sweetness and tanginess with a delightful texture contrast, chilled to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

1 (20 oz) can fruit cocktail (in juice, not syrup)
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (8 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained
½ cup maraschino cherries, halved (plus extra for garnish)

Other Ingredients

1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sour cream
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Fruit: Drain the fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, and pineapple tidbits thoroughly using a colander. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which ensures the salad does not become watery.
Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, whipped topping, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the drained fruits, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and halved maraschino cherries into the creamy base. Be careful to mix evenly without crushing the fruit.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to thicken slightly.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the ambrosia salad with extra maraschino cherries for an attractive presentation and an extra pop of sweetness.

Notes

Be sure to drain the canned fruits well to avoid excess liquid making the salad runny.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier, healthier alternative.
For a nutty crunch, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts just before serving.
This salad tastes best chilled and should be kept refrigerated until served.
Ambrosia salad is best consumed within 2-3 days for freshness.