Name: Ambrosia Salad with Crushed Pineapple & Coconut
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well; 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained well; 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut; 2 cups mini marshmallows; 8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed; ½ cup sour cream; Optional: ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained, halved, plus extra for garnish

This timeless Ambrosia Salad bursts with juicy crushed pineapple, sweet mandarin oranges, chewy mini marshmallows, and generous shredded coconut, all folded into a light, creamy whipped topping base. It’s a nostalgic, effortless dessert salad that delivers bright tropical flavors and fluffy texture in every spoonful—ideal for family gatherings or quick treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this Ambrosia Salad because it’s incredibly simple—no baking, no fancy techniques, just mix and chill. The combination of tangy-sweet crushed pineapple and rich coconut creates an irresistible tropical escape, while mini marshmallows add playful chewiness and the creamy whipped topping (with a touch of sour cream for balance) keeps everything lusciously light yet indulgent.

It’s make-ahead friendly, feeds a crowd affordably with pantry staples, and always disappears fast at parties. Kids love the fun textures, adults appreciate the refreshing not-too-heavy sweetness, and it brings back warm, nostalgic memories of grandma’s table.

Versatile for picnics, holidays, or weeknight desserts, it’s a reliable winner that feels special without the effort.

Yield: 10 servings

Ambrosia Salad with Crushed Pineapple & Coconut

Fluffy, tropical Ambrosia Salad with crushed pineapple, coconut, marshmallows, and creamy whipped topping—easy, nostalgic, and irresistible.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained well
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
2 cups mini marshmallows
8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
½ cup sour cream
Optional: ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained, halved, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

Grab a large mixing bowl—your biggest one works best so everything has room to mingle happily!
First, make sure your crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges are super well-drained. Give them a gentle press in a colander or pat with paper towels. Soggy fruit ruins the magic, so take your time here.
Scoop the drained crushed pineapple into the bowl—it brings that juicy, sunny tropical punch we love.
Add the drained mandarin oranges next. Their bright citrus segments will add little bursts of freshness in every bite.
Sprinkle in the sweetened shredded coconut generously. This is what gives that signature chewy, beachy coconut flavor—don't skimp!
Toss in the mini marshmallows. They're the fluffy, fun surprise that makes this salad irresistible to kids and kids-at-heart.
In a separate smaller bowl, stir together the thawed whipped topping and sour cream until smooth and creamy. The sour cream adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Gently fold this creamy mixture into the fruit bowl using a large spatula. Use slow, loving folds to coat everything evenly without deflating the fluffiness.
If using maraschino cherries, fold in the halved ones now for pops of color and cherry sweetness.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is dreamy). This chilling time lets the flavors dance together and the marshmallows soften just right. Serve cold, garnished with extra coconut or cherries if you like—enjoy every tropical spoonful!

Notes

Always drain fruits thoroughly. Best served chilled. Not suitable for freezing.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 318Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 8gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 7mgSodium 75mgCarbohydrates 56gFiber 1gSugar 43gProtein 2g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Drain the pineapple and oranges very well (press gently in a colander or use paper towels) to prevent a watery salad—excess juice is the biggest culprit for sogginess.
Fold gently with a spatula instead of stirring vigorously to keep the marshmallows fluffy and prevent deflating the whipped topping.
Chill for at least 2-4 hours (overnight is even better) so flavors meld and marshmallows soften slightly for perfect texture.
Use thawed Cool Whip for easiest mixing; if making homemade whipped cream, whip to stiff peaks and add a bit of sugar.
Taste before serving—if too sweet, a dollop more sour cream balances it; if too tangy, sprinkle extra coconut.
For prettier presentation, garnish with extra coconut, a few whole maraschino cherries, or toasted nuts on top.

Ingredients Notes

Crushed pineapple brings juicy, intense tropical flavor and moisture—use canned in juice (not heavy syrup) and drain thoroughly to avoid soupiness. Sweetened shredded coconut adds chewy texture and rich, nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fruit; unsweetened works if you prefer less sugar.

Mini marshmallows provide fluffy, pillowy contrast and classic nostalgia—colored ones add fun but plain white keep it traditional. Mandarin oranges offer bright citrus pops without bitterness—canned segments are convenient and consistently tender.

Whipped topping (like Cool Whip) creates airy creaminess effortlessly; sour cream adds subtle tang to cut sweetness and stabilize the mix. Optional maraschino cherries bring vibrant color, cherry sweetness, and a retro touch—halve them for even distribution.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it tropical by adding banana slices (add just before serving to prevent browning) or toasted pecans/walnuts for crunch. For a pina colada twist, mix in a bit of coconut pudding or rum extract.

Use Greek yogurt or full-fat sour cream instead of whipped topping for a tangier, more homemade feel (fold in whipped cream separately if needed). Dairy-free? Swap with coconut whipped topping and plant-based sour cream.

Reduce sugar with unsweetened coconut and sugar-free whipped topping. Add fresh berries or grapes for color variation.

For a fluffier version, increase marshmallows; for fruitier, double the pineapple. Skip cherries if you dislike them, or replace with fresh pineapple chunks for brighter flavor.