Five-Ingredient Easy Ambrosia Salad

As an experienced chef who’s simplified countless classic desserts for busy home cooks, here’s my super-simple Five-Ingredient Easy Ambrosia Salad – a fluffy, nostalgic no-bake treat that’s ready in minutes with minimal fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Five-Ingredient Easy Ambrosia Salad is pure simplicity and joy – just five pantry staples come together for a creamy, dreamy fluff salad bursting with sweet mandarin oranges, juicy pineapple, chewy mini marshmallows, tropical coconut, and tangy sour cream.

No Cool Whip needed here; it’s lighter yet still indulgent, takes almost no time, requires zero cooking, tastes like childhood memories, and is perfect for quick potlucks, holidays, or weeknight treats that everyone devours with smiles.

Yield: 6 Serves

Five-Ingredient Easy Ambrosia Salad

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Simple five-ingredient ambrosia salad with sour cream, marshmallows, coconut, oranges, pineapple – creamy, fluffy, nostalgic delight!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat for richness or light for fewer calories)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (plain or rainbow/fruit-flavored)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, well drained (about one 11 oz can)
• 1 cup canned pineapple chunks or tidbits, well drained (about one 8-20 oz can, adjust to 1 cup)

Instructions

1. Grab a medium-large mixing bowl – this is your easy canvas for something deliciously simple! Make sure your canned fruits are ready to drain.
2. Start by scooping the full cup of sour cream into the bowl – it's the creamy, tangy hero that ties everything together beautifully.
3. Add the cup of mini marshmallows right on top – watch how cute and puffy they look already, promising sweet chew in every bite!
4. Sprinkle in the full cup of sweetened shredded coconut – this adds that signature chewy texture and tropical flavor we all adore.
5. Open your drained mandarin oranges – give them a gentle pat if needed, then add the full cup to the bowl for bright citrus pops.
6. Now add the drained pineapple chunks – their juicy sweetness pairs perfectly with the oranges and coconut for classic ambrosia magic.
7. With a large spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together – start slow to coat everything in the sour cream without smashing the fruit.
8. Keep folding lightly until everything is evenly combined and creamy – it should look fluffy and inviting, with fruit and marshmallows peeking through.
9. Give it a quick taste – adjust if you'd like (a tiny bit more sour cream for tang or marshmallows for sweetness works wonders).
10. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours (overnight makes it dreamy as flavors meld and marshmallows soften). Scoop into pretty bowls, garnish with an extra marshmallow or fruit piece if you like, and enjoy the happy, effortless deliciousness!

Notes

This true five-ingredient version skips Cool Whip for a tangier, creamier feel with sour cream – it's lighter and more old-fashioned. Drain fruits obsessively for best texture. Super forgiving – equal cups make it foolproof. Serve chilled straight from the fridge for maximum refreshment.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 450Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 15gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 24mgSodium 169mgCarbohydrates 67gFiber 5gSugar 50gProtein 4g

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

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Recipe Tips and Tricks

Drain the canned fruits as thoroughly as possible (use a colander and press gently with a spoon) to prevent any watery texture – this keeps the salad thick and creamy. Fold gently with a spatula rather than stirring vigorously to maintain fluffiness and avoid breaking up the fruit pieces.

Use equal “cups” of each ingredient for the classic 5-cup balance, but taste after mixing – add a touch more sour cream if you want extra tang or marshmallows for more sweetness. Chill at least 4-6 hours (overnight is best) so the marshmallows soften slightly and flavors meld into perfect harmony.

Rainbow mini marshmallows add fun color pops if you want it more festive. Serve in a clear bowl to show off the pretty layers and vibrant fruit colors – it looks way fancier than the effort!

Ingredients Notes

Sour cream acts as the creamy, tangy binder that holds everything together without needing whipped topping – it gives a richer, more homemade feel. Mini marshmallows provide sweetness and soft chew; use plain white or colorful fruit-flavored for visual appeal.

Canned mandarin oranges deliver bright, juicy citrus segments – drain well to keep things from getting soggy. Pineapple chunks or tidbits add tropical sweetness and texture – crushed works too but chunks give nicer bites.

Sweetened shredded coconut brings classic chew and subtle coconut flavor that’s essential to authentic ambrosia – don’t skip it!

Variations and Substitutions

Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) for a lighter, tangier, protein-boosted version. Use sugar-free or light sour cream to cut calories without losing creaminess. Replace pineapple chunks with crushed pineapple for smoother texture or fruit cocktail for variety.

Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch if you want to stretch beyond five ingredients. For dairy-free, try coconut yogurt and unsweetened coconut. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for extra aroma.

Use fresh orange segments instead of canned for brighter flavor (supreme them to remove membranes). Try coconut extract if you love more coconut intensity. For kid appeal, mix in colorful marshmallows or a few halved maraschino cherries.

Storage Options

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days – it actually gets better after a day as marshmallows soften and flavors blend. Give a gentle stir before serving if it separates slightly. Freezing is not recommended, as the sour cream and fruit can separate and become watery upon thawing.

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Until you can read, Festive Ambrosia with Pomegranate & Nuts