Name: Holiday Ambrosia with Cherries & Pecans
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed; ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra tang and creaminess); 1 (10-16 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained, rinsed, and halved (reserve a few whole for garnish); ¾–1 cup pecans, lightly toasted and chopped; 2 cups mini marshmallows (rainbow for festive color); 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, well drained; 1 (20 oz) can pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, well drained; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

As an experienced chef who’s brought festive cheer to countless holiday tables with this crowd-pleasing classic, here’s my merry Holiday Ambrosia with Cherries & Pecans – a creamy, colorful, no-bake fruit salad that’s perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any winter gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Holiday Ambrosia with Cherries & Pecans is festive joy in a bowl – fluffy Cool Whip base swirled with bright maraschino cherries for sweet pops of red, crunchy toasted pecans for nutty depth, juicy pineapple and mandarin oranges, soft mini marshmallows, and tropical coconut.

It’s incredibly quick to make with no cooking, looks stunningly holiday-ready with vibrant colors, delivers creamy-sweet-tangy perfection, and evokes warm nostalgia while disappearing fast at every celebration!

Yield: 10 Serves

Holiday Ambrosia with Cherries & Pecans

Festive ambrosia with maraschino cherries, toasted pecans, mini marshmallows, tropical fruits – creamy, crunchy, holiday classic!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra tang and creaminess)
1 (10-16 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained, rinsed, and halved (reserve a few whole for garnish)
¾–1 cup pecans, lightly toasted and chopped
2 cups mini marshmallows (rainbow for festive color)
1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, well drained
1 (20 oz) can pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, well drained
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Set out your largest, most cheerful mixing bowl – holiday magic is about to happen! Thaw the Cool Whip in the fridge so it’s soft and fluffy.
Scoop the Cool Whip into the bowl. Add the sour cream if using – it gives that perfect creamy tang that makes this holiday version extra special.
Gently fold the Cool Whip and sour cream together with a big spatula until smooth and airy – keep it light to hold all that fluff!
Add the sweetened shredded coconut – it brings the classic chewy texture and subtle tropical flavor that defines great ambrosia.
Toss in the well-drained mandarin oranges – their bright, juicy segments add sunny citrus bursts that shine in every festive bite.
Mix in the drained pineapple tidbits – tropical sweetness and little juicy pops that pair beautifully with cherries and pecans.
Sprinkle the mini marshmallows throughout – rainbow ones make everything look merry and add delightful soft chew.
Fold in the halved maraschino cherries – their vibrant red color and sweet cherry flavor scream holiday cheer!
Stir in the toasted, chopped pecans – their warm, nutty crunch contrasts perfectly with the creamy base and fruit.
Give one final gentle fold to combine everything without deflating the fluff. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours (overnight is dreamy). Before serving, top with extra whole cherries, pecan halves, and a sprinkle of coconut – scoop into bowls and watch the holiday smiles light up!

Notes

Toast pecans ahead for best flavor. Drain fruits thoroughly for creamy texture. This version emphasizes holiday red (cherries) and crunch (pecans) – adjust cherry or nut amounts to taste. Serve chilled for refreshing holiday perfection.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 324Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 8gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 7mgSodium 118mgCarbohydrates 59gFiber 3gSugar 44gProtein 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 canned fruits extremely well (colander + gentle pressing) to keep the ambrosia thick and creamy instead of soupy. Fold ingredients lightly with a spatula to preserve the airy Cool Whip texture.

Toast pecans in a dry skillet or oven (350°F for 5-7 minutes) for richer flavor and crunch—watch closely to avoid burning. Chill at least 4-6 hours (overnight ideal) so marshmallows soften and holiday flavors meld beautifully.

Use rainbow mini marshmallows for extra festive color against the red cherries. Halve cherries for even distribution and prettier bites. Garnish the top with extra pecans, whole cherries, and a sprinkle of coconut for that wow presentation at the table!

Ingredients Notes

Cool Whip creates stable, light fluffiness that’s perfect for make-ahead dishes. Maraschino cherries are the holiday star—bright red, sweet, and nostalgic; drain and rinse to reduce syrupiness.

Toasted pecans add warm, buttery crunch that contrasts the creaminess wonderfully. Mini marshmallows bring sweetness and soft chew; rainbow ones enhance the festive look. Canned mandarin oranges offer bright citrus segments; pineapple tidbits or crushed provide tropical juiciness—drain thoroughly.

Sweetened shredded coconut delivers classic texture and subtle flavor essential to ambrosia. Sour cream (optional) adds pleasant tang to balance sweetness and deepen creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions

Lighten it with sugar-free Cool Whip or blend in vanilla Greek yogurt for tang and protein. Dairy-free option: coconut whipped topping and skip sour cream. Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for different nutty notes.

Add fresh pomegranate arils or cranberries for more holiday red and tartness. Use fruit cocktail instead of pineapple for variety. Reduce sweetness with unsweetened coconut and fewer marshmallows.

Stir in white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra indulgence. For a spiced twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Try adding halved green grapes for more color contrast and freshness.

Storage Options

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days—flavors actually improve after a day as marshmallows tenderize and cherries infuse sweetness.

Stir gently before serving if any separation occurs. Freezing not recommended; fruit juices and whipped topping separate and turn watery upon thawing.