Super Easy Creamy Ambrosia Salad (No Baking Required!)

Indulge in this super easy, no-bake creamy Ambrosia Salad recipe! Packed with juicy mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, pecans, and sweet coconut folded into fluffy whipped cream, it’s the ultimate quick dessert for any gathering or weeknight treat.

Super Easy Creamy Ambrosia Salad (No Baking Required!)

Ambrosia salad is a timeless classic for a reason. It is light, refreshing, vibrant, and takes mere minutes to throw together. Whether you are bringing a dish to a summer potluck, planning a holiday dessert table, or just craving a cool treat on a warm evening, this no-bake recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 to 2 hours

• Servings: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 8 oz whipped topping, thawed)

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (omit if using pre-sweetened whipped topping)

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 can (11 oz) mandarin orange segments, well drained

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits or chunks, well drained

• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry with paper towels

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

• 1/2 cup pecan halves or chopped pecans

• Optional: 1 cup mini fruit-flavored or plain marshmallows

Instructions

1. Prep the Fruit

Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries thoroughly.

Pro Tip: Excess juice will make your dressing runny! Gently pat the cherries and fruit with paper towels to remove lingering liquid before mixing.

2. Whip the Cream

In a medium chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. (If using store-bought whipped topping, simply scoop it directly into a large mixing bowl).

3. Combine the Ingredients

In a large serving bowl, gently fold together the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, pecans, and optional marshmallows.

4. Fold Together

Add the whipped cream to the fruit mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

5. Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the salad time to set into a rich, cohesive texture. Serve cold!

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it tightly covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

• Add Extra Crunch: For an extra layer of nutty flavor, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes before folding them into the salad. Let them cool completely first!