What is Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia literally translates to "food of the gods". In today's recipe, that means a mixture of whipped cream, sour cream, marshmallows, pineapple, maraschino cherries, and mandarin oranges. And sometimes coconut.

Why is it called Ambrosia?

It was known as the food of the gods because the ingredients used to be so hard to come by. Ever noticed the pineapple motifs in woodwork from centuries past? They used to be much-coveted fruits brought from warmer climes. So a dessert involving pineapple was quite a treat for mere mortals.

Is Ambrosia really a salad?

A dessert made from Cool Whip and marshmallows doesn't really come to mind when you hear the word salad. So let's just put it in air quotes. Today I'm going to share my recipe for Cool Whip Ambrosia " Fruit Salad" . But let's not kid ourselves that it isn't a marshmallow salad.

What is the difference between Ambrosia Salad and Watergate Salad?

These are both retro salads, and they have almost exactly the same ingredients, so it's easy to get them mixed up. But the Watergate Salad is a lovely minty green and involves pistachio pudding mix, and Ambrosia Marshmallow Salad does not.

Easy Cool Whip Ambrosia Recipe

Name: Easy Cool Whip Ambrosia Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8oz) tub of Sugar-Free or Regular Cool Whip; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups mini marshmallows; 1 (20oz) can of pineapple tidbits or chunks; 1 (11oz) jar of maraschino cherries; 1 (15oz) can of mandarin orange slices; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 2-3 drops food coloring

Easy Cool Whip Ambrosia Salad

a pink and a blue sorbet cup filled with suar-free

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

This recipe for Cool Whip Ambrosia Salad is about as quick as they come. If you have 5 minutes and 6 ingredients, you can mix up this simple but super delicious low calorie dessert.

Author: Emily Krill
Prep Time: 5
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 7 cups 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Chilled
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ambrosia Salad:

1 (8oz) tub of Sugar-Free or Regular Cool Whip
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 (20oz) can of pineapple tidbits or chunks
1 (11oz) jar of maraschino cherries
1 (15oz) can of mandarin orange slices

Optional Add Ins:

1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
2-3 drops food coloring

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Instructions

Step 1. Using a colander or sieve, drain as much of the liquid from the oranges, cherries, and pineapple as you can. Keep the oranges separate from the other fruit because you are going to mix them in last. drain

Step 2. In a large bowl, mix together Cool Whip and sour cream. Mix in food coloring if you are using it. mix

Step 3. Carefully fold in the marshmallows, pineapples, and cherries. Fold in mandarin oranges last because they are the most delicate and prone to fall apart. fold Step 4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. chill