Dessert • Thanksgiving

Old-Fashioned Ambrosia

Name: Old-Fashioned Ambrosia
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans mandarin oranges, drained well; 1 can crushed pineapple, drained well; 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup whipped topping, thawed; 2 Tbsp powdered sugar; 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained

Creamy retro fruit salad with mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, and marshmallows for the holiday table.

Updated: Nov 9, 2026

⏱ 15 mintotal

8servings

310 kcalper serving

Easylevel

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Why you'll like it

Ready in about 15 min.
Serves 8 — easy to halve or double.
Easy level — everyday equipment only.
Fits a busy weeknight.
Storage, freezing and reheating covered below.

Old-Fashioned Ambrosia folds mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, and mini marshmallows into sweetened sour cream and whipped topping. This Easy recipe takes 15 min of hands-on work and makes 8 servings for Thanksgiving dessert or a sweet side.

Helpful guides

Instructions

Step 1

Drain mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries in a colander for 5 minutes, then pat gently with paper towels. Removing extra juice keeps the creamy coating thick. Set aside a few cherries and orange segments for the top.

Step 2

Whisk sour cream, whipped topping, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth. The mixture should be thick enough to mound on a spoon. Taste and add another teaspoon of sugar only if your fruit is tart.

Step 3

Fold in marshmallows and coconut with a spatula until evenly coated. Folding gently keeps the marshmallows whole for the classic fluffy bite. Add pineapple and stir lightly to distribute.

Step 4

Add mandarin oranges and cherries last, folding just until mixed. Late folding keeps the delicate segments whole instead of broken. Scrape the bowl sides so no plain cream hides at the bottom.

Step 5

Cover and chill at least 4 hours or overnight so marshmallows soften and flavors blend. Chilling firms the mixture for neat scoops. The salad thickens as it rests.

Step 6

Stir once gently, top with reserved fruit, and serve cold in chilled bowls. Cool leftovers within 2 hours and refrigerate promptly.

Troubleshooting — fixes, not repeats

If ambrosia turns soupy, fruit was under-drained. Drain canned fruit fully, pat dry, and chill uncovered 30 minutes before covering if very juicy.
If marshmallows stay firm, the chill was too short. Rest at least 4 hours or overnight so they soften and sweeten the cream.
If oranges break apart, they were overmixed. Fold delicate fruit in last with two or three gentle strokes.
If it tastes bland, the cream needs sugar or the fruit is mild. Add powdered sugar a teaspoon at a time and finish with extra cherries on top.

Make it your way

Old Dhaka style: Keep thorough draining, gentle folding, and a long chill in every version for thick creamy results.
For variation, add 1 cup halved green grapes or diced fresh apple for crunch.
Swap sour cream for vanilla yogurt for a sweeter coating, or use toasted coconut and pecans for nutty texture.
A citrus version uses fresh orange segments blotted dry plus extra coconut.

Storage & reheating

Cool leftovers within 2 hours, then refrigerate in a covered container and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat only the portion you will eat until steaming hot throughout — poultry and reheated rice should reach 165°F (74°C).

Do not freeze, because creamy dressing and canned fruit turn watery when thawed.

FAQ

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, up to 1 day ahead. Mix fully, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Stir gently and add the top garnish just before serving for the freshest look.

Can I use fresh fruit?
Yes, but blot fresh segments very dry and avoid fresh pineapple, whose enzymes thin creamy mixtures. Canned fruit gives the classic sweet texture with less work.

Can I skip the marshmallows?
Yes. Use an extra 1/2 cup each of coconut and drained fruit. The salad will be less fluffy but still creamy; chill the full 4 hours so flavors blend.