Introduction
When Lina Vexley first tasted Ambrosia Salad at a family picnic, she was captivated by its light, creamy sweetness and tropical flavors. Years later, she recreated it in her own kitchen — mixing juicy fruits, fluffy whipped cream, and a hint of coconut to capture that same nostalgic charm. The result was a refreshing dessert salad that tasted like sunshine in a bowl. For Lina, Ambrosia Salad isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of togetherness and joy. Whether shared at a summer barbecue or holiday feast, it always brings smiles and a touch of classic comfort.
Ambrosia Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Serving Spoon
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 cup pineapple chunks drained
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments drained
- 1 cup strawberries chopped
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut sweetened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
Dressing
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for tanginess
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mandarin oranges, strawberries, marshmallows, coconut, and nuts (if using).
- In a separate bowl, mix whipped topping with sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and fold gently until all ingredients are well coated.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend together.
- Garnish with extra coconut or fresh fruit before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
To prepare this delightful Ambrosia Salad, start by gathering all your ingredients — colorful fruits, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and a creamy base that ties everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments, chopped strawberries, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts if desired.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the whipped topping and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until smooth and well blended. This creates the luscious, creamy dressing that gives Ambrosia Salad its signature texture and light tang.
Next, pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula. Make sure all the fruit is evenly coated without crushing the softer pieces. Once combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to firm up slightly.
Before serving, give the salad one final gentle toss and top it with a sprinkle of extra coconut, a few fresh fruit pieces, or even a maraschino cherry for that vintage touch.
Sweet, tropical, and irresistibly creamy, Lina Vexley’s Ambrosia Salad is the ultimate no-bake dessert or side dish. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, and holidays — a dish that brings sunshine to any table.
Conclusion
Lina Vexley’s Ambrosia Salad captures the nostalgic charm of classic desserts with its delightful mix of flavors and textures. Each spoonful delivers the creaminess of whipped topping, the sweetness of fruit, and the crunch of coconut — a perfect harmony of freshness and indulgence. Ideal for summer gatherings or festive dinners, this simple yet elegant salad brings people together with every bite. A timeless recipe, it proves that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable dishes.