Retro Ambrosia Salad {Dairy-free}
This ambrosia salad is a healthier homemade version of this traditional classic! It’s made with fruit, maraschino cherries, coconut yogurt, and shredded coconut.
What is Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia salad is a retro dish that was popular in the 1950s-70s that was made with canned fruit like pineapple and oranges, marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, yogurt, and whipped cream. It’s essentially a sweet, creamy fruit salad!
I first had this dish in college and I was in love with it from the start. I’m a huge fan of all things vintage and decided to remake this classic with some more fresh and allergen-friendly ingredients!
The Ingredients Needed for Ambrosia Salad
- Pineapple and mandarins. The recipe traditionally used canned pineapple, but I’m using fresh to add a bit more freshness to this dish. However, you can totally use canned if you prefer. Just make sure it’s canned in juice and not syrup!
- Marshmallows. I use Sweet Apricity marshmallows as they are AIP or you can also make your own!
- Maraschino cherries. I recommend using homemade ones as the storebought ones are filled with extra additives.
- Shredded coconut.
- Coconut yogurt. I like this brand.
- Whipped coconut cream. I like to make my own like this to use.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
- Combine all of the ingredients and stir well until the fruit is coated.
- Chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve topped with extra cherries and enjoy!
How do you serve this recipe? Is it a dessert?
Yes, this recipe is essentially a dessert. I like to serve it in ice cream dishes, or in small bowls. It’s the perfect dish to bring if you’re going to a vintage-themed party, or if you just want to add a retro flair to the menu!
How long can you keep this recipe in the fridge?
This is a great recipe to make the night before a party to share! It stays fresh in the fridge for 1-2 days. You’ll want to serve it chilled, but depending on the coconut cream you use, you may have to let it sit out for a bit in case the cream hardens.
You’ll also like…
- Fruit on the Bottom Yogurt Jars with Honey Roasted Almonds
- Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate Covered Blueberries
- How to Make Maraschino Cherries
Ambrosia Salad
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Ingredients
- 2 mandarin oranges, segmented
- ⅓ cup fresh pineapple, diced
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, plus 2-3 to top
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup marshmallows, I use Sweet Apricity
- ¾ cup coconut yogurt, I like this brand
- ½ cup whipped coconut cream, like this
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir well until the fruit is coated. Allow to chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve topped with extra cherries.
Notes
Loved it! Sadly our mandarin oranges were sour so I wish I had tasted them first before putting them in. I would have left them out!