Ambrosia Salad

8 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: PT0M Total: 10 m Beginner
Be the first to rate!
Ambrosia Salad
Classic Southern ambrosia salad with Cool Whip, sweetened condensed milk, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and sliced peaches. A quick no-bake dessert salad that’s a potluck favorite and perfect for holidays or family gatherings.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 1 (9 oz) Cool Whip
  • 1 (14 oz) can condensed milk
  • 1 (14 oz) can sliced peaches
  • 1 (11 oz) can small mandarin oranges
  • 1 (8 oz) can pineapple chunks
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Drain all the canned fruits well to remove excess liquid
  2. Mix the Cool Whip and condensed milk together in a glass or Corning Ware dish until well combined
  3. Add the drained peaches, mandarin oranges, and pineapple chunks
  4. Stir in the vanilla and lemon juice
  5. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my ambrosia watery?

A: Make sure to drain the canned fruits very well—press them gently in a colander or strainer to remove excess juice. The condensed milk and Cool Whip should be thick enough to hold everything together if the fruits are properly drained.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Ambrosia actually tastes better after chilling for several hours or overnight, as the flavors have time to blend together. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.

Tips and Techniques

For extra texture and flavor, you can add 1 cup of miniature marshmallows or 1/2 cup of sweetened flaked coconut. Some folks also like to add a cup of chopped pecans for crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Cool Whip: 2 cups whipped heavy cream
  • condensed milk: 1 cup sour cream mixed with 1/4 cup sugar
  • canned fruits: fresh orange segments, fresh pineapple, and fresh peaches

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Colander or strainer for draining fruits
  • Glass or Corning Ware serving dish
  • Mixing spoon

Historical Context

Ambrosia salad became popular in the American South in the late 1800s when citrus fruits became more widely available. The classic version used fresh oranges and coconut, but this modern shortcut version with canned fruits and Cool Whip became a favorite in the mid-20th century.