Southern Christmas Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Coconut Tips

Name: Southern Christmas Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Coconut Tips
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 can mandarin oranges, drained and lightly patted dry; 1 can pineapple chunks in juice, drained; 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry; 2 cups mini marshmallows; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup sour cream

Posted on October 25, 2025

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I’ll never forget the first time I tasted Southern Christmas Ambrosia Salad. It was at my Aunt Mae’s holiday table, surrounded by twinkling lights and the scent of pine needles. The creamy sweetness mixed with bursts of citrus and the subtle crunch of coconut—it was like Christmas in every bite. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a tradition, a little piece of Southern magic passed down through generations.

If you’ve never had ambrosia salad, let me warn you: you’re about to discover your newest holiday obsession. This recipe is simple, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible. And trust me, I’ve made it the same way Aunt Mae taught me—because why mess with perfection?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, real talk—this Southern Christmas Ambrosia Salad is pure holiday gold. Here’s why:

It’s festive and fun: The bright colors of the fruit and fluffy coconut look like a bowl of holiday cheer.
Quick and easy to make: You can throw this together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for last-minute gatherings!
A crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves it—from kids to grandparents. I’ve never seen a bowl of this salad come home from a party intact.
Light and refreshing: After heavy holiday meals, this salad feels like a breath of fresh air without being overly sweet.

Honestly, this is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve brought a little joy to the table. It’s the edible equivalent of a warm hug.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what I love about this recipe: it’s made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Plus, I’ll share a few tips for choosing the best ones.

Mandarin oranges: Canned, drained, and lightly patted dry. Fresh ones work, but canned is classic.
Pineapple chunks: Canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) is the way to go here. Drain them well.
Maraschino cherries: Bright red and sweet, these are the holiday pop that makes the salad special. Drain and pat dry to prevent bleeding into the other ingredients.
Mini marshmallows: The fluffy texture ties everything together. I use the classic white ones, but the multicolored marshmallows are fun too.
Sweetened shredded coconut: The star of the show! I’ve tried unsweetened coconut, but it’s just not the same.
Sour cream: Don’t worry—it balances the sweetness perfectly. Trust me on this one.

Quick note: You can add pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch, but Aunt Mae was a purist, so I usually skip them.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe—just the basics:

Large mixing bowl: Big enough to hold all the ingredients and leave room for stirring.
Spatula or wooden spoon: For gently mixing everything together without crushing the fruit.
Serving bowl: Go for something festive! A glass bowl shows off all the colorful layers beautifully.

That’s it. No special tools, no complicated gadgets. This recipe is as low-maintenance as it gets!

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s make some magic. Follow these steps and you’ll have the perfect Southern Christmas Ambrosia Salad in no time.

Prep the fruit (5 minutes): Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this keeps the salad from getting watery.
Mix the base (2 minutes): In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream and shredded coconut until well combined. It should look creamy and fluffy.
Add the fruit (5 minutes): Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and cherries. Use a spatula to avoid breaking the fruit. You want everything coated but not crushed.
Fold in the marshmallows (2 minutes): Add the mini marshmallows and give everything one last gentle stir. At this point, it should look like a festive dream.
Chill and serve (1 hour): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step is key—it lets the flavors meld together and the texture set. Serve cold in a pretty bowl and watch it disappear!

Pro tip: If you’re making this ahead for a party, wait to add the marshmallows until right before serving—they stay fluffier that way.

My Best Tips & Techniques

After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my secrets for getting it just right:

Drain your fruit well: Excess liquid is the enemy of a good ambrosia salad. I even let the fruit sit on paper towels for a few minutes.
Don’t skip the sour cream: I know it sounds odd, but it’s the perfect balance to all the sweetness. You won’t taste “sour”—just creamy deliciousness.
Use fresh marshmallows: Stale marshmallows won’t have the same pillowy texture. Check the bag before you buy!
Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. The flavors meld and the texture improves.

Remember, ambrosia is all about balance: sweet, creamy, fruity, and a little tangy. Get that right, and you’ve nailed it.

Ways to Mix It Up

Want to put your own spin on this Southern classic? Here are some fun variations:

Nutty Crunch: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
Tropical Twist: Swap the pineapple chunks for mango or papaya. It’s not traditional, but it’s delicious.
Berry Boost: Add ½ cup fresh blueberries or raspberries for a burst of tartness.
Low-Sugar Option: Use unsweetened coconut and cut the marshmallows in half. Still sweet enough, thanks to the fruit.
Extra Creamy: Fold in ½ cup whipped cream with the sour cream for a lighter, fluffier texture.

Feel free to experiment—this recipe is super forgiving. Just keep the fruit-to-cream ratio about the same, and you’ll be golden.

Serving Ideas & Storage

Here’s how to make the most of your Southern Christmas Ambrosia Salad:

Serving Suggestions

Brunch centerpiece: Serve it alongside ham and biscuits for a festive holiday spread.
Dessert option: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra-special treat.
Potluck star: Bring this in a big glass bowl—it’s always the first dish to disappear.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to freshen it up.
Freezer: Not recommended—this salad is best fresh. Freezing changes the texture of the fruit and marshmallows.

Pro tip: If you end up with leftovers (rare, but it happens), use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Let’s talk about what’s inside this bowl of holiday goodness:

Nutritional Info (per serving)	Amount
Calories	~170
Protein	2g
Carbs	25g
Fat	5g
Fiber	2g

Health highlights:

Vitamin C boost: Thanks to the citrus fruits.
Light and refreshing: Lower calorie than most holiday desserts.
Contains fiber: From the fruit and coconut.

Okay, so this isn’t kale salad—but it’s definitely a lighter option compared to frosted cakes and pies!

Final Thoughts

So that’s my Southern Christmas Ambrosia Salad recipe! It’s sweet, creamy, and just the right amount of nostalgic. Whether you’re serving this at a big holiday gathering or just making it for yourself (no judgment here), I hope it brings a little extra joy to your table.

Make it your own—try the variations, tweak the ingredients, or stick to the classic. Either way, it’s going to be delicious.

If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram (@yourhandle)—I can’t wait to see your version.

Happy holidays and happy cooking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded?

A: Absolutely! Fresh coconut has a slightly different texture and less sweetness, but it works beautifully. Just make sure it’s finely grated.

Q: What’s the best way to keep the salad from getting watery?

A: Drain your fruit really well and pat it dry with paper towels. This is a game-changer for texture!

Q: Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

A: Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It’s slightly tangier but still creamy and delicious.

Q: Can I make this the day before?

A: Totally! Just keep it covered in the fridge and wait to add the marshmallows until right before serving to keep them fluffy.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a big party?

A: Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a really big bowl. It’s a surefire hit at any gathering.

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