Creamy Ambrosia Salad with Vanilla Pudding

Easy Fruit Salad Recipe

Ambrosia Salad is a classic American dessert that brings together the sweetness of fresh fruits, the creaminess of vanilla pudding, and the fluffiness of whipped topping into one delicious dish.

What makes this recipe so wonderful is how versatile it is – you can customize it with your favorite fruits and add-ins to make it uniquely yours! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet and refreshing, this creamy fruit salad is always a hit.

Ingredients to Make an Ambrosia Salad

Basic Ingredients

• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Cold milk
• 8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• Mini marshmallows (regular or fruity flavored)
• Your choice of fruits (see combinations below)

Delicious Fruit Combinations

Classic Ambrosia Combination:

• 2 cups mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup of pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Summer Berry Medley:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup of seedless grapes, halved
• 3 bananas, sliced
• ½ cup toasted slivered almonds

Tropical Paradise:

• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup diced mango
• 1 cup of kiwi slices
• ½ cup toasted macadamia nuts
• ½ cup toasted coconut flakes

Autumn Harvest:

• 2 Granny Smith apples, diced
• 2 Red Delicious apples, diced
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Canned Fruit Classic:

• 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
• ½ cup chopped pecans

A Note on Nuts:

When adding nuts to your ambrosia salad, consider these pairings:

• Pecans work beautifully with mandarin oranges and pineapple
• Walnuts complement apples and grapes
• Almonds pair wonderfully with berries
• Macadamia nuts enhance tropical fruits
• For a nut-free version, you can substitute with granola or omit

How to Make Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base

Whisk the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a large mixing bowl for about 2 minutes until it thickens.

Let it sit for about 5 minutes to set slightly.

Step 2: Add the Mix Ins

Whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture until well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix – use a folding motion to keep the mixture light and fluffy.

Add marshmallows: Fold in the mini marshmallows until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Add your fruits:

• If using canned fruits, ensure they are well-drained to prevent excess liquid.
• To prevent browning, first toss fresh fruits like apples and bananas in a bit of lemon juice.
• Gently fold all your chosen fruits into the pudding mixture.
• Add optional mix-ins: If using nuts or coconut, fold them in last.

Step 3: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to set properly.

Garnish and Serve: Before serving, you can garnish with additional fruit, a sprinkle of coconut, or a few extra marshmallows on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this ambrosia salad a few hours in advance, which makes it perfect for parties and gatherings! Here are some tips for making it ahead:

• Best timing: For optimal freshness and texture, prepare the salad 2-4 hours before serving.
• Banana tips: If using bananas, either add them just before serving or toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Storage: Keep the salad covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Next-day serving: While best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture may change slightly as fruits release their juices, but it will still be delicious!
• Not freezer-friendly: This salad does not freeze well due to the dairy content and fresh fruits.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh fruits often provide better texture and flavor than canned varieties. Fresh versions work wonderfully for fruits like pineapple and mandarin oranges but require more prep time. A mix of fresh and canned fruits can be a good compromise for convenience and flavor. If using fresh fruits with high water content, consider patting them dry before adding them to prevent excess liquid in the salad.

Is ambrosia salad healthy?

Traditional ambrosia salad contains fruits that provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This conventional recipe also includes whipped topping and marshmallows that add sugar and calories.

For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of whipped topping, reduce sugar, and increase the fruit-to-marshmallow ratio. Focus on the nutritious elements by adding more fresh fruits and nuts, which provide beneficial nutrients.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

• Replace the milk and whipped topping with coconut milk and coconut whipped cream.
• Use a vegan instant pudding mix or make your own thickened coconut milk pudding with cornstarch.
• Ensure your marshmallows are gelatin-free if making a fully vegan version.
• Coconut yogurt can be a good substitute for Greek yogurt as a dairy-free alternative.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been making this ambrosia salad for years, and it’s always a hit at family picnics. What I love most is how you can switch up the fruits based on what’s in season or what your family prefers. My kids have their own favorite combinations, and they’ve started helping me make it – creating sweet memories in the kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep time, you get a dessert that tastes like you spent hours making it. The creamy pudding base, sweet fruits, and chewy marshmallows create the perfect balance of flavors and textures that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try at your next get-together!

Serve This Salad at Your Next Picnic With:

• The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
• Easy Beef Kebabs with Balsamic Marinade
• Easy and Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken
• Best Juicy Burger Recipe Ever

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes

• The Best Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
• The Best Classic Coleslaw
• Grilled Rosemary Garlic Potatoes
• Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob with Glaze
• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Ambrosia Salad With Vanilla Pudding

This delightful Ambrosia Salad combines juicy fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and a creamy vanilla pudding mixture for a perfect dessert that's ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or summer barbecues.

4.52 / 5 ( 29 Reviews )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Serves: 8

Adjust Servings: 8

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Bowl

Ingredients

• 2 boxes 3.4 ounces each vanilla or cheesecake instant pudding mix
• 3 cups milk
• 8 ounces whipped topping
• 4-5 cups mixed fruits apples, strawberries, bananas, grapes
• 1 ½ cup mini marshmallows optional
• ½ cup chopped nuts optional
• ½ cup coconut flakes optional

Instructions

• Whisk the dry pudding mix together with the 3 cups of milk.
• Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined. Then fold in the fruit and marshmallows until evenly distributed.
• Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
• Garnish with additional fruits or coconut, if desired, before serving.

Recipe Notes

• For best results, drain canned fruits thoroughly before adding.
• Toss fresh apples and bananas in lemon juice to prevent browning.
• This salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparation.

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 71mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 37g