Easy Cranberry Ambrosia Salad Recipe
This Cranberry Ambrosia Salad is a classic holiday dish that is perfect for any Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering. It’s a refreshing and light addition to the heavier, traditional dishes typically served during these special occasions.
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I love making salads like this as a side dish for the holidays, because they are a great way to add a little extra color to your holiday table, and they are always a crowd favorite.
If you are looking for more holiday salads to make for your family, then check out this Pumpkin Fluff and this Sweet Potato Fluff recipe. They both work well as a dessert or a side dish.
Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients that you need to make this recipe. You can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Fresh cranberries – They bring the tart bite and bright red color that keeps this salad from tasting too sweet.
- Mini marshmallows – They soften as the salad chills and give it that light, fluffy texture.
- Pineapple chunks – The juicy sweetness balances the tart cranberries and adds a little tropical flavor.
- Shredded coconut – It adds a gentle chew and the classic ambrosia flavor everyone expects.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – I used pecans for a buttery crunch against all the soft ingredients.
- Sour cream – It makes the dressing rich and creamy with just enough tang.
- Sugar – It sweetens the cranberries and draws out their juice while the salad sits.
- Vanilla extract – A splash rounds out the dressing and warms up the whole bowl of flavor.
Instructions
This is an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The full instructions are available in the recipe card.
- Add the chopped cranberries, mini marshmallows, pineapple chunks, coconut, and chopped nuts.
- In a small bowl make the dressing by mixing the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently combine until well mixed.
- Cover and chill for one hour before serving.
Storage
Storage – This salad will start to break down and become watery if stored for more than 24 hours. It’s still safe to eat, it’s just watery.
What To Serve With Cranberry Ambrosia Salad
I like to serve this simple salad with our favorite holiday meals. So, I pair it with items like this Instant Pot Baked Ham, Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole, and these Sweet Potato Rolls. But, the options for what you serve with this sweet salad are endless.
FAQs
Ambrosia is usually made with fruit, coconut, and a creamy dressing.
The difference is ambrosia is coconut-based, and Watergate salad usually has whipped cream.
Cranberry Ambrosia Salad
Equipment
- Large bowl
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries chopped
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup pineapple chunks drained
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional, adjust based on taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, mini marshmallows, pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.