Southern Ambrosia Salad is a must-have at any gathering. Whipped topping, pineapple, grapes, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries and sweetened coconut flakes!
In a medium bowl, combine8 ounce tub of whipped topping with 1 cup sour cream.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes and 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows.
Then gently fold in 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits (drained well), 15 ounce can mandarin orange segments (drained well), 1 cup red or green seedless grapes (sliced in half), 10 ounce jar of maraschino cherry halves (drained well) and 1/2 cup chopped pecans (if using).
Once combined, put some plastic wrap on it or put it in a bowl with a lid and refrigerate for about an hour before serving.
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Notes
You can easily switch out most of these ingredients for sugar-free options.
You can leave the shredded coconut out if you absolutely can't stand coconut but it is a traditional ingredient in ambrosia.
You can pretty much add most of your favorite fruits. Raspberries, sliced bananas, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, pomegranate seeds all work here.
Ambrosia is always best the day it's made or the day after. After that it starts to break down and lose its consistency as the fruits release their juices. Store covered and in the refrigerator. Eat within a day.