24 Hour Fruit Salad aka Ambrosia Salad is an old-fashioned fruit salad that combines a colorful array of canned fruit. Bringing together a medley of citrus fruits, coconut, and marshmallows, all enveloped in whipped cream. Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a perfect choice for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat.
My mom made this creamy fruit salad at special occasions or family gathering while we were growing up. It is a well loved favorite! She just passed away a few months ago, so this is one of my recipe tributes to her.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it's also ridiculously easy to make. No baking required! Whether you're serving it as a side, dessert, or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl, it's sure to please with its creaminess.
Please let us know how you liked it in the comments and ratings below!
Try some of our other easy recipes, such as Frozen Peanut Butter Pie, Frozen Citrus Pie, Slutty Oreo Brownies, or Berry Cheesecake Fruit Salad.
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What ingredients do I need to make 24-hour salad?
- miniature marshmallows
- pineapple tidbits or pineapple chunks
- whipped cream (Cool Whip)
- maraschino cherries
- mandarin oranges
- sweetened coconut flakes
FAQs
Ambrosia Salad or 24 Hour Salad is a classic American fruit salad that typically includes a combination of canned or fresh fruits mixed with sweet ingredients like marshmallows, coconut, and sometimes nuts. It's often served as a side dish or dessert at picnics, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Yes, this fruit salad is best when made ahead of time and allowed to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the salad to become chilled and refreshing. It can be made up to a day in advance.
Ambrosia Salad can be served as a side dish or dessert. It pairs well with grilled meats at barbecues or picnics and goes well with holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Easter dinner. Serve it in a decorative bowl or individual cups, and garnish with additional fruit or a sprinkle of coconut before serving for an extra festive touch.
Top Tips
- Feel free to mix and match fruits based on your preferences.
- Chill before serving: Allow the 24 Hour Salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and enhance the overall taste.
- This Fruit Salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to ensure the fluffiness is intact. It's the perfect make-ahead dish for parties or gatherings where you want to save time without compromising on taste.
- Store the dessert in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
How to make Ambrosia Fruit Salad
- Add mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits/chunks, maraschino cherries, and sweetened coconut flakes to a large bowl.
- Gently fold in whipped topping.
- Add a little cherry juice from the cherries jar to make the fruit salad pink.
- Stir to combine, then refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve cold and enjoy!
24 Hour Fruit Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 can 15 oz. mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can 20 oz. pineapple tidbits or chunks, drained
- 16 oz. maraschino cherries, reserve 2-4 tablespoon of juice for color
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 8 oz. whipped topping
Instructions
- Add mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits/chunks, maraschino cherries, and sweetened coconut flakes to a large bowl.
- Gently fold in whipped topping.
- Add a little cherry juice from the cherries jar to make the fruit salad pink.
- Stir to combine, then refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve cold and enjoy!
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