Grandma's Ambrosia Salad (2024)

Judy — June 4, 2024 @ 8:09 pm Reply

Do I drain the crushed pineapple?

rdmart_1@hotmail.coom — May 28, 2024 @ 1:10 pm Reply

Made it with cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple cool whip and mini marshmallows also added a can of sweetened condensed milk

Lucy Peters — May 21, 2024 @ 10:14 pm Reply

This was ok but two cups of coconut is way way too much. Half a cup would have been perfect.

blanche — May 7, 2024 @ 2:30 pm Reply

my momma could not cook but she made wonderful ambrosia an tx for remining me of this recipe so I can now make it for my grandsons

Brenda Travis — April 12, 2024 @ 10:16 pm Reply

I love this recipe! I like to add chopped pecans and the pastel colored mini marshmellows.

Ann — March 30, 2024 @ 3:41 pm Reply

I have never made this before followed your directions. I did add more mandarin oranges, and an extra cup of coconut. My nephews tried it, and thought it was delicious, but it needed to chill.

Irasema Gómez — December 17, 2023 @ 7:36 pm Reply

The best receipt I make was so good not tu sweet and to soft and delicious, and healthy.

sher maguire — December 14, 2023 @ 9:46 am Reply

the easiest dessert I have ever made Fantastic

Priscilla Levario — November 13, 2023 @ 12:54 am Reply

I made your recipe and it turned out great. I actually made it for my grandparents to kinda cheer them up. We are going thru a tragic event and making this for my family took.our mind off it for the time being. Thank u so much.

Theresa — April 2, 2023 @ 2:21 pm Reply

Yum! This is a family favorite. Mom always made it for the holidays..even my birthday dinner :) We mix a little mayonnaise in with the Cool Whip otherwise it’s the exact recipe. We add extra mandarins..use all these same ingredients and add extra amounts if you feel you want more. Soooo good!!

Deanna D. Gomez — October 14, 2022 @ 11:52 pm Reply

I make my own version of ambrosia every Christmas. In addition to mandarin oranges, pineapple, seedless grapes, I also put into the mixture a can of lychees. Instead of dry shredded coconut, I use young coconut sport (which one can buy in an Asian grocery store) and coconut nata. I only use sour cream and miniature marshmallows (no cool whip).

Emily Shuhala — September 8, 2022 @ 11:59 pm Reply

I had not had ambrosia salad for many many years and all of a sudden I remembered it and went on a hunt to find the recipe. And, I am so glad I found yours:.) I made it for my grandkids and great-grandkids for the 4th of July. My 5 yr old great-grandkid didn’t like it. But unbeknown to anyone else, I had secretly made a special batch for myself without coconut. I hate coconut. And that was it. He loved it and he told his daddy that Great-grandma Emily made him a special salad that was just for him and I even sent some home with him for later. Do you know how much it warms your heart to have a 5 year old think you are wonderful and that he is special? He’s coming back over this weekend and he’s already asked me if I’m making him his salad. LOL It’ll be my pleasure little man!!!

Elaine — July 17, 2022 @ 1:19 pm Reply

My mom made Ambrosia from time to time and, if I remember, she used canned pineapple chunks and canned peaches. She would cut the sliced peaches into smaller pieces. She used marshmallows and coconut and I believe she used sour cream. I made it a couple of decades ago but I am going to make it again. I love it and it’s so versatile since it can be made with various ingredients.

Mary Williams — June 21, 2022 @ 11:40 pm Reply

I have made a lot of 5 cup fruit salads and this is my absolute favorite.
I love it, thanks for sharing this recipe.

Barb Ulanch — April 15, 2022 @ 7:40 pm Reply

I just love you! I mean, you always allow me to connect to so many memories of growing up. I don’t know if it is because I have family roots in the Pittsburgh area or what it is but I always turn to your recipes when I want something homey and real. Thanks again to taking me back to simpler times with your ambrosia recipe. My husband was just talking about this last weekend. I will be making this very soon!

Seema Sharma — April 12, 2022 @ 8:45 am Reply

Wow! It looks so good. I’m sure this is gonna be very refreshing. Just learnt your whole recipe and I’m so excited to share this with my kids. They would love it.
Thanks for sharing!

Carol V — April 7, 2022 @ 12:21 pm Reply

Have you stopped posting? I’ve not seen a new post in weeks. I hope not, this is one of my favorite food blogs!

Pat Wachter — March 29, 2022 @ 6:25 pm Reply

I really don’t like marshmallows. Can this be made without them? Which of the additional mix-in ingredients would you suggest as a replacement? thanks

Kim — February 5, 2022 @ 9:48 am Reply

Also could rice or tapioca be used for haters of coconut

Kim — February 5, 2022 @ 9:46 am Reply

I wonder why no one has tried blueberries in this mix? Seems like it would be great addition!

Linda — October 16, 2021 @ 9:16 pm Reply

Excellent! 💯 percent!

My mother-in-law made something similar but called it five cup salad. 1 cup each of crushed pineapple, mandarin segments, sour cream, marshmallows and flaked sweetened coconut. She also made an “ambrosia salad” at Christmas but it had no sour cream or cool whip or binder of any kind. It was navel oranges, pineapple tidbits and maraschino cherries. The top would then be totally covered with sweetened coconut flakes and decorated with more cherries. This typically would sit in fridge overnight to let flavors meld and be served at Christmas brunch. I still make both. The fruit salad recipe is inexact, I usually buy 5 or 6 large oranges, a large can of the tidbits and a cup of more of the cherries. Although the pineapple is drained, it still has enough juice in the fruit to mix with the juice of the oranges. Delish and very refreshing.

Jane Hout — August 26, 2020 @ 5:20 pm Reply

I have been craving Ambrosia for weeks now!!! I love my mother’s Ambrosia. She always used banana chunks in hers along with Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, Mandarin oranges, marshmallows and coconut. She might have used real whipping cream as I recall. I’m going to make it ASAP. All the discussion about it here is making me crave it even more! Thanks Brown-eyed Baker!!!

Jen McNew — July 29, 2020 @ 12:39 pm Reply

My mother made Ambrosia salad (with maraschino cherries added because everything is better with a cherry on top) for a class picnic when I was in the 4th grade and forever after that I was known as the girl with a chef mom. She’s actually an accountant but it still tickles her to this day. My children affectionately refer to Watergate Salad as Green Squish.

Thanks for this reminder and walk down memory lane. I think this may end up being dessert tonight.

Marla — July 3, 2020 @ 7:19 am Reply

How have I lived 32 years of marriage without remembering ambrosia? Why did it take an email from the Brown-eyed Baker to put it back into my consciousness? I made it two weekends ago and I love it as much as ever. My persnickety family was less impressed, so it may not make an appearance for a while. But thank you for taking me back to family reunion potluck dinners. One bite and I was back in Ohio. Much obliged.

Rachel — June 19, 2020 @ 9:03 am Reply

YUM!! This was so good and extremely easy! Thanks for the great recipe!

Macy — June 18, 2020 @ 4:57 am Reply

Yum. Will need to make this in honor of your Grandma😊

Jan Gavaletz — June 17, 2020 @ 8:31 pm Reply

I remember making this years ago for office celebrations and it was always a big hit ( I also used sour cream instead of CoolWhip). Haven’t made it for years, but you have given me a nudge to make it this summer. Thanks for prompting happy memories!

Joyce — June 17, 2020 @ 5:40 pm Reply

At my house it was always called 5 cup salad.
One cup of each mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple,
Coconut, marshmallows and sour cream. We had it all the time. My Watergate salad was mandarin oranges, crushed
Pineapple, pistachio instant pudding, tub of cool whip, & marshmallows.

Brenda Anderson — June 17, 2020 @ 5:37 pm Reply

Extremely easy! I kept it simple, but added maraschino cherries and walnuts. This was a different take on mine as it called for crushed pineapple and it was delicious! My mother who doesn’t like maraschino cherries said your recipe was her preference! Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes.

Lora Herrin — June 17, 2020 @ 11:21 am Reply

I make Ambrosia for potluck dinners. I use a can of mandarin oranges, a can of pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries – sliced, and a package of small white marshmallows. I have used the colored marshmallows, but it doesn’t work well. Sour cream is what I use for the dressing. It’s made the day before the function and sits in the refrigerator melding together. Before serving, stir it up. No one knows that the dressing is a pint of sour cream! Everyone, that doesn’t already know, always asks how I made that wonderful dressing. I smile and tell them that it is a pint of sour cream.

JudyC — June 17, 2020 @ 10:09 am Reply

Just scrolled through ALL of these replies, and didn’t see that anyone uses my friend’s secret ingredient for her Ambrosia.
Everyone just loves hers, and she includes horseradish sauce!

Montie — June 17, 2020 @ 9:49 am Reply

Love it! Ours is almost identical but we use chucked pineapple and add sour cream.

Jennifer O. — June 17, 2020 @ 9:29 am Reply

My mom/grandma’s version used sour cream rather than whipped topping, but I substitute that with plain Greek yogurt. She called it “Five Cup Salad” because it was one cup each of five ingredients. It’s been a holiday staple my entire life and is always gobbled up at potlucks.

Penny Wolf — June 17, 2020 @ 7:48 am Reply

This was a dish at Christmas in our house when I was growing and I am 61! It was just as you have showcased here with one small change.

I seem to remember Dream Whip instead of Cool Whip and in warmer months leave the creamy part out altogether. It’s great flavor and even better memories.

Cheryl — June 17, 2020 @ 7:35 am Reply

Ambrosia salad was a favorite of my grandmother’s and often on her table. She loved all things marshmallow and coconut :) She made the version with sour cream, which is how I make it as well.
Thank you for the delightful memories today.

Michele — June 17, 2020 @ 7:23 am Reply

My grandma’s Ambrosia recipe contained sectioned grapefruit and oranges (This took a long time, and she usually enlisted her granddaughters’ help for that part), coconut, pecans, and maraschino cherries. It was so delicious and refreshing. We are from Georgia.

Cathy Cunningham — May 8, 2020 @ 3:49 pm Reply

Do you have to add the coconut? My husband doesn’t like coconut

Cindy barndt — May 5, 2020 @ 4:53 pm Reply

I make an angel food cake, cut off the top, and make a well all around the inside of the cake (I use a bundt pan) . Fill the well with the ambrosia (I add maraschino cherries), replace the top and frost with more Cool Whip…..wonderful summer dessert!

Loretta Freeman — March 10, 2020 @ 4:54 pm Reply

Thanks so much! I enjoyed reading all about your grandma’s recipe and the variations. I’m going to make this after a 20-year hiatus and now back with my mother who doesn’t remember even having made it one time, and she made it a thousand! (Alzheimer’s). But I’m going to surprise her along with my brother flying in from San Francisco. Thanks again.

Merry Francine Stubblefield — December 11, 2019 @ 11:09 pm Reply

I always put sour cream in this salad. Soooo good!!

A G — December 7, 2019 @ 10:12 pm Reply

We generally use sour cream and add maraschino cherries. Use the canned fruits w/ 100% fruit juice. You can add the juice back, when needed. Also, to cut down on the sweetness, I use unsweetened coconut. Instead of the sweetened stuff. Works like a charm.

Pam Nix — November 19, 2019 @ 8:10 pm Reply

I’m going to have to try this yummy recipe. My grandma also made it but she didn’t use cool whip, pudding, sour cream or anything. Just the fruit. Your version sounds wonderful!!!

Susan Parker — November 12, 2019 @ 3:28 am Reply

Sadly, I have no picture to share, because it was totally consumed! I have had ambrosia salad for years, since I was a kid, but my mom never made it with Cool Whip. It was just the fruit, coconut, and mini-marshmallows. It was served as a refreshing salad with dinner, especially on the hot, SoCal summers.
So tonight, I made it using Cool Whip. I also have always used cut up peaches (canned and drained when fresh isn’t available) along with the pineapple and Mandarin oranges. Major success!

Terry — June 24, 2019 @ 7:06 pm Reply

I know this as 5 cup salad. Chunk pineapple and sour cream instead, everything else the same. A cup of each…hence 5 cup…lol

Kristine — March 11, 2019 @ 6:42 pm Reply

I make it with orange jello, marshmellos, mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and a 8oz tub of cool whip……I also change up and use strawberry jello, strawberries, cool whip pineapple and marshmellos…….love them…..they are equally good…..used this recipe for over 20 years…….everyone I know in the midwest prepared it this way…..way yummy!

Deb — December 16, 2018 @ 9:43 am Reply

My Mother-in-law can no longer remember how to make her recipes. She asked me “what’s that stuff I made every year, I want some of that” I had an idea but wasn’t sure the ratio of items. Last year I saw your recipe and it looked to be the closest. Made it and it was a big hit. Mom said again this year “Sure wish I could remember that dish I made that me and Dad like so much.” Told her I’d make it again. I pretty much remembered but ckd out your recipe again and wanted to let you know it was a big hit. I used pineapple chunks and added cherries and pecans to make it as close as possible, everyone thinks it tastes just like Mom’s Ambrosia.

Flo Trotter — November 23, 2018 @ 9:55 pm Reply

Can you Please tell me what is Cool Whip?

Is it Whipped cream or Cream cheese?
Thank you.
Flo.

Donna — November 20, 2018 @ 4:51 pm Reply

I LOVE ambrosia! Your grandma’s version sounds like the one I grew up with. I have to make it soon. Yum!

J C Holzwarth — September 9, 2018 @ 1:46 pm Reply

My dad made ambrosia, but he added “Grape Nuts” cereal to it. Delicious the next day when when the “Grape Nuts” softened.

Lisa M R — May 4, 2018 @ 1:54 am Reply

Try nata de coco from an Asian store. My favorite part of a Filipino ambrosia salad.

Marion — May 2, 2018 @ 11:18 am Reply

It look yummy. Thank for sharing.

Jackie Kovacsik — April 21, 2018 @ 2:17 pm Reply

Love Ambrosia salad….sharing with you that instead of Whipped Cream, I use 1 can of condensed milk and the same measurement of Sour Cream!!! Not so sweet and very light, especially after a heavy meal. All my fruits in juice… no syrup (and NO coconut) ! Thank you for sharing @thebrowneyedbaker

Pat — April 9, 2018 @ 11:17 pm Reply

Ours is almost the same,we use sour cream instead of cool whip..

You reminded me of my grandma she use to make salads specially for me. Now coming to this ambrosia salad this one is superb . I am delighted to see pics you shared and looking forward to make this tonight.

Louise Chowanski — March 21, 2018 @ 12:14 pm Reply

I have made this for years and use Sour Cream instead of Cool Whip. A good choice if you want less chemicals in your food.

Megan — March 20, 2018 @ 9:56 pm Reply

Oh my gosh this brings back memories! In our house this was called “5-Cup Salad” and was made with sour cream instead of Cool Whip. The last time I made this was with my mom a week before she passed away. Thank you for helping me bring back these nice memories!

Kim — March 20, 2018 @ 9:00 pm Reply

So simple, yet so good. I remember having a version of this salad as a kid.

Robin Christensen — March 20, 2018 @ 8:41 pm Reply

Here’s the Ambrosia I grew up with (I turn 60 on Saturday):

1small can chunky pineapple, reserving juice
2small cans mandarin oranges
1/2package mini marshmallows
1/2package coconut
1pint sour cream
2bananas, sliced
1small jar maraschino cherries, halved

Dunk banana slices in reserved pineapple juice, drain. Drain all remaining fruits and pour into a large clear glass bowl. Slowly stir in sour cream. Add marshmallows and coconut. Cover and refrigerate.

It is DELISH!!

Martha in KS — March 20, 2018 @ 6:59 pm Reply

My family called it Moron Salad (named by my step-grandmother) because it used 1 cup of each ingredient – mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, coconut, mini marshmallows & sour cream. The name wouldn’t be considered PC these days but this was about 50 yrs. ago.

Linda Blum — March 20, 2018 @ 4:12 pm Reply

Yes! I grew up eating Ambrosia Salad and I fed it to my children. We used with your recipe – except used sour cream. Oh dear. If my husband is looking over my shoulder, we will be having it again very soon. His favorite, and he has forgotten it.
My mother made it – and I am 74. Yikes! A very old recipe!
Thanks for the memories.

Sally — March 20, 2018 @ 3:45 pm Reply

This is the southern ambrosia I grew up with. in Florida. It was most often served at Christmas when the citrus was freshly picked off of the trees. Sally’s Christmas Ambrosia

Titusville, Florida – 1965

Ingredients:

3 large oranges or 4 smaller ones
1 grapefruit, white
1 grapefruit, pink
1 cup grapes, green seedless
1 cup grapes, red seedless
2 bananas, peeled and sliced crosswise
1 small jar maraschino cherries (including juice)
3 tbsp powdered sugar.
Toppings –
Grated fresh coconut and chopped pecans.

Directions
Peel the citrus and cut fruit sections away from the segments between them. Put in large bowl and add juice squeezed from the remaining carcasses of the fruit. Add grapes, banana slices, cherries and juice, and powdered sugar. Stir gently until sugar is incorporated; then chill covered for 1 hour. Place toppings in small containers with spoons next to the ambrosia bowl for serving.

Judy — March 20, 2018 @ 11:18 am Reply

Boy, is ambrosia a blast from the past. When I was a kid, I was always in charge of making it. Back then we used dream whip which was pkgs of whipped topping mix added to milk. Thanks for the memories!

Susan — March 20, 2018 @ 7:15 am Reply

Is there a substitution for the shredded coconut?…

This looks amazing and so festive, I can’t wait to try it!

Linda — June 11, 2016 @ 11:43 am Reply

I add sliced bananas and uncrushed pecans or walnuts or whateverer is available.

Diane — January 31, 2016 @ 2:40 pm Reply

Can’t wait to try this

Kathleen edsall — December 20, 2015 @ 11:32 pm Reply

Thank you for such a heart warming post. I myself make piergoes a receipt from Grandma Checkie for the holidays as well. I wish I knew your grandma first name so I could call them grandma ” so and so ” ambrosia. But that’s okay you need not respond. Guess it’s our way of having them be part of our lives forever. That is of course if our future families carry on our tradition. Any way. Thank you for sharing. Will make this for Christmas.

Sally — May 25, 2015 @ 7:20 am Reply

I’m 66. My mom died when I was 16 and I remember her making this salad – the version with sour cream called “5-Cup Salad.” I’ve made it nearly every year since as part of Thanksgiving dinner. Funny, I never think of it as a summer dish!

You wrote about wanting to ask your dad or grandma questions. I’ve had the same experience and still do on occasion. Often it’s stuff that I didn’t know I’d want to know when I was much younger. And often it’s about recipes.

Kathy Milczarski — March 30, 2015 @ 3:47 pm Reply

Michelle, Just wondering if you double the ambrosia recipe or not? And we have always thought of it as a salad and not a dessert. Also I loved your commentary on your Italian grandmother’s hospitality–what you said is so true!!! My mom is Italian and we always want to have more than enough and choices (something for everyone). So that is why I am wondering if you doubled the ambrosia recipe. (And it did look neat in the trifle. Is that one batch?) Thanks!

Betty — August 19, 2014 @ 8:38 pm Reply

Really enjoyed reading this, I’m a great grandmother and was looking for an old recipe. It had mandarin oranges, pineapple, and of all things cottage cheese with lime jello. I need to talk to my niece but it really sounds like it might have been made from a ambrosia recipe. By the way the cottage cheese made it not so sweet. Need to find the other ingredient now. It was great and had no coconut in it.

Gee — July 27, 2014 @ 7:49 am Reply

Does any one know if ambrosia can be made without coconut. I love coconut flavor but I do not like the texture of coconut. I would love to hear a response from anyone. Looking forward to your response.
Thanks

Heather — May 10, 2014 @ 12:08 am Reply

I was searching the web for this exact recipe. My mom made this when I was a kid. I’ve seen many versions while looking for this one. I’ve seen sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, or yogurt but this is what I wanted to make my mom for Mother’s Day. Both my mom and I love it and I’m a mom too. As far as the memories it so true. I did not grow up having any grandparents on either side nor did I grow up with a father so I urge everyone to cherish who ever they have and make beautiful memories that will transcend along not only your lifetime but maybe your grandchildren as well if we are so blessed. Thanks for sharing your memories with us and for the recipe. I can’t wait not only to make it but eat it too. You can have your Ambrosia and eat it too!

Audean — March 24, 2014 @ 2:33 am Reply

Memories are such a precious gift!! I think of my “Granny” and “Grandma” almost daily and both sadly have been gone many years now. I wanted to share with you my memory of Ambrosia salad. 15 years ago I married. I remember being a young girl and going to many Bridal showers at my “Granny’s” house. Aunts, Cousins and neighbour girls getting married, all were given showers. Along with rolled sandwiches, ambrosia or 5 cup salad as I knew it, was served along with tea in cups and saucers and a hidden sticker under a random saucer :). As I had said I married 15 years ago and it was not until a shower was hosted in my Granny ‘s home by my Mother and Aunts, complete with rolled sandwiches, 5 cup salad and tea in a collection of tea cups, did I really believe that I was getting married! It continues to amaze me just how much a recipe can transport us to times in our lives we hold so precious. Thank you for sharing yours.

By the way, I am attending a bridal shower next week and I have decided, 5 cup salad will be my contribution to the celebration. :)

Erin — December 23, 2013 @ 1:27 pm Reply

Loved your story! I lost my grandmother 10 years ago at 91, but she is always close to my heart and in thought. She taught me how and inspired me to love cooking and food! Thankfully, I have many of her very old cookbooks and recipes. I’ve been looking for an ambrosia recipe I could modify for my dairy and nut allergic daughter, and I think I’ve found it – thank you!! Unfortunately cool whip does contain milk proteins, so I’m going to substitute “Sour Supreme”. It is a dairy free sour cream substitute that is made with soy, and I’ve used it successfully in other recipes. Hoping this will work! I try to accommodate her as much as possible so she isn’t left out of the eating fun, which to me are some of the best Christmas memories!

viktoriya — December 21, 2013 @ 6:02 pm Reply

Could I completely omit the coconut? Would it be any different? If its essential is there another option because I’m ellergic to coconut?

Mandy — October 4, 2013 @ 7:11 am Reply

How lovely!! Ambrosia is the best and the canned versions of the fruits are much better and sweeter than the fresh ones. Plus the cool whip cream is sooooo much better than whipped cream that you made yourself!! Why bother when cool whip is so good for you??????

Holly of Sinful Sugar — July 12, 2013 @ 9:08 pm Reply

I just lost my grandma last year, right before her 98th birthday. She too was an Italian lady who made ambrosia for summer gatherings. I still remember those recycled cool whip containers she’d use to send us left overs. My mom has a hand written version of this, except she threw in a small can of fruit co*cktail and a little sour cream. We’d fight with my cousins over who got the maraschino cherries. Thanks for reviving this oldie but goodie. I brought this to a BBQ last summer and our friends’ children never had the pleasure of eating this light and tasty favorite.

Alvina Lewis — June 1, 2013 @ 1:26 pm Reply

Tasked with providing a fruit salad for church and automatically thought about my late Aunt Sarah. As a kid I remember watching her feel each and every orange and grapefruit with a smile on her face. Ofcourse coconut, powered sugar and cherries were used, and it was a great and sweet dessert. Can’t get a kid near grapefruit. I miss her tremendously and this gave me another opportunity to think her of her…with love.

Lesley Shell — February 23, 2013 @ 2:31 pm Reply

My hubby and I were sitting here arguing about how ambrosia is made and what ingredients are used, well darnnit, he wins, I thought that you whip jello until it is creamy (orange, pineapple or lemon) and then add fruit. He says it is cream. I love your grandma’s recipe. I miss my Nanny with all my heart, even though she never cooked, she worked outside the home, there were a few recipes she had that i adore just like you do. When I make this we will salute your Grammy.

Cathee — December 13, 2012 @ 9:07 am Reply

My Grandmother made this recipe twice a year, once for Easter and then for Christmas. After moving to Missouri from California (Dad was Military); I never had it again. My Grandmother has since had a stroke and her memory is not the greatest, I have tried getting the recipe from her and she only remembers bits and pieces.
This is BY FAR the closest I have come to the original that she made, it is missing one element…she always used maraschino cherries (halved).
I WILL be making this for Christmas this year (as a surprise).
Hopefully I can do it justice.
Thank you for the recipe and letting us share in your memories.

Claudia Haney — November 15, 2012 @ 12:08 pm Reply

Is Ambrosia considered a dessert? I think it is, but my friend says that they used to have it WITH a meal. Sounds nasty to me! :)

Lori — August 29, 2012 @ 5:20 pm Reply

FINALLY! The real deal for ambrosia salad. I had to sift thru tons of pages to find a website that had it correctly and also included a photo. My search is over.

Simba — August 21, 2012 @ 5:49 am Reply

That sounds interesting, will try to do this soon.
Thanks for sharing

M. Vivian — June 7, 2012 @ 7:44 am Reply

Grandmas (grams, nanas, gommies, & g-mas) make the world go round :) My Gram just passed this May 13 @ 104!! And this just reminded me of all her fabulous recipes :) My aunt is putting together a book of them for me. It’s one of the best ways to remember someone!

Gabrielle — June 2, 2012 @ 10:57 am Reply

Lovely story. My family had this on occasion. We also had a cranberry Waldorf salad, the recipe of which I include here. The “melted” marshmallows, combined with the whipped cream give you the texture of Coolwhip, without having said ingredient. I just noticed that several people were asking how to make the ambrosia with out so much processed food. I suppose the marshmallows would be considered processed, unless you make your own. Obviously, you’d want to switch up the fruit to make the ambrosia ;)

Cranberry Waldorf
serves 12

2 C. fresh cranberries, ground
3 C mini marshmellows
3/4 C sugar
2 C diced tart apples
1/2 C seedless grapes, halved
1/2 C broken walnut meats
1/4 tsp salt
1 C whipping cream, whipped

The night before serving, grind the cranberries and stir them and rendered juice into the marshmellows and sugar. Cover and put in fridge. The next day stir in apples, grapes, walnuts and salt. Fold in the whipped cream.

Lindsey — June 1, 2012 @ 5:24 pm Reply

My family called it honeymoon salad made with sour cream instead of cool whip and my mom always added a cup of chopped pecans because I always remember this being made along side lime jello with shaved carrots and pecans in it.

I lost my mom in January and also thought I lost some of her recipes that I was sure she never wrote down, specifically her potato salad that I always meant to ask her for. I just stumbled upon it and was shocked that it actually tasted the same with the measured quantities because I know she never measured anything for this recipe! Just tasting it brought tears to my eyes.

I find myself wanting to call her often, and you are so right that we need to talk more and cherish everything with the time we have.

Glad you were able to share a family recipe. They’re always the best!

Such a nice post… I lost my Sicilian mom this past February, and at least once a day my hand reaches for the phone to call her until I catch myself. She always used to say that if there were no leftovers that means you didn’t cook enough in the first place. Someone may have wanted a second helping, and they didn’t get it–the ultimate Italian cook’s shame!

What a lovely post =] And the pictures are gorgeous

What a sweet post! This ambrosia salad is a perfect tribute to your grandmother!

Ali — May 30, 2012 @ 10:02 pm Reply

I remember my sister and I loving this as kids. The perfect summer treat! Now I can make her some ;). Thanks!

Martha in KS — May 30, 2012 @ 7:23 pm Reply

My step-grandmother’s recipe was called Moron Salad because it was a cup of each ingredient. It called for pineapple tidbits and sour cream instead of whipped topping. Mom always made a separate dish without coconut for one of my sisters.

Linda from NJ — May 30, 2012 @ 6:50 pm Reply

what I wouldn’t give for just one more day with those in my life who have passed … it’s funny how the thoughts flood in when those people are gone, all the things you wish and want to know more about but never thought anything more about.

Oh, I love ambrosia. Thanks for sharing your grandmother’s recipe. I’m pretty sure that “back in the day” she used sour cream or something else because Cool Whip wasn’t available.

Our family also had to versions, one with the mandarin oranges, pineapple and coconut and another called “Edna’s Salad” that was made with vanilla pudding cooked with the juice from a can of fruit co*cktail. The cooled mixture was then combined with the fruit co*cktail and whipped cream was folded in. It’s fabulous. Yes, canned fruit is a grandma thing. My 91-year-old mother-in-law gets panicky if there’s no canned fruit in the pantry. I’d never buy it myself.

Nineteen is pretty young to lose your father. The thing is, at that age you don’t even really know all the things you’d like to know.

Angelyn — May 30, 2012 @ 3:52 pm Reply

This looks really, really good! I’v never had Ambrosia before, but I must try it soon!

Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes — May 30, 2012 @ 3:36 pm Reply

I relate to your reaching for them before thinking. It´s also a natural and sweet way to keep them close.
I never had anything like your recipe. Here Ambrosia is a milk, sugar and egg mixture cooked a lot on the stove, that ends up like a cross between flan and bread pudding.

Yep, my gram also had an endless supply of fruit co*cktail in her cupboard. Must be a popular item among old ladies :) This ambrosia salad looks just like the one my gram made for us, great memories!

Tiffany — May 30, 2012 @ 2:19 pm Reply

Interesting that you would mention this story with this salad. My grandma always made a salad very similar to this every Thanksgiving. She is still alive, but a year ago she fell and has a lot of memory problems now. One thing she discovered was she forgot her recipe for this salad! She was asked to bring it recently but couldn’t even remember how to begin. She never wrote it down, since she never guessed she’d forget it. I will have to try this and see if I can tweak it to what I remember. Thanks!

Ambrosia was always at our family dinners too. It was very popular. My mom made it just about the same but she added nuts on occasion.

Karin — May 30, 2012 @ 1:56 pm Reply

My mother-in-law made this all the time except she also added cottage cheese and a small box of orange jello powder. She said it was a “complete” lunch that way!

Ana — May 30, 2012 @ 1:46 pm Reply

Have you ever made the dessert salad similar to this, with the pistachio pudding? that’s what we always called Ambrosia Salad. I think sometimes it’s called Watergate salad. There’s a good frozen fruit salad recipe on Pinterest from an Atlanta department store’s tea room from a long time ago. I’d like to try it, and I’d like to try yours, too. I see why it kept popping up. :)

That is so unbelievably heartbreaking about your father. I’m personally, very close to my dad and I can’t imagine ever losing him. Thanks for the beautiful reminder that we all need to make the most of our time with family.

And the ambrosia salad looks delicious!

Mahalo for posting this recipe. My Auntie J used to make this for me time to time as she knew I loved it. She’s gone now as we lost her too soon but I pinned this so I can make it one day and think of all the great memories of her.

Georgina Cole — May 30, 2012 @ 12:55 pm Reply

My mom has also been making Ambrosia since before I can remember (I was a kid in the 70s). She still makes it every Christmas using a combination of Cool Whip, fruit co*cktail, coconut, maraschino cherries and fresh fruite (apples, bananas, etc.). My sister and I still love it but our husbands think it’s disgusting! I guess it’s all about what you grew up with :)

elisa — May 30, 2012 @ 12:55 pm Reply

I love your personal touches to your entries.

I love ambrosia. it’s so delcious and refreshing. I love it mostly though because I finally found a dessert that I could make for my Sister in-law who has Celiac Disease and can’t have any wheat products. So no cupcakes, cake, etc. The Ambrosia makes her so happy!! and me too. :)

I think my mom used sour cream, too, and mayonnaise? All I know is that it was SO bad for you. But SO good. Thanks for a memory. :)

I love ambrosia, so much! Thanks for the recipe :) My grandmother always has cans of fruit co*cktail in the pantry, it’s like a Grandma Requirement I think! Food never runs out at her house, either.

Rachel — May 30, 2012 @ 12:11 pm Reply

I love this recipe! Thank you for sharing it and your story. Being a Pittsburgh girl myself, we actually referred to this as ‘funeral salad.’ I never thought twice about it until I was older and asked my grandmother in front of family friends if she was going to make it. “What does she want?” Asked the family friend.

Have you ever heard it referred to as funeral salad?!

Awww this post was so sweet. And I totally can relate to Italian Grandmas – You eat a huge plate of food that can feed an entire family and she says “You didn’t eat nothin’!”. Oh, and I love the cherry on top :)

Char James-Tanny — May 30, 2012 @ 11:54 am Reply

I make something really similar every summer (about once a week, sometimes more). I include maraschino cherries and use sour cream, not Cool Whip (like several others have said), and I use chunk pineapple, not crushed. And I only use about half as much coconut and mini-marshmallows. And I like how it changes it up when I add a can of fruit co*cktail.

When I’m feeling quirky, I add some cinnamon and nutmeg.

I lost my Grandma 15 years ago but she used to make a salad like this, but she called it Hawaiian Salad and instead of the cool whip, she used sour cream! It added a nice tangy flavour but you would never guess it was sour cream!
I love old family recipes!

This is a really sweet post. I lost all of my grandparents by the time I was 12, but I’m glad to have a few memories of them still. One thing that I find especially comforting is to think of the things you do in your life that reflect your grandparents. For example, my mother’s mother made “Nana cookies” the way yours made ambrosia, so I feel as if I am channeling her whenever I duplicate that recipe. My love for swings comes from my mother’s father (who would push me on the swings for hours when I was a baby), my passion for science comes from my father’s father, and my love for gardening and crafting comes from my father’s mother. There is certainly a piece of your grandmother in you, and you emulate her every time you recreate one of her recipes :)

Heather @ Bake, Run, Live — May 30, 2012 @ 11:03 am Reply

I don’t care for pineapple, so whenever I make ambrosia salad, I add canned pears!
My grandparents have been gone for quite a few years now, however, that doesn’t stop me from asking questions or seeking their guidance. I just have to listen for the answers.

Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I’m sure you’ll be the one to pass this recipe down to the future generations and *you’ll* be just like your grandmother.

michele@onecountrychick — May 30, 2012 @ 10:41 am Reply

Thanks for a neat post. My Gram passed away this past winter at the age of 90, and it is odd how your mind, at times, forgets that. I, too, have found myself thinking, we’ll have to ask Gram (although her hearing was pretty bad, so asking was difficult :) Same with looking at pictures – can’t ask anymore who those people were from back in 1940…

Sharon Peek — May 30, 2012 @ 10:34 am Reply

My family too uses sour cream, but they also add halved maraschino cherries. My grandmother also made a variation that included pecans, coconut, mandarin oranges and sour cream plus a can of fruit co*cktail. Though I am in my 60’s, I still remember those times together with fondness. Memories are the basis of all loving thoughts.

Megan — May 30, 2012 @ 10:02 am Reply

We make this salad, but use sour cream instead of cool whip. So delicious!

I really related to this post for two reasons. One, my family always ate ambrosia salad at every special occasion when I was a kid. My grandma started it and my mom continued it. Also, I lost both my parents and my oldest brother to cancer about 6 years ago now when I was about 30. I can’t tell you the number of times I wish I had asked particular questions about life, my parents, and yes – my mom’s recipes while I had the chance. We have a lot of good memories connected to the kitchen. Thanks for the post. :)

I remember this recipe well and could eat it right now. Thanks for sharing. And I agree…what’s with the fruit co*cktail. It was always in the cupboard. Did it actually taste good? I don’t have a positive memory.

Ahhh, what a wonderful recipe from your grandma and a wonderful post!

Jennifer — May 30, 2012 @ 9:34 am Reply

I’m so glad you have your grandmother’s recipe. Then you can think of her every time you make it. My mother passed away from leukemia when I was 9, and when I dug through a hope chest when I was older, I found lots of her handwritten recipes. I cherish them. I made copies and sent them to my brothers so they could have them, too, even if they never made them. Thanks for sharing :)

Genny — May 30, 2012 @ 9:19 am Reply

Love this post! And yes, my Grandma always had fruit co*cktail in her pantry too! In fact, my Grandma seemed to whip something up out of nowhere with whatever she had in her pantry. Our Grandmas were incredible women! What pleasant memories you have! Thanks for sharing!

Catalina @ Cake with Love — May 30, 2012 @ 9:19 am Reply

Grandmas have the best recipes!! This salad looks so delicious and the presentation is very nice!

I could definitely relate to this post. My mom was 82 when she died and her health wasn’t good, but it was still shocking to me when see died. How nice that you remember your grandma making this salad for you. I bet it makes it taste even more special.

Nancy — May 30, 2012 @ 9:01 am Reply

Michelle, Another Pittsburgh version, My Mom called it Five Cup Salad. I cup chunk pineapple tid bits 1 cup oranges, 1 cup marshmallows, 1 cup coconut, 1 cup sour cream. It could always be doubled depending on how many servings.

Kellie — May 30, 2012 @ 9:00 am Reply

my family makes something similar, but instead of cool whip( it seems so slimey and oily to me) we would use sour cream…and mix it all together and it adds a perfectly fresh sweetness. My mom dislikes sour cream but this would be the one time she would buy and eat it. :) That would be one way to get around the cool whip. It would be amazing with fresh whipped creamtoo though!!

A lovely story. I just remembered that my grandma also used to make Ambrosia Salad. In first grade we had to bring in a snack to share with our class, and I brought individual paper cups filled with it for everyone. Any my class hated it! I was so embarrassed that they didn’t like my dessert. I haven’t had it in a really long time but it definitely reminds me of my grandma too.

Barbara Masino — May 30, 2012 @ 8:41 am Reply

I remember making this recipe as a young bride back in the 60’s! It was always a hit. Now, being a more health conscious grandma, my spin on this classic is to use organic vanilla yougurt…it is just as delicious! Your recipes have that special ingredient…loving family memories. Thank you for sharing your family with us. BTW, my Italian born mom always had at least 6 huge cans of fruit co*cktail in the pantry!

Emmy Lou — May 30, 2012 @ 8:23 am Reply

Michele…being from Pittsburgh originally, I was drawn to your blog…and stayed because of your heart and talent. For those who are blessed to have their parents and grandparents around, please take the time to video tape them. My daughter told my parents it was a school project and now we have video of grandma cooking with a pinch of this and handful of that and grandpa describing growing up in a one room house in Ireland. Generations will hear their voices.

What a nice post Michelle. I’m in tears because this reminds me so much of myself, and how I wish I could pick up the phone and call my Grandpa to ask him baking related questions.
Although I have never had ambrosia, thank you for sharing this recipe as I know how important family recipes are.

Jeri Barry — May 30, 2012 @ 7:36 am Reply

Wonderful post Michelle! Mandarin oranges, fruit co*cktail….things my mom always had on hand. She used to make a “salad” every Christmas with lime jello, cottage cheese, cool whip and canned crushed pineapple. Sounds like nothing a foodie would whip up but it went great with ham. I always tear up when I read about the loss of your grandmother and father. The advice you give about cherishing the moments you have is something we should all remember with regard to all of our loved ones. I don’t know why it is that I continually need to be reminded of that. My hat is off to you!

I love this post,your remembering your grandmother through this ambrosia salad and some day you’ll make it for your grandkids and they’ll make it calling it your ambrosia salad. I lost my grandmother a few years back but everytime my mom cooks something of hers,it brings me back to being small in my grandmothers house.

Shirley x

My mom and dad are Greek, and there isn’t a meal where my mom doesn’t make a TON of food and expect everyone to get third or fourth helpings! Mom doesn’t use cook books, everything is in her head. I need to makes sure to write down all her recipes and make them myself before something should happen to her. It’s important to pass on these family recipes. I can’t believe I’ve never had ambrosia salad! It sounds so delicious!

I do believe we must have relatives that share recipes! This was so much a staple with us too. Mom or NeeNee would throw in some bananas sometimes. Ours mainly used whatever was in the house too. Great way to get kids to eat fruit!

Sue Ames — May 30, 2012 @ 6:22 am Reply

Now that you mention it, my grandmother did have cans of fruit co*cktail in the pantry, my mom did too but I never really did. I can remember my grandparents eating it after lunch. Thank you for helping with that memory.

Sherry — May 30, 2012 @ 5:02 am Reply

The first time I’d even heard of Ambrosia was on Top Chef Masters and I think I was as befuddled as the guy who got it since it didn’t look all too appetizing.

I don’t suppose this recipe could be modified to make it less processed? Like fresh orange wedges, fresh pineapple, and maybe homemade whipped cream? Oh, and homemade marshmallows! I try not to eat canned foods all too often, and I never saw a need for Cool Whip when whipping your own whipped cream is so incredibly easy. Or would all that change it too much from the original flavor?

Brandon — May 30, 2012 @ 2:59 am Reply

Did you ever have the “green” version of this with pistachio pudding mix added and no mandarins? I used to have it every year at Christmas, but haven’t had it for years.

ala-kat — May 30, 2012 @ 1:52 am Reply

It is a natural reflex to reach out to those that are gone. I do the same thing. They may physically be gone, but they are always in our heart.

What a lovely post. And thank you for sharing your grandma’s recipe! I actually never had ambrosia salad before but it looks like something I will most definitely like.