Dessert

Holiday Ambrosia Salad Recipe

ByRafael Mansero November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Introduction

Holiday Ambrosia Salad is a delightful, creamy dessert salad that’s perfect for festive gatherings. Combining sweet fruit, tender orzo pasta, and fluffy whipped topping, this dish offers a unique twist on a classic treat.

A close-up of a red bowl filled with a creamy dish made of small, uneven chunks of orange fruit mixed with thick, white cottage cheese, creating a textured, fluffy appearance. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with a white plate and silver spoon behind it, slightly out of focus. The mixture looks fresh and soft, with the fruit pieces partly covered by the white cheese layer but still visible throughout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked orzo pasta
¾ cup white sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 (8 ounce) cans pineapple chunks, drained with juice reserved
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments, drained
1 cup shredded coconut
4 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain well, transfer to a large bowl, and allow to cool completely.
Step 2: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, beaten eggs, flour, salt, and the reserved pineapple juice until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Step 3: Pour the thickened mixture over the cooled orzo and toss gently to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to set.
Step 4: After chilling, stir in the drained pineapple chunks and mandarin orange segments. Add shredded coconut if desired, then fold in the thawed whipped topping until well blended.
Step 5: Chill the salad until ready to serve and enjoy this sweet, creamy holiday treat.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, try mixing in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before chilling the salad.
If you prefer, substitute canned fruit with fresh fruit in season for a fresher taste.
Make sure to fully cool the cooked orzo before combining with other ingredients to prevent the whipped topping from melting.

Storage

Store leftover ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well due to the whipped topping and fruit texture.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a dessert served in a white bowl filled with multiple layers of creamy white whipped topping mixed with small pieces of light orange fruit, likely mandarin oranges. The texture of the topping is fluffy and soft, evenly mixed with the fruit chunks. Behind the bowl, there is a white round plate holding a large silver spoon, all set on a white marbled surface. The dessert looks thick and slightly lumpy with visible fruit pieces spread throughout, giving it a rich, creamy, fruity appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo works best because of its small size and texture, but you can use small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small macaroni as alternatives.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad overnight?

Yes, chilling the salad overnight allows the flavors to meld and the custard mixture to set properly, resulting in a creamier texture.