09/18/2026
Christmas Salad Recipes
Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Ingredients
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional
Step by Step: Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries very well so the salad does not become watery; in a large bowl stir together the sour cream and granulated sugar until smooth, then gently fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and pecans if using until everything is evenly coated; cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and the marshmallows to soften slightly, then gently stir once more and serve chilled.
Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe
Ingredients
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained, optional
1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional
Step by Step: Add the cherry pie filling, well-drained crushed pineapple, and sour cream to a large bowl and stir until combined; gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light and evenly pink, then fold in the mini marshmallows and, if desired, the maraschino cherries and chopped pecans; cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until thoroughly chilled, then gently stir and serve cold.
Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
3 bananas, sliced
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup mini marshmallows, optional
Step by Step: Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until completely smooth and creamy, then gently fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy; toss the banana slices with the lemon juice to help prevent browning, then gently fold the strawberries and bananas into the cheesecake mixture along with the mini marshmallows if using; refrigerate for about 30–60 minutes before serving, keeping the salad chilled and adding the bananas as close to serving time as possible for the freshest texture.
Watergate Salad Recipe
Ingredients
1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained, optional
Step by Step: Place the dry pistachio pudding mix and the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice in a large bowl and stir until the pudding mixture thickens slightly; gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until evenly combined, then fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped pecans; cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until cold and fluffy, then stir gently and garnish with additional pecans or maraschino cherries if desired before serving.
Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad Recipe
Ingredients
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, well drained
1 cup seedless grapes, halved
1 banana, sliced
1 cup whipped topping, thawed
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 tbsp lemon juice
Step by Step: Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes until smooth and beginning to thicken, then gently fold in the whipped topping; drain the fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, and pineapple thoroughly, toss the banana slices with the lemon juice to help prevent browning, then gently fold all the fruit and grapes into the pudding mixture until evenly coated; cover and refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes until chilled and set, then gently stir before serving cold.
