Ambrosia Salad

Introduction

Ambrosia Salad is a classic, creamy fruit salad that’s sweet, refreshing, and effortlessly easy to make. This nostalgic dish has long been a favorite at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and summer cookouts, bringing a touch of old-fashioned charm to any table. With a delightful mix of juicy fruit, soft marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and a rich, creamy dressing, every bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors.

I still remember the first time I had Ambrosia Salad at a family picnic—the combination of flavors was unlike anything else, and it quickly became a must-have for special occasions. The best part is how customizable it is! You can stick to the traditional recipe or mix things up with different fruits, flavored marshmallows, or even a hint of coconut for extra tropical flair.

This salad comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients, making it a go-to recipe when you need something sweet and satisfying without the fuss. Whether served as a side dish or a light dessert, Ambrosia Salad is always a hit!

Perfect for:

• Holiday dinners
• Summer cookouts
• Potlucks and picnics
• Quick and easy desserts
• Nostalgic comfort food

Why You’ll Love This Ambrosia Salad

Here’s why Ambrosia Salad will become a favorite in your recipe collection:

• Creamy and Fruity: A perfect mix of sweet, juicy fruit and a luscious, creamy dressing.
• Light Yet Indulgent: It’s rich enough to feel like a treat but still light and refreshing.
• No Cooking Required: This is a no-bake, mix-and-serve dish that comes together in minutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, family gatherings, or a quick sweet fix.
• Easily Customizable: Swap fruits, nuts, or cream to match your personal taste.

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 30g, Fat: 7g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Ambrosia Salad:

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
• ½ cup red or green grapes, halved (optional)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 tablespoon honey or powdered sugar (optional, for added sweetness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Mini Marshmallows: These add a soft, chewy texture and a touch of sweetness.
• Coconut: Shredded coconut enhances the tropical flavor and adds slight crunch.
• Mandarin Oranges and Pineapple: The classic fruits in ambrosia, bringing juicy sweetness.
• Maraschino Cherries: Bright, sweet cherries add color and a festive touch.
• Nuts: Pecans or walnuts offer a bit of crunch and nutty depth.
• Sour Cream and Whipped Topping: This combination creates a creamy, slightly tangy dressing that coats the fruit beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salad:

1. Drain the Fruit: Make sure the mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries are well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the salad too runny.
2. Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), whipped topping, and honey or powdered sugar (if using) until smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the marshmallows, shredded coconut, drained fruit, grapes (if using), and nuts (if using) into the bowl with the dressing.
4. Gently Fold Everything Together: Using a spatula, carefully mix until all the ingredients are well coated in the creamy dressing.
5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to let the flavors meld together.

Serve:

6. Stir Before Serving: Give the salad a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
7. Garnish (Optional): Top with extra cherries, coconut, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a decorative touch.

How to Serve Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• Classic Chilled Bowl – Serve in a large chilled bowl with a garnish of maraschino cherries and a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
• Individual Dessert Cups – Portion into small glass cups or parfait dishes for a fancy presentation.
• Fruit-Filled Waffle Cone – Scoop into waffle cones for a fun and portable treat.
• Angel Food Cake Topping – Spoon over slices of angel food cake for a light and fruity dessert.
• Stuffed in Crepes – Use as a filling for crepes and drizzle with honey or melted white chocolate.
• Layered Trifle – Layer with pound cake and whipped cream in a trifle dish for an elegant dessert.
• Served in a Pineapple Boat – Hollow out a pineapple and serve the salad inside for a tropical touch.
• On Graham Crackers – Spread onto graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a snackable treat.
• Frozen Ambrosia Bites – Freeze spoonfuls in mini muffin tins for a cool and creamy bite-sized dessert.
• Topped with Whipped Cream & Nuts – Add an extra dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for more texture and flavor.

Additional Tips for Ambrosia Salad

Follow these tips for the best Ambrosia Salad:

• Chill for Best Flavor – Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Use Fresh Whipped Cream – For a lighter, fresher taste, replace store-bought whipped topping with homemade whipped cream.
• Toast the Coconut – Lightly toasting the shredded coconut enhances its nutty flavor and adds a slight crunch.
• Drain Fruits Well – Excess liquid from canned fruits can make the salad watery, so drain them thoroughly before mixing.
• Add Crunch – Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add texture and a nutty contrast to the creamy base.
• Try Greek Yogurt – Swap some or all of the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy and slightly healthier alternative.
• Mix in Mini Marshmallows Last – Stir in marshmallows at the end to prevent them from breaking apart or becoming too soft.
• Experiment with Fruits – Try adding chopped apples, fresh berries, or even pomegranate seeds for variety.
• Use Flavored Whipped Cream – Infuse your whipped cream with a splash of vanilla or coconut extract for extra depth.
• Garnish Before Serving – Sprinkle extra coconut, nuts, or maraschino cherries on top just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
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Recipe Variations for Ambrosia Salad

Here are 10 delicious variations of Ambrosia Salad:

• Classic Ambrosia Salad: Stick to the traditional mix of pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, coconut, and sour cream.
• Whipped Cream Ambrosia: Use only whipped cream (no sour cream) for a lighter, dessert-like version.
• Cream Cheese Ambrosia: Blend softened cream cheese into the dressing for extra richness.
• Tropical Ambrosia: Add mango, papaya, or banana slices for a tropical twist.
• Berry Ambrosia: Replace some of the fruits with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
• Nut-Free Ambrosia: Skip the nuts for an allergy-friendly version.
• Chocolate Ambrosia: Toss in mini chocolate chips for a fun and unexpected addition.
• Vegan Ambrosia: Use dairy-free whipped topping and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Pudding Ambrosia: Mix in vanilla or coconut pudding for an extra smooth texture.
• Honey-Lime Ambrosia: Drizzle with a bit of honey and lime juice for a citrusy kick.

Freezing and Storage for Ambrosia Salad

• Storage: Store leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruit and creamy dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Special Equipment for Ambrosia Salad

You won’t need much to make Ambrosia Salad, but these tools can help:

• Mixing Bowls – For combining all the ingredients.
• Rubber Spatula – Helps fold in the whipped topping or yogurt without deflating it.
• Citrus Zester – If you want to add fresh citrus zest for extra flavor.
• Microplane Grater – Useful for finely grating coconut or white chocolate as a garnish.
• Colander – To drain canned fruits properly and prevent excess liquid.
• Chef’s Knife – For chopping fresh fruits or cutting marshmallows into smaller pieces.
• Cutting Board – Provides a surface for prepping fruit.
• Whisk – To blend whipped topping, yogurt, or sour cream smoothly.
• Serving Dish – A trifle bowl or glass dish for an elegant presentation.
• Ice Cream Scoop or Cookie Scoop – For portioning the salad neatly into individual servings.

Frequently Asked Questions for Ambrosia Salad

1. Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
   Yes! In fact, it tastes better when made a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
   Absolutely! Fresh pineapple, fresh orange segments, and fresh cherries work well.
3. Why is my Ambrosia Salad watery?
   Excess liquid from the canned fruit can cause this. Make sure to drain the fruit thoroughly before mixing.
4. Can I make it healthier?
   Yes! Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use fresh fruit instead of canned.
5. What if I don’t like coconut?
   Simply leave it out or replace it with chopped nuts for texture.

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Conclusion

Ambrosia Salad is a timeless favorite, bringing together a creamy, fruity medley that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s part of a holiday feast, a summer picnic, or a simple weeknight treat, its refreshing flavors and delightful textures make it an irresistible addition to any table.

With its simple ingredients and endless variations, this classic dish is one you’ll find yourself making again and again. Enjoy the nostalgic goodness of Ambrosia Salad, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations—I’d love to see how yours turns out! Happy mixing!