Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Introduction
Ambrosia Salad is a delightful, sweet fruit salad that’s perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing side dish. It combines juicy canned fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy whipped topping for a light and tasty treat.
Ingredients
- 10 oz canned mandarin oranges (drained, about 1 cup)
- 10 oz canned pineapple chunks or tidbits (drained, about 1 cup)
- 10 oz maraschino cherries (drained, about 1 cup)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup Cool Whip whipped topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain the pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries in a strainer to remove excess liquid. Once drained, combine the fruit in a large bowl with the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and sour cream.
- Step 2: Gently mix the ingredients together, being careful not to break up the delicate mandarin oranges.
- Step 3: Fold in the Cool Whip whipped topping gently until evenly incorporated.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh fruit like orange segments or pineapple if you prefer, but reduce added sugar accordingly.
- For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before serving.
- Try substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor and added protein.
Storage
Store leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently stir before serving again. Because of the delicate fruit and whipped topping, it’s best enjoyed fresh and not frozen.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day before serving. This allows the flavors to blend nicely, but avoid making it too far in advance as the marshmallows can soften and the fruit may release more juice.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Fresh fruit can be used for a fresher taste, but be sure to drain any excess juice well to prevent the salad from becoming watery. Adjust sweetness if needed since canned fruit is often packed in syrup.
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Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ambrosia Salad is a classic, sweet and creamy fruit salad featuring a blend of mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, sour cream, and whipped topping. This refreshing dessert is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any occasion where a light and fruity treat is desired.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 10 oz canned mandarin oranges, drained (about 1 cup)
- 10 oz canned pineapple chunks or tidbits, drained (about 1 cup)
- 10 oz maraschino cherries, drained (about 1 cup)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup Cool Whip whipped topping
Instructions
- Drain the fruit: Place the pineapple chunks or tidbits, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries in a strainer and let all the liquid drain completely to avoid a watery salad. Once drained, transfer the fruit to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Add the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and sour cream to the bowl with the drained fruit. Mix gently to incorporate all ingredients, being careful not to break the delicate mandarin oranges.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold in the Cool Whip whipped topping with a spatula until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: After chilling, transfer the Ambrosia Salad to a serving dish, serve chilled, and enjoy this sweet, creamy, and fruity dessert.
Notes
- For best results, use fully drained canned fruit to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- This salad tastes better after chilling, so plan ahead to refrigerate it for at least one hour.
- To add an extra crunch, consider mixing in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat whipped topping.
- Ambrosia Salad can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Ambrosia Salad, fruit salad, pineapple, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, sour cream, creamy dessert, no-cook dessert
