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
Scale
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
