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Take a delightful trip down memory lane with Ambrosia Salad, a timeless Southern fruit salad. Enjoy the harmonious blend of fruits, coconut, and marshmallows in this nostalgic recipe.
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If you’re looking for a taste of Southern charm and flavor, look no further than Ambrosia Salad. This delightful dessert is a beloved Southern staple that has been enjoyed for generations. It holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Ambrosia Salad has its roots deeply embedded in Southern culinary traditions. Passed down through families and shared at gatherings, this classic dish brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The name “ambrosia” itself has Greek origins, meaning “food of the gods,” highlighting the heavenly taste of this delightful creation.
This fruit salad recipe is a delightful blend of fruits, coconut, and marshmallows, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors. The fruits used in Ambrosia Salad may vary, but common choices include pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, and sometimes even bananas. The addition of sweet coconut flakes and fluffy marshmallows adds a touch of indulgence to this already delectable dessert.
Ambrosia Salad is often served during special occasions and holidays. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a welcome addition to any gathering. Whether it’s a family reunion, a picnic in the park, or a potluck with friends, this fruit salad recipe brings a sense of joy and togetherness to the table.
In the realm of Southern cuisine, Ambrosia Salad stands tall as a timeless classic. With its heavenly blend of fruits, coconut, and marshmallows, this delectable dessert captures the essence of Southern charm and hospitality. So, the next time you have the opportunity, be sure to savor a spoonful of this creamy fruit salad and experience a taste of the South’s rich culinary heritage.
Ambrosia Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions
To make Ambrosia Salad, you will need …
Ingredients
- heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and sour cream – the creamy base of the fruit salad recipe.
- pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and sweetened shredded coconut – the fruit part of the salad.
- mini marshmallows – you can use regular white marshmallows or fruity pastel ones.
Notes
- I like to add the marshmallows just before serving so they don’t dissolve too much. I like to have that marshmallow texture throughout the salad. If you like them softer, you can add them in with the fruits.
- Add any fresh or canned fruit you like! You can use a drained canned fruit cocktail as well. Some other good canned fruits would be peaches, pears, or apricots. Some fresh fruit options are diced apples, grapes, fresh orange segments, grapefruit segments, blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries.
- This salad is also great with chopped nuts added. I love to add pecans. Almonds and macadamia nuts are great add-ins, too.
- You can use one 8-ounce container of frozen whipped topping (ex: Cool Whip) in place of the fresh whipped cream mixture.
- The sour cream gives a slight tang to the salad and doesn’t make it overly sweet. If you don’t like sour cream, you can substitute Greek yogurt or add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream, no need for additional powdered sugar.
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How to make Ambrosia Salad
Prepare the creamy base of the fruit salad. Place the heavy cream in a large bowl with the powdered sugar. Using an electric hand mixer, whip to stiff peaks, do not overmix. Fold in the sour cream.
Fold in the fruit. Add the pineapple, oranges, cherries, and coconut. Fold everything together until combined.
Cover and chill. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour.
Add the marshmallows. Just before serving, add the marshmallows and fold them in.
Serve. Serve immediately.
Ambrosia Salad: FAQs
It is a popular dessert served on various occasions. It’s often enjoyed during holiday gatherings, potlucks, family reunions, or any time you’re looking for a delightful and refreshing dessert. Its vibrant colors and tropical flavors make it particularly suitable for spring and summer festivities.
It’s best to consume it shortly after preparing it to enjoy its freshness. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days, but the texture may become softer due to the fruit juices. I do NOT recommend freezing this recipe.
Yes, it can be made in advance. Prepare the salad, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until serving time. This can be convenient when you want to save time on the day of your event or gathering.
Yes, it can be adapted in many ways. Some variations include adding fruit cocktail, grapes, bananas, or even incorporating yogurt instead of marshmallows. Try adding nuts for crunch. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the salad, as these spices can elevate the flavors and provide a comforting note to the overall taste profile.
Although this Southern recipe is typically served as a dessert, it can be a refreshing sweet side dish that complements the main courses.
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Ambrosia Salad
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 can pineapple tidbits, drained, 20 ounces
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained, 15 ounces
- 1 jar maraschino cherries without stems, drained, 10 ounces
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Place the heavy cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, whip the mixture to stiff peaks, do not overmix. Fold in the sour cream.
- Fold the pineapple, oranges, cherries, and coconut into the cream mixture until well combined.
- Cover and chill for at least one hour.
- Just before serving, fold in the marshmallows.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- I like to add the marshmallows just before serving so they don’t dissolve too much. If you like them softer, you can add them in with the fruits.
- This salad is also great with chopped nuts added.
- It's best to consume this fruit salad shortly after preparing it to enjoy its freshness. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days, but the texture may become softer due to the fruit juices. I do NOT recommend freezing this recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
