Introduction

If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than Ambrosia Salad. This delightful dish, packed with tropical flavors and a creamy texture, is a beloved classic that’s sure to please everyone. Combining juicy mandarin oranges, fresh pineapple, sweet maraschino cherries, fluffy marshmallows, and shredded coconut, this salad is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The addition of cool whip and sour cream ties all the ingredients together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Ambrosia Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served at family gatherings, potlucks, or as a light, refreshing dessert on a warm day. Its simplicity is one of its greatest strengths, requiring minimal preparation time while delivering maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it an ideal choice for any home cook.

Moreover, this salad offers plenty of room for customization. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, or even marshmallow flavors to tailor the recipe to your personal preferences. No matter how you choose to make it, Ambrosia Salad is a sure way to add a touch of tropical delight to your meal. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Ingredients

To make a delicious Ambrosia Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cool Whip (8 ounces, thawed): Adds a creamy and light texture to the salad.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Mandarin Oranges (1 can, 15 ounces, drained): Juicy and sweet, these add a burst of citrus flavor.
Fresh Pineapple (1 cup, chopped): Offers a juicy and slightly tart tropical taste.
Maraschino Cherries (3/4 cup, without stems): Adds a pop of color and a sweet, fruity flavor.
Marshmallows (3 cups, multi-colored flavored recommended): Contributes a fun, chewy texture.
Shredded Coconut (1 cup): Brings a touch of tropical flair and texture.
Pecans (3/4 cup, chopped): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert!

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Ambrosia Salad:

Combine Cool Whip and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, fold together the thawed cool whip and sour cream until well combined. This creates a creamy base that will coat all the other ingredients.
Prepare the Fruits: Drain the mandarin oranges and chop the fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Halve the maraschino cherries to make them easier to mix in and eat.
Mix Ingredients: Add the mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans to the bowl with the cool whip and sour cream mixture.
Stir Gently: Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Be careful not to break the fruit pieces.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the salad a final gentle stir and serve it cold. Enjoy this refreshing treat

Why You’ll Love This Ambrosia Salad

Refreshing and Light: Perfect for a hot day or as a light dessert.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients.
Versatile: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or a tasty treat for yourself.

Tips for the Perfect Ambrosia Salad

Use Fresh Pineapple: For a juicier and more flavorful salad, opt for fresh pineapple over canned. Fresh pineapple adds a natural sweetness and vibrant texture.
Chill Thoroughly: Allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour helps the flavors to meld and enhances the taste. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Fold, Don’t Stir: When mixing the ingredients, gently fold them together to prevent breaking the fruit and to keep the salad light and fluffy.
Balance the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, consider using unsweetened coconut and less sugar-heavy fruit options.
Customize: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients like nuts or different fruits to suit your taste. Grapes, apples, and blueberries can be great additions.

Serving Suggestions

Ambrosia Salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes and sides. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious dessert:

Barbecues and Picnics: Perfect as a refreshing side dish or dessert for outdoor gatherings.
Holiday Feasts: A light and sweet complement to rich holiday meals.
Everyday Treats: Enjoy a scoop as a sweet snack or after-dinner dessert.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Fruits: Try adding grapes, apples, or blueberries for a twist.
Nuts and Seeds: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free whipped topping and sour cream alternative.

Storage and Leftovers

Store Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here are some tips for storing and handling leftovers:

Stir Before Serving: Give the salad a good stir before serving if it has been sitting for a while to redistribute the dressing and refresh the ingredients.
Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze Ambrosia Salad as the texture of the fruits and marshmallows will be compromised once thawed.
Freshen Up: If the salad becomes too watery after a few days, you can freshen it up by adding a little more cool whip and a handful of fresh marshmallows.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 25g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
Yes, Ambrosia Salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after sitting in the fridge for several hours.

Can I use different types of fruit?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for specific fruits, you can customize it with your favorites, such as grapes, apples, or blueberries.

What can I use instead of cool whip?
You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute for cool whip if you prefer. Just ensure it is stabilized with a bit of cornstarch or powdered sugar.

Is Ambrosia Salad healthy?
While it’s not the healthiest option due to the sugar content in the fruits and marshmallows, it can be enjoyed in moderation as a delicious treat.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can make Ambrosia Salad dairy-free by using a dairy-free whipped topping and sour cream alternative.

How long does Ambrosia Salad last in the fridge?
Ambrosia Salad will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving if it has been sitting for a while.

Conclusion

Ambrosia Salad is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to any table. Its combination of juicy fruits, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or simply as a refreshing treat on a warm day, this salad is sure to impress. The versatility of the ingredients allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a flexible addition to your recipe repertoire.

Visually Appealing

This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The vibrant colors of the fruits and marshmallows make for a beautiful presentation that can brighten up any dessert table. It’s a fantastic option for those who want to serve a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Endless Customization

For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, Ambrosia Salad offers endless possibilities. You can add different fruits based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Try adding blueberries for a burst of antioxidants, or diced apples for a crisp texture. Nuts can also be swapped out—almonds or walnuts can be excellent alternatives to pecans.

Ease of Preparation

The ease of preparation makes this salad a go-to recipe for busy hosts. With minimal prep time and no cooking required, you can focus on enjoying your event rather than spending hours in the kitchen. Simply mix, chill, and serve—it’s that easy!

Nutritional Benefits

The nutritional benefits shouldn’t be overlooked either. While it’s a sweet treat, the use of fresh fruits adds a dose of vitamins and fiber to your diet. You can even tweak the recipe to make it a bit healthier by reducing the amount of marshmallows or opting for unsweetened coconut.

Timeless and Delicious

In conclusion, Ambrosia Salad is a classic dessert that combines the best of tropical flavors in a simple yet delicious way. Its adaptability and ease of preparation make it a favorite for many. So the next time you’re looking for a dessert that is sure to impress, whip up a batch of Ambrosia Salad. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the simplicity of preparation with this timeless dish. Happy eating!

Delicious Ambrosia Salad Recipe: Easy, Refreshing, and Perfect for Any Occasion!

Author: Taylor Harisson
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ambrosia Salad is a classic, refreshing dessert packed with tropical flavors. This easy-to-make salad combines juicy fruits, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and shredded coconut, all coated in a creamy dressing made from cool whip and sour cream.

Ingredients

Cool Whip: 8 ounces, thawed
Sour Cream: 1/2 cup
Mandarin Oranges: 1 can (15 ounces), drained
Fresh Pineapple: 1 cup, chopped
Maraschino Cherries: 3/4 cup, without stems
Marshmallows: 3 cups, multi-colored flavored recommended
Shredded Coconut: 1 cup
Pecans: 3/4 cup, chopped

Instructions

Combine Cool Whip and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, fold together the thawed cool whip and sour cream until well combined.
Prepare the Fruits: Drain the mandarin oranges and chop the fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Halve the maraschino cherries.
Mix Ingredients: Add the mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans to the bowl with the cool whip and sour cream mixture.
Stir Gently: Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the salad a final gentle stir and serve it cold.

Notes

Fresh Pineapple: Using fresh pineapple enhances the flavor and texture of the salad.
Chilling: Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour to meld the flavors together.
Customization: Feel free to add or substitute fruits and nuts based on your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 10g