Description
Ambrosia Salad is a delightful and refreshing dessert salad featuring a sweet, creamy texture and a vibrant mix of fruits. Combining juicy pineapple, tangy mandarin oranges, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy coconut flakes, and a creamy dressing of sour cream or Greek yogurt with whipped cream, this classic salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or simple weeknight dinners, Ambrosia Salad brings cheerful nostalgia and a festive touch to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
Mix-ins
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- ¼ cup maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Drain the canned pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges well to prevent excess liquid from making the salad watery. Chop larger pieces if needed to maintain bite-sized consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and if using, chopped nuts and maraschino cherries.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream or Greek yogurt with whipped cream until smooth and creamy. This combination creates the signature tangy and fluffy texture of the salad.
- Toss Salad and Chill: Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve Cold: Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Drain canned fruits thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor blending and softens marshmallows slightly.
- Use fresh or high-quality canned fruits for maximum flavor impact.
- Adjust whipped cream or yogurt amounts to customize sweetness and creaminess.
- Fold ingredients gently to keep marshmallows fluffy and prevent fruit from mashing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg