Introduction
Ambrosia Salad is a creamy, nostalgic dessert or side dish, perfect for potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings. This Southern-inspired classic, featuring a vibrant mix of pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, and marshmallows in a creamy dressing, delivers sweet, tropical flavors with a light, fluffy texture. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, optionally garnished with extra marshmallows or a maraschino cherry, this Ambrosia Salad recipe offers a vibrant, retro aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a simple no-cook method with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings joyful, vintage charm to any table.
Ingredients
For the Ambrosia Salad:
- 1 (15 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Optional: Extra mini marshmallows, maraschino cherries
- Suggested Accompaniments: Fresh fruit, shortbread cookies
- Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, sparkling water
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Large mixing bowl, spatula, measuring cups/spoons, can opener
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Fruit: Drain pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
- Make Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Taste a small spoonful and adjust with more powdered sugar or vanilla for a balanced, sweet flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Add pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and pecans (if using) to the bowl. Gently fold with a spatula until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and salad chill.
- Serve: Spoon salad into a white ceramic bowl. Optionally garnish with extra mini marshmallows or a maraschino cherry. Serve with fresh fruit or shortbread cookies, paired with iced tea or sparkling water.
Tips for Better Ambrosia Salad
- Drain fruit thoroughly to maintain a creamy, not watery, texture.
- Taste and adjust the dressing before mixing to balance sweetness and tanginess.
- Use mini marshmallows for even distribution and bite-sized texture.
- Chill for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor and texture.
- Present in a white ceramic bowl to highlight the colorful fruit and creamy dressing.
- Make ahead: Prepare salad up to 1 day in advance; refrigerate and stir before serving.
- Fold gently to avoid crushing delicate fruit like mandarin oranges.
- Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with marshmallows or a cherry for a vibrant, retro pop.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Ambrosia Salad: Naturally gluten-free; confirm whipped topping is gluten-free.
- Low-Sugar Ambrosia Salad: Use sugar-free whipped topping and reduce powdered sugar to 1 tbsp.
- Tropical Ambrosia Salad: Add 1/2 cup diced mango or kiwi for extra tropical flair.
- Nut-Free Ambrosia Salad: Omit pecans or replace with sunflower seeds.
- Vegan Ambrosia Salad: Use vegan sour cream and whipped topping; confirm marshmallows are vegan.
- Citrus Ambrosia Salad: Add 1/2 cup chopped grapefruit or orange segments for extra zest.
- Creamy Ambrosia Salad: Increase whipped topping to 1 cup for a richer texture.
- Berry Ambrosia Salad: Add 1/2 cup fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries for color.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
- Do not freeze, as the creamy dressing and fruit may separate upon thawing.
- Serve chilled for the best refreshing texture and flavor.
- Use as a dessert for holidays or a side dish for potlucks.
- Pair with iced tea or sparkling water to complement the sweet, tropical flavors.
- Presented in a white ceramic bowl with garnishes for a vibrant, nostalgic charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 8 servings (1/2 cup each):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 8% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% Daily Value
- Iron: 4% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sugar options reduce carbs). Moderate in calories; high in sugars.
Conclusion
This Ambrosia Salad recipe delivers a creamy, nostalgic dessert or side dish perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. It transforms simple ingredients into a festive favorite. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a go-to. The sweet fruit and creamy dressing delight with every spoonful. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing, retro charm.
Ambrosia Salad Recipe: Creamy and Nostalgic
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 15 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans optional
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whipped topping
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Extra marshmallows maraschino cherries
- Suggested Pairings: Iced tea fresh fruit
Instructions
- Drain pineapple and oranges thoroughly.
- Mix sour cream, whipped topping, sugar, and vanilla; taste and adjust.
- Fold in fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and pecans.
- Chill for 1 hour.
- Serve in a white ceramic bowl with cherries.
Notes
- Drain fruit to avoid a watery texture.
- Store in the fridge for 3 days; do not freeze.
- Try a vegan or tropical variation.
- Pair with shortbread cookies.
