Ambrosia Salad

This classic Ambrosia Salad is a sweet medley of fruit, coconut, and marshmallows doused in a creamy dressing - perfect for potlucks!

Get ready for a sweet and refreshing salad that is perfect for any spring or summer gathering!

This classic Ambrosia Salad recipe combines fresh citrus fruits, coconut, nuts and marshmallows in a sweet creamy dressing that everyone will love.

Ambrosia Salad has been a staple at potlucks and barbecues for decades, and for good reason. The sweet medley of fruits like juicy mandarin oranges and tropical pineapple paired with toasted coconut, crunchy pecans, and fluffy mini marshmallows creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

This vintage-inspired salad always makes an appearance at our family Thanksgiving and other family get togethers.

The fresh citrus flavors combined with the coconut, nuts, and marshmallows make it a sweet treat the kids and adults alike look forward to.

Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip

There are so many reasons why this classic Ambrosia Salad is a cherished recipe:

• It's a taste of nostalgia - Takes us back to potlucks and family gatherings of the past.
• The flavors are amazing - Sweet citrus, coconut, marshmallows - what's not to love?
• It so pretty - Vibrant oranges and cherries make it festive.
• It's perfect for a crowd - Easy to double or triple for large gatherings.
• It's sweet but refreshing - Fresh fruit provides lots of brightness.
• It's fun for kids - Sweet flavors and colorful ingredients appeal to little ones.
• It transports well - Chills nicely for potlucks and picnics.

With its tasty blend of fruits, nuts, and fluffy textures all bathed in a sweet dressing, it's easy to see why this salad has stood the test of time!

Tips for Making Ambrosia Salad

• Sure, here are some tips and hints for making the best Ambrosia Salad:
• Drain Your Fruit Well: If you're using canned fruits, make sure to drain them well before adding them to the salad. Excess liquid can make your salad soggy.
• Chill Before Serving: Ambrosia Salad tastes best when it's chilled before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the marshmallows to soften slightly. Aim for at least an hour in the fridge before serving.
• Use Fresh When Possible: While canned fruits are traditionally used in Ambrosia Salad, using fresh fruits when they're in season can elevate the flavor of your salad. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: Nuts like pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the salad. If you're not a fan of nuts or have allergies, you could also use granola or even crispy rice cereal for that added crunch.
• Customize to Your Taste: The great thing about Ambrosia Salad is that it's very customizable. Don't like coconut? Leave it out. Love cherries? Add extra. The salad can be easily adjusted to suit your personal preferences.
• Whip Your Cream Well: When whipping your heavy cream, make sure to whip until stiff peaks form. This will give your salad a light, fluffy texture.
• Serve the Same Day: While Ambrosia Salad can be stored in the fridge, it's best served the same day it's made. The marshmallows can become overly soft and the fruits can release more liquid over time, changing the texture of the salad.
• Remember, the key to a great Ambrosia Salad is to have fun with it and adjust the ingredients to your liking!

Leftovers

Storing leftovers of Ambrosia Salad is simple and straightforward. Here's what you need to do:

1. Refrigerate Promptly: To keep your Ambrosia Salad fresh, make sure to refrigerate any leftovers as soon as possible. This will help maintain its flavor and prevent it from spoiling.
2. Use an Airtight Container: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
3. Consume Within a Few Days: For the best taste and texture, consume leftover Ambrosia Salad within 2-3 days. Over time, the marshmallows can become overly soft and the fruits can release more liquid, which can change the texture of the salad.
4. Stir Before Serving: Before serving the leftovers, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the juices and flavors.
5. Do Not Freeze: Ambrosia Salad does not freeze well due to the high dairy and fruit content. Freezing and thawing can result in a mushy texture and separation of ingredients.

Remember, always check the salad before eating to ensure it's still fresh. If it has an off smell, color, or taste, it's best to discard it.

Can you Freeze Ambrosia Salad?

We recommend that you don't freeze this due to the dairy and fruit in it. It won't be as firm once it defrosts.

Alternatives and Substitutions

Ambrosia Salad is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are some substitution and variation ideas:

• Change the Fruit: While the traditional fruits used in Ambrosia Salad are oranges, pineapples, and cherries, you can use any fruits you like. Try adding diced apples, pears, or even berries for a different flavor profile.
• Use Yogurt or Whipped Topping: If you want a lighter version of the salad, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a whipped topping like Cool Whip.
• Add Other Sweet Elements: Miniature marshmallows are a classic ingredient in Ambrosia Salad, but you could also add other sweet elements like white or dark chocolate chips, or even small pieces of your favorite candy bars.
• Switch Up the Nuts: Pecans are typically used in this salad, but you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for a different crunch.
• Try Different Flavors of Marshmallows: Instead of using regular mini marshmallows, try using fruit-flavored or coconut-flavored marshmallows for a fun twist.
• Add Some Spice: For a unique twist, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the salad. This can add a warm, comforting flavor that pairs well with the sweet fruits.
• Make it Tropical: For a tropical version of Ambrosia Salad, use tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi, and substitute the pecans with macadamia nuts.

What to Pair With

This sweet Ambrosia Salad pairs nicely with a variety of dishes:

• Fried chicken - The classic potluck combo! Crispy fried chicken complements the sweet salad.
• BBQ ribs or pulled pork - Sticky, smoky BBQ meats are great alongside the refreshing salad.
• Ham or turkey -Lean sliced ham or turkey makes another traditional pairing.
• Roast beef - Sliced roast beef or a French dip sandwich for a delicious combo.
• Fruit and cheese platters - Other fruits like berries and melon along with cheese chunks.
• Summer salads - Potato salad, pasta salad, or a leafy green salad.
• Deviled eggs - The creamy filling pairs with the creamy fruit salad dressing.
• Sandwiches and wraps - Pair it with an assortment of sandwiches for a lunch spread.

With its versatility, Ambrosia Salad works well with everything from hearty proteins to light snacks.

Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad

Heavy Cream: This is used to create a rich and creamy base for the salad. For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the salad won't be as rich.

Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the sour cream. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.

Sour Cream: This adds a tangy flavor to the salad. You could substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

Mini Marshmallows: These add a fun texture and sweetness to the salad. Try using fruit-flavored marshmallows for a different taste.

Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Tidbits, and Green Grapes: These fruits add a refreshing sweetness and tang to the salad. You can use canned or fresh fruits, but make sure to drain canned fruits well to avoid excess moisture.

Coconut Flakes: These add a tropical flavor and a nice crunch.

Pecans: These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or leave them out if you have a nut allergy.

Maraschino Cherries: These add a pop of color and sweet flavor. Be sure to drain them well to avoid adding extra liquid to the salad.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl add heavy cream and sugar and beat until stiff peaks.  Add in sour cream and mix until smooth.

Step 2: Add in the mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, green grapes, coconut flakes, and pecans.  With a  rubber spatula gently mix everything together.

Step 3: Refrigerate for 1 hour. Make sure to top with cherries before serving.

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