Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Introduction
Ambrosia Salad is a classic, creamy fruit salad that combines sweet marshmallows, citrus, and nuts for a delightful treat. It’s perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 (15-oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup halved maraschino cherries (stems removed), drained
- 3/4 cup toasted pecans
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, gently toss together the Cool Whip and sour cream until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, chopped pineapple, shredded coconut, halved maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients without crushing the fruit.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, substitute toasted walnuts for pecans.
- Add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice for extra citrus brightness.
- Use frozen pineapple tidbits—thawed and drained—if fresh pineapple is unavailable.
- To reduce sweetness, replace some marshmallows with cubed fresh fruit like apples or grapes.
Storage
Store Ambrosia Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness. Stir gently before serving. It is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well due to the creamy and marshmallow ingredients.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours or even the night before allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until serving.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
You can use homemade whipped cream or a store-bought whipped topping. If you prefer a lighter version, try mixing Greek yogurt with a little honey for sweetness.
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Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Ambrosia Salad is a classic, refreshing fruit salad mixed with whipped topping, sour cream, and a delightful combination of mandarin oranges, pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans. Perfect as a sweet side dish or dessert, this no-cook recipe is easy to prepare and best served chilled.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup halved maraschino cherries (stems removed), drained
- 3/4 cup toasted pecans
Instructions
- Mix Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined, forming the creamy base of the salad.
- Add Fruits and Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, drained mandarin oranges, chopped fresh pineapple, shredded coconut, halved maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans. Mix carefully to evenly distribute all ingredients without crushing the fruit or nuts.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the salad chill. It can also be refrigerated overnight for enhanced taste and texture.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Use fresh pineapple for a juicier texture, or canned pineapple chunks drained well if fresh is not available.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add extra marshmallows or shredded coconut.
- This salad is best served cold and consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Ambrosia Salad, fruit salad, no-cook dessert, Cool Whip salad, pineapple salad, holiday side dish
