Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Introduction
Ambrosia salad is a classic, sweet fruit salad that’s perfect for gatherings and potlucks. Combining creamy, tangy, and fruity flavors with a delightful crunch, this dish is both refreshing and easy to make.
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, combine the Cool Whip and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Step 2: Add the mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, chopped pineapple, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly without crushing the fruit.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. It can be kept overnight for even better taste.
Tips & Variations
- For added texture, substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Use fresh fruit like diced mango or grapes for a different twist.
- To reduce sweetness, replace some or all of the Cool Whip with plain Greek yogurt.
Storage
Store ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving. Because of the marshmallows and fruit, it’s best eaten within this time frame to maintain texture and freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make ambrosia salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the salad a few hours or even the night before allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Can I freeze ambrosia salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the fruit, marshmallows, and whipped topping can become mushy after thawing.
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Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A classic Ambrosia Salad combining creamy Cool Whip and sour cream with sweet mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans, creating a delightful, refreshing fruit salad perfect for gatherings or holiday tables.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 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
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip with 1/2 cup sour cream. Use a spoon or spatula to blend them smoothly together, forming the creamy base of the salad.
- Add the fruits and mix-ins: Gently fold in 3 cups mini marshmallows, 1 can drained mandarin oranges, 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple, 1 cup shredded coconut, 3/4 cup halved and drained maraschino cherries, and 3/4 cup toasted pecans. Stir carefully to evenly distribute the ingredients without mashing the fruit.
- Chill to meld flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to blend and the salad to chill thoroughly. It can be refrigerated overnight for best taste.
Notes
- For best texture, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- If fresh pineapple is unavailable, canned pineapple chunks drained well can be used as a substitute.
- This salad is best served cold and should be consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- To reduce sweetness, consider using less marshmallows or substitute with fresh fruit.
- Adjust ingredient quantities to suit the size of your gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Ambrosia Salad, fruit salad, holiday salad, mandarin oranges, marshmallow salad, creamy salad, potluck recipe
