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
Scale
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
