Ambrosia Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Fruit Dessert You’ll Love
Ambrosia Salad has been a classic favorite for generations. This delightful fruit salad brings together juicy pineapples, mandarin oranges, cherries, and a delicious blend of creamy ingredients that make every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for a side dish for summer gatherings or a nostalgic dessert for the holidays, this Ambrosia Salad is the perfect choice.
What Is Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia Salad is a fruit-based dish with a rich, creamy texture.
It’s typically made with a variety of canned or fresh fruits, such as pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries, mixed with fluffy whipped topping or Cool Whip, and often includes mini marshmallows and sweetened coconut flakes.
This dish has its roots in Greek mythology, where “ambrosia” was referred to as the “food of the gods,” symbolizing delicious and life-giving sustenance.
Why You’ll Love This Ambrosia Salad
This Ambrosia Salad recipe stands out because of its simplicity and versatility. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Whether you love the crunch of chopped pecans or the fluffy texture of mini marshmallows, this recipe has something for everyone. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser at BBQs, potlucks, and holiday dinners!
Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this easy Ambrosia Salad recipe:
- 20 oz. pineapple chunks (drained and patted dry)
- 15 oz. mandarin oranges (drained and patted dry)
- 15 oz. fruit cocktail (drained and patted dry)
- 10 oz. maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 6 oz. vanilla yogurt (full fat)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 8 oz. Cool Whip (thawed)
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans (optional)
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
Making this classic fruit salad couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your Ambrosia Salad comes out perfect every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Before you start mixing, it’s essential to drain and pat dry all the canned fruits. This helps to remove excess moisture and ensures that your Ambrosia Salad stays creamy, not watery. Use paper towels to blot the fruit dry.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the prepared fruits, vanilla yogurt, mini marshmallows, sweetened coconut flakes, and chopped pecans if you like a bit of crunch. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking up the fruit.
Step 3: Add Cool Whip
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip to give the salad its signature fluffy texture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, but be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Transfer your Ambrosia Salad to a serving dish and garnish with reserved fruit, coconut flakes, and pecans. Serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad until you’re ready to serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Ambrosia Salad
- Pat Dry the Fruit: Make sure to remove as much moisture from the fruit as possible to avoid a watery texture.
- Toast the Coconut Flakes: If you want to add more depth to your salad, lightly toast the coconut flakes in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently, and keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Substitute Ingredients: If you’re out of yogurt, you can use ½ cup sour cream mixed with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a similar tangy flavor.
- Add Mint: A few sprigs of fresh mint make a beautiful garnish and add a burst of freshness to your Ambrosia Salad.
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about Ambrosia Salad is that it can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the entire dish a few hours before serving or even the night before. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Storage: Leftover Ambrosia Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it doesn’t freeze well due to the high moisture content of the fruit and the whipped topping.
Variations of Ambrosia Salad
You can easily customize this classic recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Cottage Cheese: Some recipes call for cottage cheese, which adds a creamy, slightly tangy twist.
- Try Different Fruits: Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits, like strawberries, blueberries, or even grapes, for a colorful variation.
- Use Greek Yogurt: Swap the vanilla yogurt for Greek yogurt for an added boost of protein and a thicker texture.
- Experiment with Nuts: Pecans are a popular addition, but you could also try walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
Why Ambrosia Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion
This salad is perfect for almost any gathering. Its light, fruity, and creamy texture makes it a refreshing side dish for summer BBQs or a sweet treat for holiday celebrations.
It’s nostalgic, yet versatile enough to suit modern tastes. Plus, the vibrant colors make it a beautiful addition to any table.
FAQs
What is Ambrosia Salad made of?
Ambrosia Salad typically consists of canned or fresh fruits like pineapples, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries mixed with Cool Whip, yogurt, mini marshmallows, and coconut flakes.
How long does Ambrosia Salad last in the fridge?
You can store Ambrosia Salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It’s best served chilled but doesn’t freeze well.
Can I make Ambrosia Salad the night before?
Yes! This salad can be made the night before. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use fresh fruit in Ambrosia Salad?
Absolutely! While canned fruit is often used for convenience, you can substitute fresh fruit for a lighter and less sweet version.
What’s the origin of Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia Salad has its roots in American cuisine, dating back to the 19th century. Its name comes from Greek mythology, where “ambrosia” was referred to as the food of the gods.
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