Classic Ambrosia Salad

If you’re looking for the perfect sweet, refreshing side dish to serve at your next gathering, look no further than Classic Ambrosia Salad. This retro dessert salad is packed with a vibrant mix of fruits, creamy goodness, and a touch of sweetness that makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether it’s served at a holiday dinner, potluck, or summer barbecue, this dish always brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Ambrosia is like a little celebration in a bowl, with its combination of juicy fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy whipped topping. It’s one of those recipes that’s been passed down through generations, and trust me, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. It’s the kind of dish that makes you nostalgic for family gatherings and sunny days spent eating outside.

Why You’ll Love Classic Ambrosia Salad

Sweet and Creamy

The base of Ambrosia Salad is its perfectly creamy dressing that coats the fruits and marshmallows. It’s a balance of sweet and tangy that makes it so irresistible. You can’t stop at just one scoop!

Fruity and Fresh

With a mix of fresh fruits like pineapples, oranges, and maraschino cherries, the salad offers bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite. It’s a delightful contrast to the rich creaminess, making it light yet satisfying.

Nostalgic

This dish has a long history and brings back memories of childhood picnics and holiday meals. Making it at home will give you that cozy, sentimental feeling every time you serve it.

Easy to Make

It’s the easiest dessert to throw together. No complicated steps or tricky ingredients—just toss everything together, chill, and you’re ready to go. Perfect for when you need a simple but impressive dish.

Customizable

While the classic version is wonderful, this salad is versatile! You can tweak the fruits and mix-ins to your liking, making it just right for your personal taste.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Pineapple Chunks: Adds sweetness and juiciness, with a tropical vibe.
• Mandarin Oranges: Tender and tangy, they brighten up the salad with a burst of citrus.
• Maraschino Cherries: These little gems add a fun pop of color and a sweet, cherry flavor.
• Mini Marshmallows: The fluffy texture of mini marshmallows adds that iconic, sweet chewiness that makes Ambrosia so memorable.
• Coconut Flakes: Shredded coconut gives a bit of texture and a subtle nutty sweetness that complements the fruit and creaminess.

For the Dressing:

• Whipped Cream: The heart of the creamy dressing. It’s light, fluffy, and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Sour Cream: Provides a bit of tang to balance the sweetness and keeps the texture rich and smooth.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a little extra depth to the dressing.

(Note: Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit

Start by draining the canned pineapple and mandarin oranges to remove excess liquid. You can also chop the pineapple chunks into smaller pieces if you prefer bite-sized bits of fruit. Drain the maraschino cherries and slice them in half to avoid large chunks.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, and coconut flakes. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows to keep them from getting squished.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whipped cream, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add a little powdered sugar to taste.

Mix Everything Together

Carefully pour the creamy dressing over the fruit mixture. Gently fold everything together until the fruits and marshmallows are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the marshmallows time to soften. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir, and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness.

(Note: Full instructions are in the recipe card below.)

How to Serve Classic Ambrosia Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of meals, making it perfect for all sorts of occasions. Here are a few ways to serve it:

As a Side Dish

Serve it alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or BBQ fare. Its sweetness and creaminess complement savory dishes beautifully.

For Potlucks and Gatherings

Ambrosia Salad is a hit at any gathering! Whether it’s a holiday feast, family reunion, or casual potluck, people will love digging into this retro favorite.

For Breakfast or Brunch

Ambrosia Salad can even double as a fun, fruity addition to your brunch table. Its light, refreshing flavors are perfect alongside eggs, pancakes, or pastries.

As a Dessert

Serve it as a standalone dessert for those who want a sweet, cool treat to finish off a meal. It’s easy to dish out and always satisfies the sweet tooth.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Fruit

If you prefer fresh fruit over canned, feel free to use fresh pineapple, oranges, and cherries. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid too much liquid in the salad.

Add Some Extra Crunch

For an added crunch, you can mix in chopped pecans or walnuts. The nuts add texture and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with the creaminess.

Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a less sweet dressing, you can reduce or eliminate the powdered sugar from the whipped cream and sour cream mixture. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.

Make It a Day Ahead

Ambrosia Salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Add a Dash of Cinnamon

For a twist on the classic, try adding a dash of ground cinnamon to the dressing for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutrition for one serving of Classic Ambrosia Salad (about 1/2 cup):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 50mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

A1: Yes! You can use fresh pineapple, oranges, and cherries, just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the salad.

Q2: How long can I store this salad?

A2: Ambrosia Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better after a day or two!

Q3: Can I make this salad without coconut?

A3: Absolutely! If you don’t like coconut, you can skip it or substitute it with a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.

Q4: How do I make the salad sweeter?

A4: You can add a little powdered sugar to the whipped cream mixture to make it sweeter. Just start with a small amount and taste as you go.

Q5: Can I add other fruits to this salad?

A5: Definitely! You can add other fruits like grapes, strawberries, or bananas for even more variety. Just be sure to chop everything into bite-sized pieces.

Q6: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A6: Yes! You can make this salad a day ahead of time, which actually helps the flavors meld together even better. Just keep it covered in the fridge.

Q7: Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?

A7: Yes, you can use store-bought whipped topping (like Cool Whip) instead of whipped cream if you prefer. It’s a convenient option and still tastes great.

Q8: Can I make this salad without sour cream?

A8: Yes! If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can replace it with more whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor.

Q9: How can I make this salad healthier?

A9: You can reduce the sugar and swap out the mini marshmallows for a sugar-free version. You could also use a light whipped topping instead of regular whipped cream.

Q10: Can I add nuts to the salad?

A10: Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even slivered almonds would add a nice crunch and extra flavor to the salad.

Conclusion

Classic Ambrosia Salad is a timeless favorite that never fails to impress. With its sweet fruit, creamy dressing, and fluffy marshmallows, it’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone loves. Easy to make, customizable, and delicious, it’s the perfect side dish or dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Happy eating!

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