Luscious Heavenly Ambrosia Salad Recipe: Divine Sweet Treat

Summers call for cool, refreshing desserts that make classic ambrosia salad a delightful crowd-pleaser.

This sweet treat blends creamy textures with bursts of tropical flavors.

Marshmallows, coconut, and fresh fruits create a dreamy combination that dancers sweet tooths adore.

No potluck or family gathering feels complete without this nostalgic dish.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and softness.

The recipe connects generations through its simple yet irresistible ingredients.

Prepare to fall in love with this timeless Southern classic that never fails to bring smiles.

Combine Whipped Cream, Citrus, and Marshmallows

• Drain the Fruit

Shake off excess liquid from pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries to keep the salad from turning soggy.

• Create the Creamy Base

Whisk sour cream and shredded coconut in a roomy mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.

• Toss in the Goodies

Gently fold pineapple, oranges, cherries, marshmallows, and grapes into the creamy mixture, making sure not to mash the delicate fruits.

• Chill and Let Flavors Dance

Cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator for at least two hours, letting all the sweet ingredients get cozy and blend their flavors.

• Final Touch and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle some crunchy pecans or walnuts on top for an extra burst of texture. Keep the salad cold and enjoy the tropical paradise in every bite.

Tips to Balance Sweetness and Texture

• Pat dry all canned and fresh fruits with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and non-soggy salad texture.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance to enhance flavor fusion and save time before serving; the flavors intensify beautifully overnight.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein-rich, lower-fat option or use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
• Skip nuts for allergy-friendly version or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for similar crunch without compromising taste.
• Experiment with seasonal fruits like diced mangoes, kiwi, or passion fruit to give the classic ambrosia salad a fresh, vibrant update that keeps the recipe exciting.

Serve Chilled in Bowls or Dessert Cups

• Sweet Summer Picnic Star: Take this ambrosia salad to outdoor gatherings, potlucks, and family reunions where its vibrant colors and refreshing taste will be a crowd-pleaser.
• Elegant Dessert Companion: Serve alongside light cake or as a delightful end to a summer dinner, creating a perfect sweet finish that's not too heavy.
• Holiday Feast Delight: Bring this classic dish to Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations, where its nostalgic flavors will spark memories and conversations around the table.
• Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve in small dessert glasses for an elegant afternoon snack that pairs wonderfully with light tea or coffee, adding a touch of tropical sweetness.

Store in the Fridge for a Cool Treat

• Refrigerate the ambrosia salad in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Enjoy the salad within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture, as the fruits and marshmallows can start to break down after this period.
• Avoid freezing this salad, as the creamy sour cream and delicate fruits will separate and lose their original smooth consistency when thawed.
• Always use a clean, chilled serving spoon and keep the salad in the refrigerator until just before serving to maintain its cool, refreshing quality.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Ambrosia Salad?

The key ingredients are pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, sour cream, shredded coconut, and optional grapes and chopped nuts.

• Is Ambrosia Salad a healthy dessert?

While delicious, it’s more of an indulgent treat with high sugar content from the fruits, marshmallows, and sweet ingredients. It’s best enjoyed in moderation.

• Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually recommended to prepare the salad at least 2 hours before serving or even overnight. This allows the flavors to blend and the salad to chill properly.

• How do I prevent the salad from becoming too watery?

Thoroughly drain all canned and preserved fruits like pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries before mixing them into the salad to avoid excess liquid.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 8

Ambrosia Salad Ingredient Checklist

• Sour Cream: Brings tangy richness and smooth texture to bind all ingredients together, choose full-fat version for best flavor and consistency.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and delightful texture, select fresh or unsweetened coconut for authentic taste.

• Pineapple Chunks: Provides juicy tropical brightness, opt for well-drained canned chunks to prevent excess liquid.
• Mandarin Oranges: Delivers refreshing citrus notes, select segments that are plump and bright orange.
• Maraschino Cherries: Contributes vibrant color and sweet punch, choose bright red cherries without stems.
• Grapes: Introduces crisp and juicy element, select seedless varieties for easier eating.

• Mini Marshmallows: Creates delightful soft pockets of sweetness, pick fresh and fluffy marshmallows.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Provides satisfying crunch and nutty depth, toast lightly before adding for enhanced flavor.

Tools for Mixing a Fluffy, Fruity Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Colander or Strainer: Perfect for draining canned fruits and removing excess liquid.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Needed for gently folding ingredients without damaging delicate fruits.
• Plastic Wrap: Used to cover and seal the salad while chilling in the refrigerator.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Optional for chopping nuts if desired.

Heavenly Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy Ambrosia salad blends marshmallows, tropical fruits, and coconut into a classic Southern dessert. Refreshing flavors and nostalgic textures invite you to enjoy a sweet, delightful treat that connects generations of family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) pineapple chunks (drained)
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) mandarin oranges (drained)
• 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and halved)
• 1 cup seedless grapes (halved, optional)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously drain tropical fruits like pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries, eliminating excess liquid to maintain optimal salad texture.
2. Base Creation: Whisk sour cream and shredded coconut in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth and well-combined.
3. Fruit Integration: Delicately fold pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, mini marshmallows, and optional grapes into the coconut-sour cream mixture, ensuring gentle incorporation to preserve fruit integrity.
4. Chilling and Flavor Melding: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a sophisticated flavor profile.
5. Final Flourish: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the creamy dessert salad.
6. Presentation: Serve thoroughly chilled, showcasing a vibrant, luscious ambrosia that balances sweet, tangy, and textural elements for a memorable culinary experience.

Notes

• Drain Fruits Thoroughly: Pat fruits completely dry after straining to prevent watery texture and maintain salad’s creamy consistency.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients softly using a spatula to keep fruit pieces intact and prevent breaking delicate components.
• Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer, more harmonious taste profile.
• Customize Texture: Adjust nut quantities or swap types to create personal crunch preferences without compromising the salad’s core structure.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg