Dreamy Ambrosia Salad Recipe: Fluffy Cloud of Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories often dance around classic ambrosia salad, whisking us back to nostalgic family gatherings.

Creamy marshmallows and tropical fruits create a delightful dessert that feels like pure comfort.

Generations have savored this simple yet magical mix of textures and flavors.

Soft coconut flakes blend seamlessly with juicy pineapple chunks and pillowy marshmallows.

Delicate mandarin orangines add bright bursts of sunshine to each spoonful.

Crisp pecans provide a perfect crunch against the silky smoothness of whipped cream.

Exploring this recipe connects you to cherished traditions that warm the heart and satisfy every sweet craving.

Perfect Pairings For Ambrosia Salad Recipe

• Dessert Wine Delight: Pair this creamy, fruity salad with a chilled moscato or sweet riesling that complements the dessert's tropical and sweet notes.
• Sparkling Beverage Boost: Enhance the salad's texture with a light, bubbly prosecco or champagne that cuts through the creamy richness and refreshes the palate.
• Nutty Cocktail Companion: Mix a smooth amaretto or hazelnut liqueur that echoes the toasted pecan and almond flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Fruity Tea Fusion: Brew a cold passion fruit or peach tea that mirrors the salad's tropical fruit elements and provides a light, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy dessert.

Best Way To Store Ambrosia Salad Recipe

• Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness for 3-4 days.
• Place salad in a freezer-safe container, but note that texture may change due to high dairy and fruit content, with recommended maximum storage of 1-2 weeks.
• Move frozen salad to refrigerator overnight, allowing gradual defrosting and helping preserve its original creamy consistency.
• Avoid microwaving or heating this chilled dessert salad, as it will compromise the delicate texture and cause separation of ingredients.

Answers For Ambrosia Salad Recipe Questions

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

While delicious, it contains dairy from sour cream, greek yogurt, and whipped cream. Those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies should avoid or substitute ingredients with non-dairy alternatives.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, and give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients and maintain its creamy texture.

• How do I prevent the fruit from turning mushy?

Ensure you thoroughly drain mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and pat maraschino cherries dry. This prevents excess liquid from breaking down the creamy base and keeps the fruit intact.

Why Everyone Loves Ambrosia Salad Recipe

• Crafting Creamy Comfort: This recipe delivers a luxurious dessert salad that feels like a warm hug, blending rich dairy with bright fruity notes.
• Customize with Ease: Mix and match fruits or nuts to suit personal preferences, making it a versatile dish that adapts to different tastes and dietary needs.
• No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and enjoy a stress-free preparation that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for novice cooks or busy individuals seeking a quick sweet treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: A guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations, this dessert salad appeals to both kids and adults with its playful combination of textures and flavors.

What’s Inside Ambrosia Salad Recipe

• Sour Cream: A tangy dairy product that provides richness and depth to the salad's texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy and smooth consistency with a subtle tang.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• Whipped Cream: Creates a light and airy texture that makes the salad feel luxurious.

• Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Chunks, Maraschino Cherries: Offer a sweet and vibrant mix of tropical flavors that bring brightness to the creamy base.

• Mini Marshmallows: Provide a soft, sweet element that complements the creamy texture.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds a tropical hint and textural contrast to the salad.
• Chopped Pecans, Sliced Almonds: Bring a toasted, nutty crunch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Powdered Sugar: Offers a delicate sweetness and elegant finishing touch to the salad.

Making Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Step 1: Drain and Dry Fruits

Place a large mixing bowl on the counter. Completely drain mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks using a colander. Pat maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to remove excess syrup.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. Gently fold whipped cream into the mixture, maintaining a light texture.

Step 3: Add Marshmallows

Incorporate mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the base.

Step 4: Combine Fruits

• Mandarin oranges
• Pineapple chunks
• Maraschino cherries

Fold gently to prevent fruit from breaking.

Step 5: Sprinkle Coconut

Scatter shredded coconut over the fruit and cream mixture, mixing softly to distribute evenly.

Step 6: Toast Nuts

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast chopped pecans and sliced almonds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 7: Incorporate Nuts

Fold toasted nuts into the salad, adding a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.

Step 8: Finish and Chill

Dust powdered sugar over the top of the salad. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Optional: Sprinkle additional toasted nuts or coconut on top for extra presentation.

Handy Tips For Ambrosia Salad Recipe

• Drain Fruits Thoroughly: Remove all excess liquid from mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries to prevent a soggy salad texture.
• Whip Cream Gently: Fold whipped cream into sour cream mixture carefully to maintain a light, airy consistency.
• Toast Nuts Perfectly: Lightly toast pecans and almonds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow ingredients to blend and develop a rich, cohesive taste.
• Create Balanced Sweetness: Dust powdered sugar sparingly to add a delicate sweet finish without overwhelming the creamy base.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe With A Twist

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream and greek yogurt with coconut cream, use dairy-free whipped topping, and skip marshmallows for a vegan-friendly version.
• Tropical Berry Remix: Swap mandarin oranges and maraschino cherries with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and mango chunks for a vibrant fruit medley.
• Nut-Free Comfort: Eliminate pecans and almonds, substitute with sunflower seeds or crispy rice cereal for added texture without nuts.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free whipped cream, reduce marshmallows, and replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lighter dessert.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy and dreamy, this Ambrosia Salad brings Southern charm to dessert tables with marshmallows, fruits, and coconut dancing in a luscious blend. Sweet memories swirl in each spoonful, inviting you to savor a classic comfort treat that delights generations.

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Ingredients

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Fruits:

• 2 cups mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 cups pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup maraschino cherries
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Dairy and Creamy Base:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1 cup marshmallows, mini
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt

Nuts and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large mixing bowl and thoroughly drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks, ensuring no excess liquid remains to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
2. Gently pat the maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to remove any syrup, which could dilute the creamy texture of the salad.
3. In a separate clean bowl, whisk together sour cream, greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined, creating a rich and tangy base.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the sour cream mixture with a gentle hand, maintaining the light and airy consistency.
5. Incorporate the mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the base.
6. Add the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries to the creamy mixture, carefully folding to prevent fruit from breaking.
7. Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the fruit and cream, gently mixing to ensure even distribution.
8. Toast the chopped pecans and sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, enhancing their nutty flavor.
9. Fold the toasted nuts into the salad, providing a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
10. Dust the powdered sugar over the top of the salad, creating a delicate sweet finish.
11. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
12. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with additional toasted nuts or a sprinkle of coconut if desired.

Notes

• Drain fruits meticulously to prevent a soggy, watery texture that could ruin the salad’s delightful consistency.
• Pat maraschino cherries completely dry to maintain the salad’s creamy and thick base without excess liquid.
• Toast nuts carefully to enhance their natural flavors and add a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow ingredients to blend harmoniously, creating a more intense and delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg