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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Gently pat the maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to remove any syrup, which could dilute the creamy texture of the salad.
- 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.
- Fold the whipped cream into the sour cream mixture with a gentle hand, maintaining the light and airy consistency.
- Incorporate the mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the base.
- Add the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries to the creamy mixture, carefully folding to prevent fruit from breaking.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the fruit and cream, gently mixing to ensure even distribution.
- 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.
- Fold the toasted nuts into the salad, providing a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
- Dust the powdered sugar over the top of the salad, creating a delicate sweet finish.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- 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