Cozy Classic Southern Ambrosia Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Sweet memories of classic southern ambrosia dance through kitchens, bringing comfort and nostalgia with every creamy bite.

Generations have cherished this delightful dessert that blends tropical fruits and fluffy marshmallows into a heavenly mixture.

Coconut flakes add delicate texture while mandarin oranges spark bright notes of sunshine.

Pineapple chunks contribute tangy sweetness that balances the pillowy marshmallow softness.

Whipped cream gently binds these ingredients, creating a cloud-like experience that melts on your tongue.

Soft and dreamy, this treat connects family traditions with pure culinary joy.

Dive in and savor a spoonful of pure southern comfort.

Tips for Light and Fruity Ambrosia Every Time

• Drain fruits thoroughly to prevent watery texture and maintain salad's creamy consistency.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that adds tangy flavor.
• Enhance sweetness by toasting coconut flakes before mixing for deeper, nutty undertones.
• Fold ingredients gently to keep marshmallows and fruits intact, avoiding mushy texture.
• Prepare salad night before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop richer taste profile.

Ambrosia Salad Twists That Taste Amazing

• Tropical Paradise Blend: Replace sour cream with coconut cream and add diced mango and passion fruit for an exotic island-inspired version.
• Nutty Crunch Sensation: Incorporate chopped pecans or sliced almonds for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor profile.
• Greek Yogurt Wellness: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt to create a protein-packed, lighter alternative with tangy undertones.
• Berry Burst Edition: Mix in fresh raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a vibrant, antioxidant-rich summer variation.

What Complements This Fruit-Filled Side

• Pair with Creamy Coconut Mocktail: Blend tropical coconut flavors that complement the salad's sweetness, creating a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage with shredded coconut rim.
• Complement with Buttery Pound Cake: Serve a slice of warm, golden pound cake alongside the ambrosia salad, enhancing the dessert's rich texture and providing a delightful contrast.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream next to the salad, adding an extra layer of creamy indulgence and highlighting the fruity notes.
• Enjoy with Southern Sweet Tea: Pour a classic, chilled Southern sweet tea that balances the salad's sweetness and provides a traditional Southern dining experience.

Storing Ambrosia Salad for Freshness

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salad covered to prevent it from absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Not recommended due to the sour cream and fresh fruit, which can separate and lose texture when thawed.
• Prevent Browning: Drizzle a bit of extra orange juice over the top before storing to help keep fruits looking fresh and vibrant.
• Serving After Storage: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavors.

Common Ambrosia Salad Questions Answered

• What are the key ingredients in Southern Ambrosia Salad?

The key ingredients are mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and sour cream. These create a sweet, creamy, and fruity dessert salad.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the classic Southern Ambrosia Salad is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat products, making it a perfect side dish or dessert for vegetarian gatherings.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Why Ambrosia Salad Is Still a Southern Favorite

• Celebrate Southern Comfort: Dive into a nostalgic dessert that brings back memories of family gatherings and traditional potlucks with this classic ambrosia salad.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding your favorite fruits or adjusting the sweetness level to suit your taste preferences without complicated techniques.
• Quick No-Bake Delight: Create a refreshing dessert in minutes without turning on the oven, making it perfect for hot summer days or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Impress guests with a colorful, sweet dish that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles around the table.

Ingredients for a Classic Ambrosia Salad

• Mandarin Oranges: Sweet citrus segments that add a bright, tangy flavor to the salad.
• Pineapple Chunks: Tropical fruit pieces that provide a juicy and refreshing element.
• Maraschino Cherries: Bright red, sweet cherries that bring a pop of color and additional sweetness.

• Sour Cream: Smooth, tangy dairy product that creates a creamy and rich base for the salad.

• Shredded Coconut, Mini Marshmallows: Coconut adds a tropical texture and marshmallows provide a soft, sweet component to the salad.

• Orange Juice: Liquid that can help adjust the flavor and consistency of the ambrosia salad.

How to Make a Fluffy Ambrosia Salad at Home

Step 1: Gather Colorful Fruity Ingredients

Collect these delightful tropical components that will transform into a creamy, sweet Southern classic – mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, and fluffy mini marshmallows.

Step 2: Create Creamy Fruity Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, tenderly combine all the vibrant ingredients.

Each piece of fruit should dance gracefully with the marshmallows, creating a delectable medley of textures and colors.

Step 3: Introduce Smooth Binding Agent

Gently fold in sour cream, allowing it to elegantly coat and connect every fruity morsel.

The sour cream will provide a luxurious, silky backdrop to the playful ingredients.

Step 4: Optional Flavor Enhancement

If desired, splash a hint of orange juice to brighten the overall taste profile and adjust the salad’s consistency.

The juice will add a zesty, refreshing undertone.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Tuck the ambrosia salad into the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours.

This resting period allows the ingredients to mingle, merge, and develop a harmonious, delectable character.

Step 6: Serve and Delight

Retrieve the chilled ambrosia from the refrigerator and serve immediately.

Each spoonful promises a burst of Southern comfort and tropical sweetness.

Classic Southern Ambrosia Salad with Marshmallows and Fruit Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet southern charm dances through this classic ambrosia salad, blending creamy textures with tropical fruit medley. Delightful marshmallow clouds and coconut whispers invite you to savor a nostalgic dessert that celebrates Southern hospitality on a single spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Produce:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 cup sour cream

Sweeteners and Extras:

• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 tablespoon orange juice

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Instructions

1. Gather all fruit ingredients: mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, ensuring they are well-drained to prevent excess liquid.
2. Transfer the drained fruits into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant, colorful foundation for the ambrosia salad.
3. Incorporate shredded coconut and mini marshmallows, gently folding them into the fruit medley to distribute evenly.
4. Introduce sour cream to the mixture, using a soft folding technique to coat all components without crushing the delicate fruits.
5. If desired, enhance the flavor profile by drizzling a small amount of orange juice, carefully balancing the consistency and taste.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the ingredients to meld and chill thoroughly.
7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and ensure a consistent texture.
8. Present the ambrosia salad cold, showcasing its luscious, creamy appearance and inviting tropical essence.

Notes

• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that’s lower in calories and adds a tangy twist.
• Use fresh fruits instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor and natural sweetness, cutting down on added sugars.
• Create a dairy-free alternative by replacing sour cream with coconut cream or whipped coconut milk for a vegan-friendly option.
• Enhance the texture by toasting coconut flakes before adding them, which brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg