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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Gather all fruit ingredients: mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, ensuring they are well-drained to prevent excess liquid.
- Transfer the drained fruits into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant, colorful foundation for the ambrosia salad.
- Incorporate shredded coconut and mini marshmallows, gently folding them into the fruit medley to distribute evenly.
- Introduce sour cream to the mixture, using a soft folding technique to coat all components without crushing the delicate fruits.
- If desired, enhance the flavor profile by drizzling a small amount of orange juice, carefully balancing the consistency and taste.
- 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.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and ensure a consistent texture.
- 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