If you’re looking for a sweet, creamy, and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any holiday or family gathering, look no further than Ambrosia Salad! This classic dessert salad is a colorful combination of fruit, creamy marshmallow goodness, and a hint of coconut. It’s light, fluffy, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, holiday dinner, or just want to treat yourself, this Ambrosia Salad is sure to be a hit.
What makes Ambrosia Salad so special is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both sweet and satisfying. The combination of tangy pineapple, juicy mandarin oranges, and sweet maraschino cherries is a burst of flavor in every bite. The creamy dressing made from whipped cream and sour cream adds a smooth, silky texture that ties everything together. It’s a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
I first made Ambrosia Salad for a holiday family dinner, and it was an instant favorite. The colors were so vibrant, and everyone loved the sweet, fruity flavor with the creamy texture. Since then, I’ve made it for countless family gatherings, and it’s always the first dish to disappear. It’s a nostalgic recipe that brings back fond memories of family meals and celebrations, and it’s one that I’ll continue to make for years to come.
Why This Ambrosia Salad Will Be Your New Favorite Side Dish or Dessert
- Refreshing and sweet: The fruit combination is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing.
- Creamy texture: The whipped cream and sour cream dressing create a smooth, fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Colorful and festive: The vibrant fruits make this dish a beautiful addition to any holiday table or special occasion.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, this salad comes together in no time.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad
- Prepare the whipped cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Combine the fruit: In a large bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut. If you’re using maraschino cherries, add them to the mixture as well.
- Add the dressing: Gently fold in the sour cream into the whipped cream mixture until smooth.
- Mix everything together: Fold the whipped cream mixture into the fruit mixture, stirring carefully to combine. Be gentle to maintain the fluffy texture of the whipped cream.
- Add the marshmallows: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows for an extra bit of sweetness and texture.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Serve cold and enjoy this sweet, creamy treat!
Tips
- For a bit of extra flavor, you can add a splash of orange juice to the fruit mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with whipped topping or Greek yogurt.
- Be sure to drain the fruit thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming too runny.
- If you want a more festive touch, sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Non-Dairy Version: Use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free sour cream to make it vegan-friendly.
- Add Other Fruits: Add diced apples, grapes, or bananas for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- Nut-Free: If you’re serving this to people with nut allergies, you can skip the coconut or replace it with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower Sugar: Use sugar-free whipped cream and marshmallows for a lower-sugar option.
- Low-Fat: Use low-fat sour cream and whipped topping to reduce the fat content.
- Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally gluten-free as long as the marshmallows and whipped cream are gluten-free.
And there you have it! Ambrosia Salad is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing dish that will brighten up any gathering. It’s simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Don’t forget to let us know how your salad turns out, and check out some of our other festive recipes for more holiday ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Ambrosia Salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. - Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh oranges, pineapples, and cherries, but make sure to drain them well. - Can I add whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute whipped topping for a lighter version of the salad. - How long does Ambrosia Salad last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. - Can I make this salad with other fruits?
Yes! Feel free to add fruits like grapes, bananas, or diced apples for a unique twist. - Is Ambrosia Salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the marshmallows and whipped cream are gluten-free, this salad is naturally gluten-free. - How do I store leftover Ambrosia Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Can I use non-dairy whipped cream?
Yes, use coconut whipped cream or any non-dairy alternative for a vegan version of this salad. - Can I make Ambrosia Salad without sour cream?
Yes, you can replace the sour cream with more whipped cream or Greek yogurt if you prefer. - How do I prevent the fruit from becoming too watery?
Make sure to thoroughly drain the canned fruits before mixing them into the salad. - Can I make this a sugar-free version?
Yes, use sugar-free whipped cream and marshmallows to make this dessert lower in sugar. - Can I freeze Ambrosia Salad?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for a few hours if you want to serve it as a frozen treat.
Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 can 1 (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 can 1 (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup 1 shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
1 cup 1 mini marshmallows
1/2 cup 1/2 sour cream
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup 1/4 powdered sugar
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
1/2 cup 1/2 maraschino cherries, drained and halved (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the whipped cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Combine the fruit: In a large bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut. If you’re using maraschino cherries, add them to the mixture as well.
- Add the dressing: Gently fold in the sour cream into the whipped cream mixture until smooth.
- Mix everything together: Fold the whipped cream mixture into the fruit mixture, stirring carefully to combine. Be gentle to maintain the fluffy texture of the whipped cream.
- Add the marshmallows: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows for an extra bit of sweetness and texture.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Serve cold and enjoy this sweet, creamy treat!
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