Dreamy Ambrosia Salad Recipe: A Sweet Cloud of Fruity Joy

Sweet summer memories dance through this classic ambrosia salad recipe that brings pure nostalgia to the table.

Southern potlucks and family gatherings always sparkle with this creamy delicacy.

Marshmallows and tropical fruits create a dreamy combination that melts in your mouth.

Generations have cherished this light and refreshing dessert for decades.

Clouds of whipped cream blend seamlessly with juicy pineapple and mandarin oranges.

Each spoonful promises a delightful burst of sweetness and texture.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this timeless crowd-pleaser.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet irresistible summer treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 9

Everything In Ambrosia Salad

• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet tropical fruit that adds a tangy burst and juicy texture to the salad.
• Mandarin Oranges: Bright, soft citrus segments that bring refreshing sweetness and vibrant color.
• Maraschino Cherries: Glossy, vibrant red cherries that provide a delightful pop of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Grapes: Optional crisp fruit that introduces a juicy and playful element to the mix.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Crunchy nutty topping that creates a delicious textural contrast and earthy richness.

• Sour Cream: Smooth, tangy base that binds ingredients and creates a rich, creamy consistency.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness, delicate texture, and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Mini Marshmallows: Fluffy, sweet bites that provide a pillowy texture and childlike whimsy to the salad.

Tools To Toss Ambrosia Salad

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Colander or strainer: Perfect for draining canned fruits and removing excess liquid.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions for the perfect salad.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for gently folding ingredients without breaking delicate fruits.
• Plastic wrap: Necessary for covering and chilling the salad in the refrigerator.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping nuts if you want to add a crunchy topping.

Steps To Mix Ambrosia Salad Quickly

• Drain the Fruit

Thoroughly remove excess liquid from pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries to keep the salad’s texture perfect.

• Create Creamy Base

Whisk sour cream and shredded coconut in a large mixing bowl until smoothly combined, creating a luscious foundation for the salad.

• Toss Fruity Medley

Gently fold pineapple, oranges, cherries, marshmallows, and optional grapes into the creamy mixture, ensuring delicate fruit pieces remain intact.

• Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop a harmonious taste profile.

• Finish with Crunch

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped nuts on top to add a delightful textural contrast and elevate the salad’s taste experience.

Flavor Tips For Ambrosia Salad

• Cool Fruit Chilling Technique: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to develop deeper, more blended flavors that make every spoonful delicious.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the ambrosia salad a day in advance to save time and let the ingredients marinate together, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt or whipped coconut cream to create a lactose-free version that's just as creamy and delightful.
• Nutty Variation: Experiment with different nuts like toasted almonds, macadamia nuts, or sunflower seeds to add unique crunch and flavor profiles to the classic recipe.
• Tropical Upgrade: Include additional fruits like diced mango, kiwi, or passion fruit to give the ambrosia salad an exotic flair and boost its nutritional value.

Serving Ambrosia Salad Fresh And Cold

• Festive Potluck Star: Bring this colorful ambrosia salad to community gatherings, church potlucks, or family reunions where its sweet, tropical flavors will delight everyone from kids to grandparents.
• Summer Dessert Companion: Pair this chilled salad alongside grilled barbecue dishes, making it a perfect refreshing side that balances smoky meats with its fruity sweetness.
• Brunch Showstopper: Serve as a delightful addition to weekend breakfast spreads, offering a light, creamy option that complements pancakes, waffles, or egg dishes with its vibrant fruit medley.
• Holiday Table Highlight: Create a nostalgic dessert for thanksgiving or christmas gatherings, where its classic combination of marshmallows, fruits, and coconut will spark memories and conversation.

Storage Plan For Ambrosia Salad

• Cool Refrigeration Strategy: Keep your ambrosia salad tightly sealed in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. Store directly in the coldest section for optimal taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this delightful salad up to 2 days before your event. The longer it chills, the more the flavors blend and develop a richer, more harmonious taste profile.
• Smart Portion Planning: Divide the salad into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go snacks or quick dessert options throughout the week. This strategy helps control portion sizes and reduces potential waste.
• Freezing Friendly Tip: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze ambrosia salad for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently stir to restore its creamy texture. Note that marshmallows might become slightly softer after freezing.

Dreamy Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Nostalgic ambrosia salad brings Southern charm to dessert tables with sweet marshmallow and creamy coconut combinations. Midwestern potlucks and family gatherings welcome this delightful treat you can enjoy chilled and share with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) pineapple chunks (drained)
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) mandarin oranges (drained)
• 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and halved)
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup seedless grapes (halved, optional)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fruit Preparation: Meticulously drain pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries, eliminating excess liquid to preserve the salad’s vibrant texture and prevent dilution.
2. Creamy Foundation: Whisk sour cream until silky smooth, then tenderly fold in shredded coconut, creating a luxurious and velvety base that will envelop the fruits with rich, creamy elegance.
3. Ingredient Integration: Gently combine pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, cherries, mini marshmallows, and grapes into the coconut-sour cream mixture, ensuring each morsel is delicately coated without compromising the fruit’s structural integrity.
4. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the assembled salad for a minimum of two hours, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a cohesive, refreshing profile that balances sweet, tangy, and creamy notes.
5. Final Flourish: Before serving, optionally sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts across the surface to introduce a contrasting nutty crunch, elevating the salad’s textural complexity and visual appeal. Serve chilled for maximum sensory enjoyment.

Notes

• Drain Fruits Thoroughly: Remove excess liquid completely to prevent watery texture and maintain salad’s crisp, vibrant character.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Use soft, careful movements when mixing ingredients to preserve delicate fruit structure and prevent crushing or breaking.
• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing ingredients to blend and develop a harmonious, rich taste profile.
• Customize Texture Options: Experiment with nut variations like pecans or walnuts to add crunch, or adjust marshmallow quantity for desired sweetness and consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg