Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
If you’re hunting for a dessert or side that feels like a nostalgic hug from your childhood, look no further than this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of juicy mandarin oranges, tangy pineapple, fluffy miniature marshmallows, and rich whipped cream creating a symphony of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. Plus, with a touch of coconut and optional nuts or cherries, every bite offers a delightful mix of textures that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family gathering, this salad is a timeless favorite that’s easy to whip up and loves to bring smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in creating that irresistible combination of flavors and textures. These ingredients are staples that you likely already have, each adding freshness, creaminess, or that charming little burst of sweetness.
- Mandarin Oranges (1 can, 15 oz): Make sure to drain them well to keep your salad from getting watery and maintain the perfect juiciness.
- Pineapple Chunks (1 can, 20 oz): Like the mandarins, these need a good drain; they add a tropical tang that brightens the dish.
- Miniature Marshmallows (1 cup): These fluffy bites bring a nostalgic, sweet chewiness that kids and adults both adore.
- Shredded Coconut, sweetened (1 cup): Adds lovely texture and a tropical note that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) or whipped topping: Whipping this into soft peaks is what makes the salad luxuriously creamy and light.
- Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt (1/2 cup, optional): Provides a subtle tang that balances sweetness and adds depth.
- Maraschino Cherries (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): Chop these finely for pops of color and a hint of cherry sweetness without overpowering.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Crisp nuts contribute a satisfying crunch and a touch of earthiness.
How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly—this step is crucial to avoiding a watery salad. If you’re including maraschino cherries and nuts, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces to blend seamlessly into the salad.
Step 2: Mix the Fruits and Marshmallows
In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained mandarins, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and the optional chopped cherries. This colorful, fruity base already looks inviting and sets the stage for the creamy dressing to come.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
Whip your heavy cream until it forms soft peaks—that’s the secret to the salad’s cloud-like texture. If you prefer a bit of tanginess, gently fold in sour cream or plain yogurt, which adds creaminess and balances the sweet fruit perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Fold the whipped cream mixture into the fruit mixture carefully to keep the fluffiness intact. This is also the time to add in the chopped nuts if you’re using them, creating a harmonious medley of creamy softness and crisp bites.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, but overnight works best. This resting time lets all those wonderful flavors marry perfectly, resulting in a salad that tastes even better chilled and well-marinated.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is ready to impress. Scoop it out with pride and watch as everyone enjoys this creamy, fruity celebration of flavors at your next get-together!
How to Serve Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Garnishes
This salad looks stunning sprinkled with extra shredded coconut or a few whole maraschino cherries on top for a pop of color. Toasted coconut flakes add a subtle crunch and a deeper caramel flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats or holiday roasts, providing a refreshing contrast to heavier main dishes. It’s a fantastic side for barbecues, potlucks, or festive luncheons, balancing savory flavors with its light, sweet charm.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual glass cups or hollowed-out citrus bowls for a playful twist. Layering the ingredients in a trifle dish can show off its beautiful colors, making it a centerpiece-worthy dish that invites spoonfuls of fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. The salad will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed sooner for optimal texture as marshmallows can soften over time.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because whipped cream and fresh fruit can change texture when thawed, often becoming watery and less appetizing.
Reheating
This dish is best served cold, so reheating is not necessary. Just give it a quick stir in the fridge to redistribute any moisture before serving if it’s been sitting for a while.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarins and pineapple chunks can be wonderful, but be sure to drain or pat dry any excess juice to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Is there a vegan alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, you can use coconut whipped cream or other plant-based whipped toppings to keep the creamy texture while making this salad dairy-free.
Can I make this salad without marshmallows?
You can omit the marshmallows if you prefer, but they really add that classic chewy sweetness that defines Ambrosia. You might substitute with extra shredded coconut or a handful of chopped dried fruit for texture.
How far ahead can I prepare the salad?
Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, though waiting longer may soften the marshmallows too much.
What nuts work best in this salad?
Walnuts and pecans are traditional and provide a nice crunch and flavor, but you can also try almonds or macadamia nuts for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe and all the tips to perfect it, I encourage you to give this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe a try. It’s such a joyful, easy dish that brightens any meal with its creamy, fruity goodness. Once you make it, it’ll surely become one of those comforting favorites you’ll want to revisit again and again, sharing with friends and family who will love it just as much as you do.
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Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Ambrosia Salad is a creamy, fruity dessert salad featuring mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, shredded sweetened coconut, and a luscious whipped cream dressing. Enhanced optionally with sour cream, maraschino cherries, and nuts, this refreshing salad is perfect for gatherings and ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Fruit and Mix-Ins
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Dressing
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whipped topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt, optional for tang)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the salad. Chop the maraschino cherries and nuts if you are using them into small pieces for even distribution.
- Mix the Fruits and Marshmallows: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped maraschino cherries (if using). Stir gently to combine these ingredients uniformly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, or use prepared whipped topping for ease. If you desire a tangy note, gently fold in the sour cream or plain yogurt into the whipped cream mixture until fully blended.
- Combine and Stir: Slowly fold the whipped cream mixture into the fruit and marshmallow mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated. Then fold in the chopped nuts if you decide to include them for texture and flavor contrast.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to firm up slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chilled salad in individual bowls or a large serving dish. Enjoy this classic creamy and fruity treat at your next party or as a refreshing dessert.
Notes
- Drain the canned fruits well to avoid excess liquid that can dilute the flavors and make the salad watery.
- Use fresh whipped cream for the best texture, but store-bought whipped topping works as a convenient alternative.
- Sour cream or plain yogurt is optional but adds a nice tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts without affecting the core flavors.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
