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
Scale
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
