Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad is an indulgent, colorful dessert that captures the essence of sunny days and cheerful gatherings. This delightful recipe features a harmonious blend of fruits and fluffy whipped toppings, making it a nostalgic favorite at potlucks, barbecues, and family reunions. Imagine the sweet and zesty tastes dancing on your palate with every spoonful—it’s like a tropical vacation in a bowl! This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating this light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into why it’s worth making.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ambrosia Salad is not just easy to prepare; it’s a dish that brings families together. With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. This recipe is family-friendly, catering to both kids and adults, which means there’s a good chance everyone will enjoy a scoop. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood classic or trying it for the first time, this recipe promises bright flavors and a delightful texture that will leave you craving another serving.

Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad

15 oz. mandarin oranges, drained: Bright, citrusy bursts of flavor.
20 oz. pineapple chunks, drained: Sweet tropical goodness for added juiciness.
12 oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained: Vibrant, glossy gems that bring color and sweetness.
3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt: Creamy base with a hint of vanilla to enrich the salad.
1 cup shredded coconut: Chewy texture and tropical flavor.
1 cup mini marshmallows: Little pillows of sweetness that add to the fluffiness.
8 oz. tub Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed: Light and airy for a perfect creamy finish.
Chopped pecans (optional): A crunchy topping for added richness.

Step-by-Step Directions for Ambrosia Salad

Drain the Fruits: Begin by thoroughly draining the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries. Ensuring they are completely dry will keep your Ambrosia Salad from being too watery.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained fruits, vanilla Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. This vibrant mixture will bring joyful colors into your bowl!
Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold in the Cool Whip whipped topping using a spatula. This process is critical as it preserves the light texture of your salad.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting period is important to let all the flavors meld together, creating a deliciously harmonious taste.
Serve: When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and, if desired, garnish with chopped pecans for that extra crunch.

Tips & Tricks for Ambrosia Salad

Chef’s Secrets: To elevate the flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lime juice to enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Optional Extras: Experiment with different fruits such as diced apples or grapes for additional texture and flavor.
Cooking Hacks: Use a spatula to carefully fold ingredients—this will keep your salad light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad can be served in individual cups or in a large decorative bowl for a festive touch. Pair it with grilled meats for a delightful summer meal, or serve it as a dessert alongside a rich chocolate cake. It also makes an excellent addition to any brunch spread, providing a sweet contrast to savory dishes.

Nutritional Information for Ambrosia Salad

While the exact nutritional breakdown may vary based on the specifics of the ingredients used, on average, a serving of Ambrosia Salad contains approximately:

Calories: 220
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g

It’s a delightful indulgence, so don’t forget to enjoy it in moderation!

Storing Tips & Variations for Ambrosia Salad

If you have leftovers, store the Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that fruits will release moisture over time, which may alter the texture.

For healthier swaps, try using a low-fat whipped topping or substitute shredded coconut with a sprinkle of chopped fresh fruit. You can also add a handful of chia seeds for an extra nutrient boost.

Conclusion for Ambrosia Salad

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about digging into a bowl of Ambrosia Salad, whether as a dessert or a light and fruity side dish. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. Don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients and try this refreshing recipe right away!

FAQs about Ambrosia Salad

1. Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Ambrosia Salad a few hours or even a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

2. Can I use fresh fruits instead of canned?
Yes! You can certainly use fresh fruits for your Ambrosia Salad. Just ensure to chop them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the quantities accordingly.

3. Is it possible to make Ambrosia Salad healthier?
Definitely! You can reduce the sugar content by using unsweetened Greek yogurt and low-sugar canned fruits. You can also skip the marshmallows or use a sugar-free version.

4. Can I add nuts to my Ambrosia Salad?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and nutty flavor if you desire. Just be mindful of guests’ potential nut allergies.

5. What occasions are best suited for serving Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia Salad is versatile! It’s perfect for gatherings such as picnics, summer barbecues, family reunions, and holiday celebrations. It also shines at brunches or as a light dessert option!

Ambrosia Salad

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A colorful and nostalgic dessert featuring a delightful blend of fruits and fluffy whipped toppings, perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

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15 oz. mandarin oranges, drained
20 oz. pineapple chunks, drained
12 oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained
3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup mini marshmallows
8 oz. tub Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
Chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Drain the Fruits: Thoroughly drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the drained fruits, vanilla Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows.
Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold in the Cool Whip with a spatula.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Serve: Stir the salad gently and garnish with chopped pecans if desired.