Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe -

Introduction to Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe

This Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe is a timeless classic, combining canned fruits, marshmallows, and a creamy dressing into a sweet and refreshing dish. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday dinners, this recipe has been beloved for decades. In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of this classic Ambrosia Salad, provide detailed step-by-step instructions, and offer variations to suit any taste.

Traditionally, Ambrosia Salad includes canned fruits like mandarin oranges and pineapple, combined with mini marshmallows and coconut. The creamy dressing is often made from a blend of whipped cream and sour cream, but modern versions have introduced a variety of tweaks, such as using vanilla yogurt for a lighter version or adding fresh fruits to enhance the flavor.

The simplicity of Ambrosia Salad has made it a go-to dish for family gatherings and holidays. Its versatility means you can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs.

For more creative takes on classic salads, you can explore our detailed guide on making Hibachi Chicken at Home, which is another crowd-pleaser dish.

Key Ingredients for Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Ambrosia Salad:

Canned Fruits: Mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits are the foundation of this salad. Canned fruits are preferred because of their uniform sweetness and soft texture. Make sure to drain the canned fruits well to avoid a soggy salad.
Fresh Grapes: Adding fresh grapes not only gives a crisp texture but also complements the sweetness of the canned fruits.
Maraschino Cherries: These bright red cherries add a pop of color and a burst of sweetness. Be sure to halve them and remove the stems.
Mini Marshmallows: The marshmallows create a sweet and chewy texture, making this dessert even more delightful.
Shredded Coconut: Coconut is optional but adds a subtle crunch. You can use sweetened or unsweetened coconut depending on your preference.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a bit of crunch to contrast the soft texture of the fruits and marshmallows.
Creamy Dressing: You can mix whipped cream with sour cream for a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess. For a lighter version, try using vanilla yogurt.

Feel free to experiment with other fruits like bananas, strawberries, or even peaches if you want to add your personal twist. If you’re interested in baking after your salad, consider trying this Banana Bread Recipe that pairs perfectly with the fruit salad.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Drain the Canned Fruits: Open the cans of mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits, and drain them well using a mesh colander. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to ensure all the liquid is removed. This prevents the salad from becoming too watery.
Prepare the Fresh Fruits: Wash and halve the grapes. Remove stems from the maraschino cherries, and cut them in half as well. Set aside a few whole cherries to top the salad as a garnish.
Mix the Creamy Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine whipped cream and sour cream. For a sweeter dressing, add a tablespoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey. Stir until the dressing has a smooth and creamy texture.
Add the Marshmallows and Coconut: Gently fold the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut into the creamy dressing. This ensures that all the marshmallows are evenly coated with the dressing.
Combine the Fruits: Gently stir in the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, grapes, and maraschino cherries into the dressing. Be careful not to over-stir, as the oranges can break apart.
Chill Before Serving: Once all the ingredients are combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least two hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the marshmallows to soften.
Serve and Garnish: Before serving, give the salad one final stir. Add a few whole maraschino cherries on top for garnish, and enjoy your Ambrosia Fruit Salad.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe

Drain the Fruit: Always make sure to drain your canned fruits well to avoid a watery salad. Let them sit in a colander for at least 15–30 minutes.
Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad for at least two hours is crucial. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the marshmallows to soften.
Add the Oranges Last: To prevent mandarin oranges from breaking apart, gently fold them in at the end.
Use Fresh Whipped Cream: If possible, whip your own cream instead of using store-bought whipped topping. This will give the salad a fresher and creamier taste.

For more tips on handling fruits in salads, check out our guide on how to Keep Bananas from Browning, which is full of useful kitchen hacks.

Nutritional Information

While Ambrosia Salad is a delicious and refreshing dessert, it can be high in calories due to the marshmallows and whipped cream. Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on a 1-cup portion):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Sugar: 27g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g

To make it lighter, you can substitute vanilla yogurt for whipped cream or reduce the amount of marshmallows.

Popular Variations to Try

There are several variations of Ambrosia Salad, each offering its unique twist on the classic recipe:

Dairy-Free Ambrosia Salad: Substitute the whipped cream and sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. This version is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a plant-based diet.
Healthy Ambrosia Salad: To reduce sugar content, use fresh fruits instead of canned fruits and eliminate the marshmallows. Replace the whipped cream with Greek yogurt for added protein.
Tropical Ambrosia Salad: Add tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or kiwi for a more exotic twist. The sweetness of these fruits complements the creaminess of the dressing perfectly.
Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free whipped cream or yogurt, and reduce the amount of marshmallows to make a lighter version of the salad.
Nut-Free Ambrosia Salad: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer to skip them, simply leave them out. The salad will still be delicious and creamy without them.

For those looking to balance sweetness and flavor, you may also enjoy exploring more fruit-based recipes like the classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake, which offers a beautiful blend of tropical flavors.

What to Serve with Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Barbecue Dishes: The sweetness of Ambrosia Salad complements savory barbecue flavors, such as grilled chicken or barbecued ribs.
Holiday Meals: It’s a great side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, balancing the richness of roasted meats and savory side dishes.
Potluck Gatherings: Ambrosia Salad is always a hit at potlucks, especially when served alongside other salads like potato salad or coleslaw.

For a delightful contrast, consider pairing it with a savory dish like Chicken Alfredo, which you can find in our recipe for Perfect Chicken Alfredo.

How to Store and Make-Ahead Tips

Ambrosia Salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making it a great dish to prepare ahead of time for gatherings.

Refrigeration: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. After this, the fruits may start to release too much liquid, and the whipped cream might lose its structure.
Avoid Freezing: Due to the cream and marshmallows, freezing is not recommended as the texture may become grainy upon thawing.

If you do need to make it ahead of time, drain any excess liquid before serving and give the salad a good stir.

FAQs: Common Questions About Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe

Can I freeze Ambrosia Salad?

Freezing is not recommended because the creamy dressing tends to break down when thawed. If you have leftovers, try to consume them within 2–3 days.

What fruits can I substitute in Ambrosia Salad?

You can experiment with various fruits such as bananas, apples, or kiwi. Fresh berries like blueberries and strawberries also make great additions.

How far in advance can I make Ambrosia Salad?

You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Be sure to drain the canned fruits thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the salad soggy.

Can I make Ambrosia Salad without marshmallows?

Yes, you can skip the marshmallows if you prefer a less sweet salad or are trying to reduce sugar. You may want to add more fruit or nuts to balance the texture.

Final Thoughts

Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a nostalgic dish that brings together the sweetness of fruits, the fluffiness of marshmallows, and the creaminess of a rich dressing. Its simplicity, versatility, and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a staple for family gatherings, holiday feasts, and potlucks.

Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the many modern variations, this salad is sure to delight your guests. Plus, with the ability to make it ahead of time, it’s a stress-free dish that can be quickly assembled, leaving you more time to enjoy the occasion.

So, gather your ingredients, whip up some Ambrosia Salad, and enjoy the sweet taste of nostalgia!