Delightful Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe: Sweet Fluffy Goodness

Whipping up a classic ambrosia salad brings pure tropical delight to your summer gatherings.

Sweet marshmallows and vibrant fruits create a nostalgic dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate.

Coconut flakes dance among creamy layers, promising refreshing bites of pure comfort.

Southern kitchens have long cherished this simple yet magical combination of ingredients.

Generations of home cooks have passed down their unique twists on this beloved treat.

Rich with pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cloud-like marshmallows, this dessert delivers instant happiness.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this delightful culinary memory.

Grab a serving and experience a taste of sweet, fruity bliss that connects you to cherished moments.

Why Classic Ambrosia Salad Is So Popular

• Delight Family Gatherings: Bring smiles to everyone's faces with this nostalgic dessert that sparks memories and creates new ones around the table.
• Simplify Dessert Prep: Create a crowd-pleasing treat without complex techniques, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like toasted coconut or chopped nuts to make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Assemble this sweet dish in minutes, giving you more time to enjoy with loved ones instead of spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Classic Ambrosia Salad

• Canned Fruit Cocktail: A sweet medley of mixed fruits that provides a colorful and juicy foundation for the salad.
• Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Adds a vibrant, tangy flavor and fresh texture to the classic dessert.

• Whipped Cream: Creates a light and fluffy texture that binds the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds a subtle aromatic flavor.

• Mini Marshmallows, Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Provide a soft, chewy texture and additional sweetness to the salad.

How to Prepare Classic Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Drain and Prep Fruity Goodness

Grab your colander and drain the fruit cocktail completely. Slice fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks.

Toss the fruits together in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring they’re evenly distributed and ready for their delicious transformation.

Step 2: Introduce Fluffy Marshmallow Magic

• Mini marshmallows
• White and pillowy

Gently fold them through the fruit mixture, creating a playful and sweet texture that will make taste buds dance.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cloud Topping

In a separate chilled bowl, start whisking your heavy cream until soft, billowy peaks emerge. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to elevate the whipped cream’s personality.

Step 4: Blend and Marry Flavors

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the fruit and marshmallow mixture. Use smooth, gentle motions to create a harmonious blend without deflating the delicate cream.

Ensure every ingredient gets a chance to mingle and shine.

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Develop

Cover your ambrosia salad with plastic wrap and tuck it into the refrigerator.

Allow the dessert to rest and let flavors marry for at least one hour. This cooling period will intensify the delightful taste and create a refreshing treat.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the chilled ambrosia salad into serving bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a maraschino cherry if desired.

Dive in and savor the tropical, creamy, and sweet symphony of flavors!

Tips for Ambrosia Salad Success

• Pat canned and fresh fruits completely dry to prevent watery texture and maintain salad's creamy consistency.
• Use a cold bowl when whipping cream to help it reach soft peaks faster and maintain better structure.
• Add mini marshmallows just before serving to keep their fluffy texture and prevent becoming soggy.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version or use whipped coconut cream for dairy-free alternative.
• Prepare salad up to 24 hours in advance, storing in airtight container to preserve freshness and allow flavors to meld together.

Variations for Classic Ambrosia Salad

• Tropical Paradise Remix: Replace fruit cocktail with mango, papaya, and passion fruit for an exotic flavor profile.
• Citrus Burst Variation: Swap pineapple with mandarin oranges and add a hint of orange zest for bright, tangy notes.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream, replace marshmallows with toasted coconut flakes, and incorporate sugar-free sweetener.
• Vegan Coconut Dream: Substitute whipped cream with coconut cream, use plant-based marshmallows, and select dairy-free tropical fruits like lychee and dragon fruit.

Pairings for Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Pair this creamy ambrosia salad with a crisp coconut shortbread cookie that echoes the tropical fruit flavors and provides a delightful textural contrast.

Serve alongside a chilled passion fruit iced tea or a light, slightly sweet moscato wine to enhance the dessert’s fruity and marshmallow notes.

Offset the sweetness with a tart Greek yogurt or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that adds a cool, smooth counterpoint to the rich fruit mixture.

Accompany the salad with sparkling water infused with fresh mint or a light citrus spritzer to cleanse the palate between bites.

Proper Storage for Ambrosia Salad

• Store the ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly sealed to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer the salad to a freezer-safe container, but note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the whipped cream and marshmallows.
• If frozen, move the salad to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly for several hours before serving. Stir gently to redistribute ingredients.
• For best taste and texture, consume the ambrosia salad cold and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Ambrosia Salad?

The key ingredients include canned fruit cocktail, fresh pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, and whipped cream. Some recipes also add coconut, maraschino cherries, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

• Is Ambrosia Salad considered a dessert or a side dish?

Ambrosia Salad is versatile and can be served as a sweet side dish or a light dessert. It’s popular at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and summer parties.

• Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Ambrosia Salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious.

Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet clouds of marshmallow and coconut dance in this classic Ambrosia Salad, bringing Southern charm to dessert tables. Creamy, fruity, and nostalgic, this simple treat connects generations with its timeless blend of tropical and comforting flavors you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned fruit cocktail
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Creamy and Nutty Components:

• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Garnish and Texture:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Drain canned fruit cocktail and pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
2. Combine fruit pieces in a spacious mixing vessel, allowing flavors to meld for approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate miniature marshmallows into the fruit mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Prepare whipped cream using chilled mixing bowl and beaters, whipping until delicate, soft peaks emerge.
5. Enhance whipped cream with a subtle hint of vanilla extract for additional depth of flavor.
6. Gently integrate whipped cream into fruit and marshmallow mixture, using folding technique to maintain airy texture.
7. Transfer salad to sealed container and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to allow ingredients to harmonize and chill completely.
8. Before serving, give the ambrosia salad a gentle stir to redistribute ingredients and ensure consistent texture.
9. Serve cold as a refreshing dessert or sweet side dish, garnishing with optional coconut flakes or maraschino cherries for visual appeal.

Notes

• Drain fruits thoroughly to prevent watery texture and ensure a creamy consistency.
• Opt for full-fat whipping cream for richer, more luxurious mouthfeel and stable peaks.
• Consider toasting coconut flakes lightly for an extra layer of nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates the classic dessert.
• Experiment with Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to whipped cream, reducing calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg