If you’ve ever enjoyed a sweet, creamy fruit salad at a family gathering or holiday meal, you’ve likely tasted a version of the classic ambrosia salad. This Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of juicy mandarins, tangy pineapple, fluffy marshmallows, and rich cream that all come together in a fluffy cloud of happiness. It’s the kind of dish that brightens up any table with its vibrant colors and nostalgic flavors, effortlessly combining texture and sweetness. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your go-to for potlucks, picnics, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a simple, fruity dessert that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is wonderfully simple with ingredients that are easy to find but pack a serious punch in taste and texture. Each component brings its own character: the juicy fruits burst with freshness, the marshmallows add a chewy sweetness, and the cream ties everything together with a luscious, velvety finish.
- Mandarin oranges (1 can, 15 oz): Make sure to drain them well for just the right juicy zing without excess liquid diluting the salad.
- Pineapple chunks (1 can, 20 oz): Freshness and sweetness in every bite, also drained thoroughly to keep your salad perfectly creamy.
- Miniature marshmallows (1 cup): These little gems add a fun, soft texture and a touch of sugary delight.
- Shredded coconut, sweetened (1 cup): Adds a tropical flavor and a satisfying chewiness that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1 cup) or whipped topping: Whip this to soft peaks to give your salad that airy, creamy consistency everyone loves.
- Sour cream or plain yogurt (½ cup, optional): A little tang to balance the sweetness and keep the salad from being too one-dimensional.
- Maraschino cherries, chopped (1 tbsp, optional): Adds pops of color and a subtle cherry flavor that’s visually stunning.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup, optional): A delightful crunch that adds contrast and richness to every mouthful.
How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
The first step to a perfect Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is all about prepping. Drain your canned mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks really well to avoid watery salad. If you’re using maraschino cherries and nuts, chop them finely so they distribute evenly and give each bite a burst of flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Fruits and Marshmallows
In a large bowl, toss together the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and optionally the chopped maraschino cherries. This lively mix lays the foundation of bright colors and sweet, juicy flavors!
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form—this airiness is what makes the salad feel light and decadent at the same time. If you’re adding sour cream or yogurt, gently fold it in now to introduce a subtle tang that keeps the salad balanced and fresh.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into your fruit mixture. Take your time here; you want to coat the fruit without crushing it, preserving each ingredient’s texture. If you are including nuts, fold them in now for a bit of delightful crunch.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours, but overnight is even better. This resting time lets the wonderful flavors mingle and the salad firm up to the perfect creamy consistency you love.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is ready to impress. Dive in chilled for that refreshing, creamy, satisfying experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
How to Serve Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra shredded coconut or a few whole maraschino cherries on top can make your presentation simply irresistible. A few nut halves add texture and visual appeal, making each serving feel like a little masterpiece.
Side Dishes
This salad complements a wide range of dishes, from barbecue to holiday ham. Its sweet and creamy nature provides a refreshing contrast to savory mains, balancing heavier flavors perfectly. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or a fresh green salad to round out a meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve the Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe in individual glass parfait cups layered with extra fruit or whipped cream. You can also present it in a hollowed-out pineapple shell for a tropical vibe that wows guests visually as well as in taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days since the fruit can release extra juice and soften the texture over time, but the flavors will certainly remain delightful.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe as thawing will cause the whipped cream and fruits to separate and become watery, losing the delightful texture that makes this salad so special.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating. Keep it chilled to maintain that perfect creamy texture and fresh flavor that make it a crowd favorite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarin oranges and pineapple can be a wonderful substitute, just make sure to peel and chop them well. Fresh fruit will add a nice natural sweetness and a bit more texture, though the canned versions help achieve that consistent juiciness classic to the salad.
What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?
You can use whipped topping or even Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative, though the texture might be a bit different. The key is to maintain a creamy base that’s soft and fluffy without being too dense or runny.
Is it okay to leave out the nuts if I have allergies?
Definitely! The nuts add crunch and richness, but the salad is still delicious without them. You can also try substituting with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you want to keep some crunch without allergens.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least two hours is recommended to let all the flavors meld and the salad to set properly. Overnight chilling enhances the taste even more, so if you have time, preparing it a day ahead is a great idea.
Can I add other fruits to this Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with extras like grapes, sliced bananas, or berries. Just keep in mind that some fruits release more juice which may affect the salad’s texture, so adjust draining and creaminess accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is one of those timeless treats that never fail to bring smiles to the table. Its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements makes it a versatile and beloved dish. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, I encourage you to whip up this nostalgic salad and enjoy every vibrant, fluffy bite. Trust me, it’s a delightful way to brighten up any meal!
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Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Ambrosia Salad is a refreshing and creamy fruit salad combining mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and a luscious whipped cream dressing. This easy-to-make dessert or side dish is perfect for gatherings and keeps well chilled, blending sweet and tangy flavors with a delightful texture from nuts and marshmallows.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
- 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 using, 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. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, or use whipped topping for convenience. If using sour cream or plain yogurt, gently fold it into the whipped cream to add a creamy texture and a slight tang.
- Combine and Stir: Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the fruit and marshmallow mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated. If adding nuts, fold them in carefully at this stage to maintain texture.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together while chilling the salad thoroughly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Ambrosia Salad chilled as a delightful dessert or side dish at your next gathering. Enjoy its creamy, fruity goodness!
Notes
- For a lighter option, use whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
- Adding sour cream or yogurt is optional but adds a nice tangy flavor.
- Ensure fruits are well-drained to avoid a watery salad.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor blending and texture.
- Walnuts or pecans add a crunchy contrast but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
