Description
Sweet Southern Ambrosia salad brings a nostalgic blend of marshmallows, coconut, and tropical fruits that delights taste buds. Cool creamy comfort mingles with fruity freshness, offering pure dessert magic for family gatherings and summer celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, stemmed and halved
Dairy and Sweet Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream or whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Nuts (Optional):
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Drain pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from diluting the salad’s creamy texture.
- Transfer the drained tropical fruits into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant foundation for the classic dessert.
- Incorporate maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the fruity mixture for bursts of sweet color.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the fruit, ensuring a delicate, tropical layer that adds textural complexity.
- Gently cascade mini marshmallows across the surface, allowing them to nestle between the fruit pieces.
- If desired, introduce chopped pecans or walnuts to provide a subtle crunch and nutty undertone.
- Dollop sour cream or whipped topping into the mixture, using a soft folding motion to coat every ingredient without crushing the delicate components.
- Carefully blend all elements until each morsel is enrobed in a creamy, luscious embrace.
- Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour to allow flavors to harmonize and marshmallows to soften.
- Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and restore its appetizing appearance.
- Present the chilled Ambrosia Salad as a refreshing, nostalgic dessert that promises sweet memories with every spoonful.
Notes
- Drain fruits thoroughly to prevent watery consistency and ensure creamy texture.
- Choose full-fat sour cream or whipped topping for richer, more indulgent flavor profile.
- For lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt and use sugar-free marshmallows to reduce calories.
- Experiment with additional tropical fruits like mango or kiwi for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg