Description
Heavenly pistachio ambrosia elevates classic dessert traditions with its creamy marshmallow and fruit medley. Nostalgic Southern comfort meets modern culinary charm, promising delightful spoonfuls that transport you to sweet, memorable moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 ounces/567 grams) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 can (11 ounces/312 grams) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Pudding and Cream Ingredients:
- 1 package (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) thawed whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Optional Garnish and Nuts:
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and crushed pineapple until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform, ensuring no dry pudding mix remains.
- Incorporate the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans into the pudding base, gently folding the ingredients to create an even distribution of textures and flavors.
- Carefully introduce the thawed whipped topping, folding delicately to maintain the mixture’s airy consistency while creating a light, creamy foundation.
- Tenderly fold in the mandarin oranges, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the creamy mixture without breaking the delicate fruit segments.
- Transfer the ambrosia to a sealed container, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to allow the flavors to harmonize and develop a rich, cohesive profile.
- Before serving, garnish with vibrant maraschino cherries, strategically placing them to add a burst of color and a touch of nostalgic sweetness to the dessert.
Notes
- Let pudding mix fully dissolve in pineapple to ensure smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
- Drain mandarin oranges completely to prevent excess liquid from making dessert watery.
- Use fresh whipped cream instead of frozen topping for richer, more authentic homemade flavor.
- Customize by adding crushed graham crackers as base layer for extra crunch and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg