When it is Christmas, Easter, or just Mother’s Day, who doesn’t want a delicious, creamy, and quick salad on the menu? Although the table is filled with scrumptious desserts such as pie and cakes, one can simply not ignore the Ambrosia salad that is a crowd-puller and a classic favorite. Luckily, this Ambrosia salad recipe is quite easy, and would not take much of your precious time.
Introduction to Ambrosia Salad
If you are a food-lover, you may have come across the mouthwatering pasta salad recipe, the scrumptious grape salad recipe, or the famous chicken salad recipe. However, the much-loved Ambrosia salad recipe is tastier and better than all these recipes. Ambrosia is a fruit salad which dates back to the 19th century and has since evolved into different versions prepared by American families who all have a unique spin on the original recipe. However, at its core, the salad traditionally contains pineapples, oranges, mini marshmallows, coconut, and of course, the delightful fresh whipped cream.
You may want to try out the delicious crab salad recipe, the shrimp salad recipe, or the pea salad recipe, but ambrosia salad is something you definitely do not want to miss!
Ingredients for Classic Ambrosia Salad
Although ambrosia salad may pass as a “dessert” due to its creamy base, it is lighter, tastier, and quicker-to-make than a traditional dessert. Here are the ingredients for making the best ambrosia salad recipe:
- 3 cans of pineapple tidbits (washed and drained): You can opt for pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple. Make sure to drain it so it does not make your salad watery.
- 4 cans of mandarin oranges (drained): these are another classic ingredient. Choose the ones that are packed in juice instead of syrup and drain them properly
- 16 ounces (1 container) sour cream or Greek yogurt: this adds the creaminess to your salad. You can choose to put either sour cream or homemade Greek yogurt, depending on your preference for tanginess. While sour cream offers a creamier texture, Greek yogurt is tangier, but lighter
- 1 packet miniature marshmallows: throw in some mini marshmallows for a fluffy salad. You can also add fruity-fun marshmallows for flavor and color. The ambrosia salad with marshmallows is a fun salad to have, as it adds flavor and texture to the salad
- 1 cup maraschino cherries: these cherries add a burst of sweetness and color to the salad, while providing the perfect topping and festive touch to your salad
- ¾ cup shredded coconut: you can opt for sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconuts based on your preferred sweetness.
Variations of Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad may be a classic salad, but that does not mean that you can not try out different variations of this delicious salad.
- Add different fruits: you can choose to add different fruits such as grapes, raspberries, strawberries, and bananas
- Add some crunch by throwing in some crushed walnuts, peanuts, pecans, raisins, or toasted almonds
- Top the salad up with a dollop of whipped cream to give a creamier, fluffier consistency
- Add a packet of vanilla-flavored instant pudding powder to give a richer and creamier taste.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Easy Ambrosia Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and your choice of Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Fold and mix the mixture gently and ensure everything is properly coated without becoming too mushy
- Once mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This is important as it will allow the ambrosia salad recipe flavors to meld, while softening the coconut
- Before serving, stir the bowl quickly and garnish with an extra sprinkle of coconut or crushed walnuts for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Nutritional Information
Serving per recipe: 10
Calories: 393
| Component | Amount |
| Carbohydrates | 72g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 88 mg |
| Potassium | 517 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 59g |
| Vitamin C | 75mg |
Occasions For Serving Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad is a creamy, tasty salad that is often served on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July, and other celebrations. It is often served on special occasions such as New Year parties, anniversaries, barbecues, picnics, and get-togethers.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of trying out different salad recipes such as the Watergate salad recipe, or the German potato salad recipe, chances are you will absolutely love the delicious and easy-to-make Ambrosia salad recipe. With a creamy, rich, and colorful texture, this salad will not only add flavor, a pop of color, and sweetness to your celebration, it will also be a refreshing treat for your testbeds.
