Quick & Sweet Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Sweet summer memories bloom in this classic ambrosia salad that brings nostalgic comfort to every spoonful.

Cool and creamy textures dance with vibrant tropical fruits and marshmallows.

Generations have cherished this beloved Southern dessert at potlucks and family gatherings.

Each bite offers a delightful combination of tangy pineapple, fluffy coconut, and soft mini marshmallows.

Oranges and maraschino cherries add bursts of bright color and sweet flavor.

Whipped cream binds these delectable ingredients into a light, refreshing treat that feels like a celebration.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that promises pure, simple joy with every delicious serving.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Ambrosia Salad?

The main ingredients include pineapple, mandarin oranges, sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, shredded coconut, and marshmallows, creating a sweet and creamy dessert.

• Is Ambrosia Salad considered a healthy dessert?

While delicious, it’s more of an indulgent treat due to its high sugar content from sweetened condensed milk, marshmallows, and whipped topping. It’s best enjoyed in moderation.

• Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for preparing in advance. The salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and become more cohesive.

What Sets Classic Ambrosia Salad Apart

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Transform any salad from bland to grand with this zesty Greek vinaigrette that packs a punch of Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Prep Like a Pro: Mix ingredients in mere minutes, creating a restaurant-quality dressing without complicated techniques or fancy equipment.
• Versatile Kitchen Companion: Drizzle over fresh greens, use as a marinade for grilled meats, or add a tangy splash to roasted vegetables for endless culinary creativity.
• Healthy Homemade Option: Control your ingredients by crafting a preservative-free dressing that's fresher and more nutritious than store-bought alternatives.

Ingredients For Classic Ambrosia Salad

• Pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit that adds tangy flavor and juicy texture to the salad.
• Mandarin Oranges: Bright citrus segments that provide a refreshing and sweet taste.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Rich and sweet dairy product that binds the salad ingredients together.
• Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy cream that creates a smooth and airy texture.

• Coconut, Marshmallows: Shredded coconut adds tropical crunch while marshmallows contribute soft, sweet chewiness to the classic dessert salad.

Clear Instructions For Ambrosia Salad

Step 1: Prep Fruity Goodness

Drain canned pineapple and mandarin oranges completely using a colander. Pat the fruits dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent a watery salad.

• Pineapple chunks
• Mandarin orange segments
• Paper towels

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold together the whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should look silky and have a luxurious texture.

• Whipped topping
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula

Step 3: Blend Tropical Elements

Carefully incorporate the drained fruits, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture. Stir softly to ensure even distribution without breaking the fruit pieces.

• Prepared fruits
• Shredded coconut
• Mini marshmallows

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Overnight chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a more harmonious dessert experience.

Step 5: Serve and Delight

Remove the ambrosia salad from the refrigerator just before serving. Scoop into decorative dessert bowls and garnish with additional coconut or a sprinkle of marshmallows if desired.

Helpful Pointers For Classic Ambrosia Salad

• Pat pineapple and mandarin oranges completely dry to prevent watery consistency and maintain salad's creamy texture.
• Mix ingredients softly to keep whipped topping fluffy and avoid deflating the light, airy structure of the salad.
• Refrigerate minimum 2 hours to allow ingredients to meld and develop richer, more balanced taste profile.
• Sprinkle toasted nuts like pecans or almonds just before serving for extra texture and nutty depth.
• Prepare salad one day in advance for convenient entertaining and enhanced flavor development.

New Takes On Classic Ambrosia Salad

• Tropical Fruit Medley: Replace mandarin oranges with mango chunks and add passion fruit for an exotic flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap sweetened condensed milk with sugar-free alternative, use unsweetened coconut, and replace marshmallows with sugar-free marshmallow substitute.
• Greek Yogurt Makeover: Substitute whipped topping with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, tangier version of the classic ambrosia salad.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix in toasted almonds or pecans for added texture and a rich, nutty undertone.

Perfect Pairings For Ambrosia Salad

• Enhance Sweet Harmony: Pair this classic ambrosia salad with a crisp, slightly chilled Moscato white wine that mirrors its sugary tropical notes and complements the dessert's creamy texture.
• Cleanse Palate Perfectly: Select a light, refreshing black tea with citrus undertones that will cut through the sweetness and provide a balanced drinking experience alongside the fruity salad.
• Create Contrast Beautifully: Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to amplify the dessert's creamy elements and add an extra layer of indulgent smoothness to each delightful bite.
• Spark Flavor Balance: Add a small side of toasted almond biscotti to introduce a crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, marshmallow-filled ambrosia salad.

Storage Tips For Ambrosia Salad Freshness

• Store leftover ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it tightly sealed to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the texture of whipped topping and fresh fruits will become mushy and lose their creamy consistency when thawed.
• Since this is a chilled dessert, simply remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let it slightly soften and become more creamy.
• Before serving leftovers, gently stir the salad to redistribute ingredients and restore its original texture and appearance.

Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Sweet Southern delight classic ambrosia salad brings nostalgic memories of family gatherings with creamy marshmallow goodness. Cool, refreshing textures blend tropical fruits and coconut for a perfect summer dessert you’ll crave at every potluck.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 1 (20 ounces / 567 grams) can pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1 (11 ounces / 312 grams) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Dairy and Sweet Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) container whipped topping, thawed

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

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Instructions

1. Gently fold drained pineapple and mandarin oranges into a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring minimal fruit breakage.
2. Incorporate whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk, stirring with a delicate motion to maintain a light, airy texture.
3. Sprinkle shredded coconut throughout the mixture, creating an even distribution of tropical essence.
4. Carefully integrate marshmallows, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without crushing their soft structure.
5. Smooth the surface of the mixture, creating a uniform appearance.
6. Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, protecting the delicate ingredients.
7. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
8. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute ingredients and restore its lustrous appearance.
9. Scoop into individual serving dishes, garnishing with additional coconut or a few reserved marshmallows for visual appeal.
10. Serve thoroughly chilled, offering a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

• Drain canned fruits thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the salad watery and losing the creamy texture.
• Fold ingredients gently to maintain the light, fluffy consistency and prevent marshmallows from breaking apart.
• For a healthier version, swap sweetened condensed milk with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat whipped topping to cut calories.
• Customize the salad by adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 311
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 53 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 11 mg