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Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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