Description
Ambrosia Salad is a classic American no-cook dessert salad bursting with sweet flavors and creamy textures. Combining mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and a variety of canned fruits like mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries, it’s mixed with a smooth dressing of sour cream and whipped topping. This chilled salad is perfect for holidays or any time you want a refreshing, easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Mix-ins
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved and drained
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Combine Fruit and Mix-ins: In a large mixing bowl, add the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and halved maraschino cherries. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, whipped topping, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Mix Dressing with Fruits: Gently fold the creamy dressing into the fruit and marshmallow mixture until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to crush the fruit.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Before serving, gently stir the salad once more. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure all canned fruit is thoroughly drained to avoid excess liquid diluting the salad.
- For a lighter variation, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be prepared a day in advance to develop richer flavors.
