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Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

A delightful and creamy Ambrosia Salad featuring a medley of fruits, marshmallows, and a luscious whipped cream and sour cream mixture. Perfectly chilled and topped with coconut and pecans, this classic dessert is a refreshing treat for gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Fruits

  • 1 20-ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained
  • 1 15-ounce can Mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup green grapes, halved

Dressing and Mix-ins

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup light sour cream
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 3/4 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

  1. Drain the Fruits: Place the pineapple tidbits and Mandarin oranges in a strainer and let drain for 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove excess juice. Drain the maraschino cherries separately and rinse them with cold water to reduce sweetness and preserve texture.
  2. Prepare the Whipped Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Gently fold in the light sour cream in three portions, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and airy.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Carefully stir in the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans into the whipped cream mixture. Then, fold in the drained pineapple, Mandarin oranges, halved grapes, and maraschino cherries to keep the fruit pieces intact and evenly mixed.
  4. Chill and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, topping with additional shredded coconut and chopped pecans if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to meld the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Draining the canned fruits well is important to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Gently folding the ingredients helps maintain the fluffiness of the whipped cream mixture.
  • You can substitute light sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
  • For added texture, try adding different nuts like walnuts or almonds.
  • This salad is best served chilled, making it ideal for potlucks and summer gatherings.