Okay, picture this: Is it My Grandma always has a sweet, tangy smell to them. They have cicadas buzzing in the air and I can’t help but feel the heat. Betty’s Ambrosia Salad wafting from the kitchen. Is this salad a time machine? What is a dessert salad? I promise, once you taste it, it’ll become a family favorite, just like it is in my family.
What is Ambrosia Salad?
What is the name of Ambrosia Salad? What’s a delightful mix of fruits, marshmallows, coconut, and sour cream? What is Whipped Cream? Think of it as a vintage dessert that’s made rebirth, except it never left our family. The name itself comes from Greek mythology, meaning “food of the gods,” and trust me, after one year, it will be called “Food of The Gods.” If you bite, you’ll understand why. Is this a fruity, fluffy, sweet delight? What is a simple weeknight treat What is the best dessert ever?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are a million reasons to adore this Ambrosia Salad Recipe, but let me narrow it down to the essentials. First, the flavor is an absolute explosion of deliciousness – the tanginess of the oranges perfectly balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and coconut. What I love most about this is how incredibly simple it is to make. Seriously, it’s a dump-and-stir kind of recipe, which is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. The ingredients are budget-friendly and readily available at any grocery store. This recipe is so similar to a classic Fruit Salad, but its unique combo of textures and flavors truly sets it apart. It’s way more exciting than your average fruit salad! We always bring it to Thanksgiving and Easter, but really, any occasion is a good one to make this ambrosia salad recipe. If you are on the fence about coconut, I encourage you to try it anyway! It’s so good and I always get compliments on the coconut. My secret ingredient is a little bit of almond extract to give it a little something extra.
How do I make Ambrosia Salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make Ambrosia Salad? Is it really a matter of combining all the ingredients in ‘a large bowl, giving it fad, and then adding more? How do I make it chill in the fridge? Is there any fancy technique or complicated steps involved? If you could open a can and stir, you can make this! What are some of the easiest recipes to make with kids?
Ingredients
For the Ambrosia Salad:
* 1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained well (make sure to drain them VERY well!)
* 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained (I know it sounds weird, but trust me on this one)
* 1 cup mini marshmallows (the colorful ones make it extra festive! ) * One cup apricots.
* 1 cup shredded coconut (sugar or unsugared, depending on your preference)
* 1 cup sour cream (you can also use Greek yogurt for a tangier twist)
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but I love the crunch) (I’ve never had them)
* 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved (adds a pop of color and sweetness) * 1/2 teaspoon almonds. What is my secret ingredient?
What are the step-
Step 1: Drain the Fruit
How do I make sure my mandarin oranges are drained really well? If you drink too much juice, it will make your salad too watery. I usually press them gently with a paper towel to get rid of any extra moisture.
Step 2: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, undrained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, sour cream, nuts (if using), maraschino cherries, and almond extract. Don’t be afraid to get in there with a big spoon and give it a good mix!
Step 3: Stir Gently
Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the sour cream. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to crush the marshmallows or fruit.
Step 4: Chill Out
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to thicken up. I always do this – chilling it overnight makes a huge difference in the taste.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Give it another gentle stir before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish with extra marshmallows, coconut, or cherries. Serve cold and watch it disappear!
What should I serve it with?
Ambrosia Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways!
Thanksgiving or Christmas: What is the best way to celebrateWhat are some of the best side dishes for the holidays? What are some good side dishes to serve with turkey and ham? I love serving it in a pretty glass bowl for an extra festive touch.
For Summer BBQs: What are someWhat is a good dessert to serve after supper? Serve it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob.
For Potlucks and Parties:Ambrosia Salad is always a crowd pleaser!
What are some of the best weeknight desserts to make?Sometimes you just need a little something sweet after dinner. Ambrosia Salad is the perfect solution – it’s quick, easy, and satisfying. My kids ask for it all the time!
Growing up, we always had it with ham! It was such a good flavor combination, sweet and savory. I personally think it goes with everything. What is the best ambrosia salad recipe?
What are some tips for perfecting Ambrosia Salad Recipe?
What are some tricks to take this Ambrosia Salad recipe from good to amazing? What are the top tips for a successful career?
What is a drain?I cannot stress this enough! How do you drain mandarin oranges and pineapple? I always use a fine mesh sieve and gently press out any excess juice.
Sweetness Level:If you prefer a less sweet salad, use unsweetened coconut and reduce the amount of marshmallows. Can you substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream? My family actually prefers it a little less sweet so I’ve changed it over the years to fit our family.
Add-Ins:What are some creative add-ins? What are some other great options for grapes like strawberries, blueberries, banana slices or even mini muffins? What are chocolate chips? I added diced apples and it was amazing!
Marshmallow Magic:What are some fun and festive mini marshmallows? If you prefer marshmallows, you can use them in Make sure to cut them into smaller pieces.
Nutty Delight:I love the crunch that pecans or walnuts add, but you can easily omit them if you have a nut. I like them so much that I can’t eat them. What are some good toasted coconut flakes?
Flavor Boost:Don’t skip the almond extract! It adds a subtle flavor that really elevates the salad. If you don’t have almond extract, you can use Vanilla Extract instead.
I learned this trick after years of making it – don’t be afraid to experiment with the extract!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Ambrosia Salad is best served cold, so storing it properly is key to maintaining its texture and flavor.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. I recommend giving it a gentle stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle.
Freezer Instructions: While you can freeze Ambrosia Salad, I don’t recommend it, as the texture of the marshmallows and sour cream may change. However, if you must freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip: Ambrosia Salad is a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This actually allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in an even tastier salad.
I always prefer to make this a day ahead if possible, so that the sour cream can really soak in with the marshmallows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
My Grandma Betty’s Ambrosia Salad Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a cherished family tradition that brings back the sweetest memories. It’s so much more than your average side dish. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and irresistible flavor, it’s the perfect addition to any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, a summer BBQ, or just as a weeknight treat, this Ambrosia Salad is sure to be a hit with everyone! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other vintage dessert recipes for more family favorites. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your Ambrosia Salad turns out!
