Ambrosia salad is a classic Southern dish made with a mix of fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and sometimes nuts, all bound together with a creamy dressing. Here’s a simple recipe for making Ambrosia Salad:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved (optional)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), optional
- Additional shredded coconut for garnish, optional
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Ensure that all canned fruits are well-drained. If using nuts, chop them into smaller pieces.
2. Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and, if desired, maraschino cherries and nuts.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream and whipped topping until well combined.
4. Combine and Chill:
- Gently fold the dressing into the fruit mixture until everything is well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad for at least a couple of hours or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, you can garnish the salad with additional shredded coconut if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful fruit salad!
Ambrosia salad is versatile, and you can customize it based on your preferences. Some variations include adding grapes, bananas, or using different types of nuts. It’s a refreshing and sweet side dish that’s often served during holidays or special occasions.