Heavenly Ambrosia Salad

Embark on a culinary journey to discover the delights of Ambrosia Salad, a vibrant, creamy fruit salad that effortlessly blends the sweetness of pineapple, oranges, grapes, and maraschino cherries with the delightful chewiness of mini marshmallows and coconut, all brought together by a lusciously tangy dressing. This classic dessert salad, often gracing potluck tables and holiday spreads, is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors, promising a refreshing and indulgent experience with every spoonful.

What Exactly is Ambrosia Salad? A Sweet American Tradition

Ambrosia Salad is a beloved American “dessert salad” that has captivated palates for generations. Far from your typical green leaf salad, this sweet concoction is a delightful mix of canned and fresh fruits, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut, all generously coated in a rich, creamy dressing. Its popularity soared in the Southern United States, particularly from the early 20th century, becoming a staple at family gatherings, holiday feasts, and community potlucks. Unlike savory salads, Ambrosia Salad occupies a unique niche, often served as a side dish alongside main courses or as a light, refreshing dessert.

Growing up in regions where potluck culture thrives, like Utah, one quickly learns the art of a good dessert salad. From the unexpected crunch of Snickers in a salad to the classic fruit and cream combinations, these dishes are comforting, familiar, and always a crowd-pleaser. Ambrosia stands out for its vibrant colors and harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and creamy elements, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.

The Sweet History of Ambrosia Salad

While the exact origins of Ambrosia Salad are somewhat shrouded in the mists of culinary history, its roots can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Southern United States. Early versions were simpler, often just oranges, coconut, and sugar. As canned fruits became more widely available and home refrigeration became common, ingredients like pineapple, maraschino cherries, and eventually marshmallows and whipped cream or sour cream were added, evolving the dish into the more elaborate and colorful salad we know today.

The name “Ambrosia” itself is a nod to its perceived deliciousness, linking it to the mythical food of the gods. Its enduring popularity speaks to its versatility and appeal as both a holiday side dish and a refreshing dessert. Over time, regional variations emerged, incorporating different fruits, nuts, and creamy bases, but the core essence of a sweet, fruity, and creamy medley remained.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Crafting the perfect Ambrosia Salad begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the signature taste and texture that makes this dish so beloved. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Mini Marshmallows: These are non-negotiable! Mini marshmallows add a delightful sweetness and a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up the dressing’s flavors. While white marshmallows are traditional, using rainbow-colored ones can add an extra pop of festive cheer, especially for celebrations.
• Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Coconut is a cornerstone of Ambrosia Salad, contributing a distinct tropical flavor and a lovely chewiness. Sweetened flakes are generally preferred as they enhance the dessert-like quality of the salad. For an extra toasted flavor, you can lightly toast the coconut flakes before adding them, but ensure they are cooled completely.
• Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarin oranges provide juicy, citrusy bursts of flavor. It is crucial to drain them exceptionally well to prevent the salad from becoming watery or soggy. A good tip is to let them sit in a colander for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, pressing occasionally to release all excess liquid.
• Maraschino Cherries: These bright red cherries are more than just a garnish; they add a sweet, slightly almond-like flavor and a beautiful visual contrast. Remember to remove the stems and drain them thoroughly before halving them to avoid bleeding their red color into the entire salad, which can make it look unappetizingly pink.
• Pineapple Tidbits: Canned pineapple tidbits offer a tropical tang that perfectly complements the other sweet fruits. Opt for pineapple canned in its own juice or water, rather than heavy syrup, to control the overall sweetness and avoid an overly sugary taste. Like the oranges, proper draining is essential.
• Seedless Grapes: Fresh grapes provide a crisp, refreshing bite and a natural sweetness. Both green and red seedless grapes work wonderfully. Halving them ensures they integrate well with the other ingredients and are easier to eat. Their freshness provides a welcome contrast to the canned fruits.

For the Creamy Dressing: The dressing is what brings all these delicious components together, infusing them with a rich, tangy sweetness.

• Heavy Cream: This is whipped to stiff peaks to create a light, airy, and fluffy base for the dressing. The volume and texture of freshly whipped cream are superior to pre-made alternatives.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it sweetens the dressing and helps stabilize the whipped cream, ensuring it holds its form beautifully without adding a grainy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the creamy dressing.
• Lemon (Zest and Juice): Fresh lemon zest and juice are key to balancing the sweetness of the fruit and marshmallows. The zest provides aromatic oils, while the juice offers a bright, tangy lift that cuts through the richness, preventing the salad from being cloyingly sweet.
• Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a wonderful creaminess and a subtle tang without being overly sour. The honey vanilla flavor provides an extra layer of sweetness and aroma, enhancing the dressing’s complexity. Ensure it’s a good quality, full-fat yogurt for the best texture.

How To Make The Best Ambrosia Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Ambrosia Salad is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few details will ensure your salad is perfectly creamy, fresh, and delightful. Follow these simple steps for a truly memorable dish:

1. Prepare the Lemon: Begin by carefully zesting your lemon to collect about ½ teaspoon of fine zest. Then, juice the lemon to yield approximately 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Set both the zest and juice aside, as they will be incorporated into the dressing later to add that crucial bright, tangy note.
2. Assemble the Fruit Base: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine all the fruit and marshmallow components: the miniature marshmallows (whether classic white or rainbow-colored), the sweetened coconut flakes, the thoroughly drained mandarin oranges, the stems-removed and halved maraschino cherries, the well-drained pineapple tidbits, and the halved seedless grapes. It is vital to ensure all canned fruits are drained exceptionally well to prevent a watery salad. Gently fold these ingredients together using a spatula until they are evenly distributed.
3. Whip the Cream to Perfection: In a separate large bowl (ideally chilled beforehand, along with your mixer whisk, for best results), pour the heavy cream. Add the powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and the vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer (stand or hand-held), whip the mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This means the cream will hold its shape firmly when the whisk is lifted.
4. Incorporate Yogurt and Lemon into Dressing: Once your heavy cream is perfectly whipped, gently fold in the reserved lemon zest and lemon juice. Follow by folding in the honey vanilla Greek yogurt. Use a soft, careful motion to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined without deflating the cream.
5. Combine Dressing with Salad: Now for the magic moment! Using a rubber spatula, scoop all the creamy dressing over your prepared fruit and marshmallow mixture. With a light hand and gentle folding motions, carefully mix the dressing into the salad. The goal is to evenly coat all the ingredients without crushing the delicate fruits or deflating the dressing.
6. Chill for Optimal Flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the Ambrosia Salad to chill for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. This chilling time is essential, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the marshmallows to soften slightly, absorbing some of the dressing’s deliciousness. Give it a final, gentle stir just before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of Ambrosia Salad is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes or ingredients on hand. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Whipped Topping for Convenience: If you’re short on time or prefer a quicker method, an 8-ounce container of thawed whipped topping (like Cool Whip) can be a fantastic substitute for homemade heavy cream and powdered sugar. Simply fold the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt directly into the thawed whipped topping. This maintains the creamy texture with less effort.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: For an added layer of texture and a nutty flavor, mix in ½ to ¾ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. Pecans are a classic addition to Ambrosia Salad, providing a delightful contrast to the soft fruits and marshmallows. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor significantly.
• Sour Cream for Extra Tang: If you enjoy a more pronounced tangy flavor, swap out the Greek yogurt for an equal amount of sour cream. This will give the dressing a sharper, more traditional Southern ambrosia profile that many find irresistible.
• Fresh Fruit Alternatives: While canned fruit is convenient and traditional, fresh alternatives can elevate the salad when in season. Consider fresh mandarin orange segments (peeled meticulously) and freshly diced pineapple chunks. Just ensure they are very well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, can also be a wonderful addition, offering bursts of natural sweetness and antioxidants.
• Introduce Bananas: For another soft, sweet element, add about ½ cup of thinly sliced bananas. It’s best to incorporate bananas right before serving, as they can brown quickly when exposed to air. A squeeze of lemon juice over the slices before adding them can help prevent this discoloration.
• Fruit Cocktail Simplicity: In a pinch, or for a nostalgic touch, a well-drained can of fruit cocktail can be added to the mix. This is a budget-friendly option that still delivers a good variety of fruit flavors.
• Cream Cheese Boost: For an even richer, more decadent dressing, consider blending 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with the Greek yogurt before folding into the whipped cream. This creates a denser, cheesecake-like dressing.

Serving Suggestions for Ambrosia Salad: Versatility on a Plate

Ambrosia Salad’s unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors makes it incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual family meals to festive holiday celebrations. Here are some fantastic ways to serve this delightful dish:

1. The Perfect BBQ Companion: Ambrosia Salad shines as a refreshing counterpoint to rich, smoky BBQ dishes. Its cool, fruity sweetness provides a palate cleanser alongside savory mains like grilled chicken, succulent ribs, or juicy burgers. It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional coleslaw or potato salad.
2. Holiday Feast Essential: No holiday table, especially Thanksgiving or Christmas, feels complete without Ambrosia Salad. It pairs beautifully with classic roasts such as ham, moist turkey, or tender roast beef, offering a bright, sweet contrast to the savory gravies and hearty sides.
3. A Light and Fruity Dessert: Served simply chilled in a beautiful glass bowl, Ambrosia Salad makes for an elegant and surprisingly light dessert. It’s especially appealing after a heavy meal when you crave something sweet but not too rich.
4. Brunch Time Favorite: Elevate your brunch spread with Ambrosia Salad. Its sweet and refreshing profile is a fantastic match for breakfast pastries like muffins, savory dishes like quiche, or classic scrambled eggs. It adds a touch of brightness and color to any morning feast.
5. Versatile Cake Topping: Don’t limit Ambrosia Salad to just a side dish! Use it as a vibrant, fruity topping for plain pound cake, angel food cake, or even a simple vanilla cheesecake. The creamy dressing and fruit add moisture and a burst of flavor, transforming a simple cake into a more elaborate dessert.
6. Picnics and Potlucks: Given its creamy nature, ensure it’s kept chilled, but Ambrosia Salad is a fantastic take-along dish for any social gathering. Its colorful appearance and universally loved taste make it a surefire hit.

More Delightful Fruit Salads to Try

If you love the sweet and creamy goodness of Ambrosia Salad, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic fruit-based dessert salads. They are perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a sweet craving!

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5 from 2 votes

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

By Chelsea Lords

This Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a holiday favorite, blending pineapple, oranges, grapes, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut in a creamy, tangy dressing.

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Chilling Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes

Servings:
10 servings

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Equipment

• Large bowl
• Stand mixer (for making whipped cream)

Ingredients

Salad

• 2 cups miniature marshmallows (rainbow or white)
• ¾ cup coconut flakes (sweetened)
• 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges (well drained)
• ½ cup maraschino cherries (stems removed and halved)
• 1 (4-ounce) can pineapple tidbits (well drained)
• 1 cup seedless green grapes (or red, halved)

Dressing

• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• ½ cup honey vanilla Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Zest the lemon to get ½ teaspoon zest and juice it to get 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Set aside.
2. Place the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, well-drained mandarin oranges, drained and quartered maraschino cherries, well-drained pineapple tidbits, and halved grapes into a large bowl. Gently stir to combine.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whip with a mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the lemon juice and zest until combined. Then, fold in the Greek yogurt.
4. Using a spatula, scoop all the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently fold until everything is mixed and ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
5. Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. Gently stir before serving.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Always opt for fruit canned in juice or water, not sugary syrup. Thoroughly drain all canned fruits by placing them in a colander for at least an hour, pressing occasionally. This critical step prevents the salad from becoming watery as it sits.

Note 2: For a shortcut, an 8-ounce thawed tub of frozen whipped topping can be used instead of homemade whipped cream. Remember to still add and fold in the fresh lemon juice, zest, and Greek yogurt for the best flavor balance.

Storage: Ambrosia Salad is best when fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A quick stir can re-incorporate any dressing that may separate. Proper fruit draining is key to extending its freshness.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 58g | Vitamin A: 282IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.