Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s practically tainted by time. My Grandma Elsie’s famous.ambrosia saladIs this just a recipe? I remember being a kid, and if Grandma was making this, you knew it was special occasion. Think of it as the Fruit Salad equivalent of a hug. Is it sweet, creamy, and has this wonderful combination of textures that just makes you smile? Is it easier than making a bowl of cereal? Is it like a fluffy cloud of happiness in supper? What is the cousin of fruitcake?
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What is Ambrosia Salad?
What exactly is “what is”?ambrosia salad? Think of it as a classic American fruit salad, but with a little something extra. It’s essentially a mix of canned fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges are key!), marshmallows, coconut, and a creamy dressing, usually made with sour cream or Whipped Cream, or a combination of both. Sometimes you’ll see it with nuts, too, like pecans or walnuts. The name “ambrosia” comes from Greek mythology, referring to the food of the gods, which, honestly, feels about right when you take a bite. It’s a vintage recipe, for sure, often found at potlucks and holiday gatherings. It’s essentially a sweet, colorful, and incredibly easy dessert or side dish that everyone always seems to love, even if they don’t think they will!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin?ambrosia saladis more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s s an orange slice. First off, the flavor is just amazing. You get the sweetness of the fruit and marshmallows, the tanginess from sour cream, and the sweetness from the marshmallow. Tropical notes from the coconut. Is it like a party in your mouth? I’m talking less than 15 minutes, start to finish. What are some quick dessert ideas that don’t require hours of time in the kitchen? It’s also very cost-effective. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip it up without breaking the bank. What I love about this recipe is its versatility. What is a good side dish for Thanksgiving, as dessert at supper or as snack at the barbecue? On a Tuesday afternoon! Is this a crowd pleaser? Is this a Banana Pudding? I swear, whenever I make this, it’s gone in minutes. It just *that* good.
How do I make Ambrosia Salad?
Quick Overview
Making this ambrosia salad is so simple, it’s almost embarrassing. You basically just drain your canned fruit, toss everything together in a bowl, and chill it for a bit. Seriously, that’s it. The key is to use good-quality ingredients and not overmix it, so the marshmallows don’t get too squished. This method is special because it’s truly foolproof. Even if you’ve never cooked anything before, you can nail this recipe. I promise!
Ingredients
For the Ambrosia Salad:
* 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained well (I like to press them with a paper towel to get them dry). Is there extra juice in the fridge
* 1 (11-ounce) can of mandarin oranges, drained well (again, drain, drainage)!
* 1 cup miniature marshmallows (the colorful ones are fun, but plain white works too) (Petita: 1 cup)
* 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference. I usually go for sweetened)
* 1/2 cup Sour Cream (full fat gives the best flavor and texture, but you can use low-fat if you want). *
Is 1/4 cup mayonnaise good for you?
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but adds a nice crunch)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
The most important step is draining the fruit. I usually open the cans and let them sit in a colander for at least 15 minutes. Is it safe to pat dry your hands with paper towels? How do you keep a salad from becoming watery?
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows and coconut. Set aside. How do you not overmix marshmallows?
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Serve immediately or serve warm. This dressing gives the skin a natural look.ambrosia saladIts creamy, tangy flavor.
Step 4: Add Dressing to Fruit
Pour the sour cream mixture over the fruit and gently fold everything together until well combined. Again, be gentle so you don’t break down marshmallows or fruit.
Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)
If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to add them. Gently fold them into the salad.
Step 6: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. How do I make a salad that melds all the flavors together? I find it tastes best after a few hours in the fridge.
Step 7: Serve
What are some good Side Dishes to serve chilled? I like to sprinkle some extra coconut on top.
What should I serve it with?
Ambrosia saladIs versatile and goes with so many things!For Thanksgiving: What areWhat is a classic side dish with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce? The sweetness complements the savory flavors of the meal.
For Summer BBQs: What are someServe it as a refreshing dessert after grilled burgers, hot dogs, and potato salad. What are some good ways to end a meal?
As a Snack:I like to eat fresh fruit and veggies straight out of the bowl. I’m not a food junkie, but I do like it! I have a sweet tooth but it is too heavy for me to handle. I pair it with iced tea or coffee.
My family loves it with ham. The salty and sweet.ambrosia saladWhat are some unexpected but delicious combinations?
What are some tips for perfecting Ambrosia Salad?
What are some of the best tricks I’ve learned over the years?ambrosia saladI cannot stress this enough! Excess moisture is the enemy of a good fruit.ambrosia salad. Use paper towels to pat the fruit dry if needed.
* **Don’t overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid crushing the marshmallows. Can overmixing make salad watery?
* **Use good quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better salad will taste. Is full fat sour cream good for you?
* **Chill it properly: ** Letting the salad chill for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together. I find it tastes best after a few hours in the fridge.
* **Customize it to your liking: ** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, nuts, or even a splash of vanilla extract. Make it your own!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing ambrosia salad is pretty straightforward:
Refrigerator Storage: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the marshmallows may start to get a little mushy.
I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture will change when it thaws. The sour cream can separate and the marshmallows can become rubbery.
Because it’s served cold, there’s no need to reheat ambrosia salad. Just grab it from the fridge and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my Grandma Elsie’s famous ambrosia salad recipe. It’s a simple, delicious, and nostalgic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other fruit salad recipes for more inspiration. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
ambrosia salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups maraschino cherries
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 0.5 cup shredded coconut
- 0.5 cup mini marshmallows
- 0.5 cup cream of coconut
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, gently combine all ingredients.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled.
