Oh my goodness, let me tell you about ambrosia salad! This dreamy, creamy fruit salad is like a party in your mouth, and it always brings back nostalgic memories of family gatherings and potlucks. I mean, who can resist the delightful combination of sweet mini marshmallows, tangy pineapple, and juicy mandarin oranges all mixed together in a luscious sour cream base? It’s such a treat!
What I love most is how versatile ambrosia salad is. You can whip it up in no time, and it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a summer barbecue or a holiday feast. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! People often ask for seconds, and I can’t blame them. The colors are so vibrant, and the flavors just dance together beautifully. Trust me, once you make this salad, it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection!
So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s jump into making this delightful dish that everyone will adore!
Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad
Before we dive into the preparation, let’s gather all the delicious ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful ambrosia salad. Each element adds its own unique flavor and texture, making every bite a sweet surprise!
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: These little bites of fluffiness add a sweet, chewy element that balances out the tangy fruits.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: For that tropical vibe! It brings a lovely chewiness and a hint of sweetness that compliments the other ingredients.
- 1 cup canned pineapple, drained: The juicy pineapple adds a refreshing tang that brightens up the whole salad.
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained: These sweet, juicy segments are like little bursts of sunshine in each forkful!
- 1 cup sour cream: This is the creamy base that brings everything together. It adds a nice tanginess and helps all the flavors meld beautifully.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts: For a bit of crunch! These nuts add a lovely texture and a nutty flavor that rounds out the sweetness.
Gather these goodies, and you’ll be ready to mix up a bowl of ambrosia salad that will have everyone coming back for more!
How to Prepare Ambrosia Salad
Alright, it’s time to bring all those fantastic ingredients together and create a bowl of ambrosia salad that will make your taste buds sing! The steps are super simple, so don’t worry—you’ve got this!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, drained pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Just imagine how colorful and inviting it looks already!
- Next, add in the sour cream. This is where the magic happens! Stir it all together until everything is well-coated and creamy. You’ll want to mix gently to keep those juicy fruit pieces intact.
- Now, it’s time for the chopped walnuts. Fold them into the mix for that perfect crunch! It adds a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy fruits.
- Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This is crucial! It gives the flavors time to mingle and develop into the deliciousness you’re looking for.
And there you have it! You’ve just created a delightful ambrosia salad that’s ready to impress. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Just remember to give it a good stir again before serving to make sure everything stays mixed up nicely.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this ambrosia salad! It’s always nice to know what you’re enjoying, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional data for a single serving, which is about 1 cup of this creamy delight:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little sweetness in your life never hurt anyone! Enjoy every delicious bite guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even start? Ambrosia salad is just one of those recipes that checks all the boxes! First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. Seriously, you can whip it up in about 15 minutes, and the hardest part is waiting for it to chill! Perfect for those busy days when you need a dessert that doesn’t take all day to prepare.
Then there’s the flavor explosion. Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy, with the fruity goodness just bursting in your mouth. It’s like a little taste of sunshine! Plus, it’s so versatile that you can adjust the sweetness or even throw in different fruits based on what you have on hand. How cool is that?
And let’s not forget how crowd-pleasing it is! Whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy family dinner, ambrosia salad never fails to impress. People are always raving about it and coming back for seconds (or thirds!). You’ll definitely want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for any occasion!
Lastly, it’s a no-cook delight, which means you can spend more time enjoying the company of your friends and family rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Who doesn’t love that? Trust me, once you make this ambrosia salad, it’ll become a favorite of yours and everyone you share it with!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your ambrosia salad turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to elevate your dish and ensure it’s a hit every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: If you can, opt for fresh fruits instead of canned. Fresh pineapple and oranges will give your salad a vibrant flavor that’s hard to beat!
- Quality Counts: Choose a good-quality sour cream. It really makes a difference in the creaminess and taste of your salad. I love using full-fat sour cream for that rich, luscious texture!
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process! Letting the salad chill for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s so worth the wait!
- Fold Gently: When mixing in the sour cream and walnuts, be gentle! You want to keep the fruits intact and avoid crushing those mini marshmallows. A light hand goes a long way!
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sour cream or even adding a touch of honey if you like it sweeter. It’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
- Presentation Matters: For a little extra flair, consider serving your ambrosia salad in a pretty glass bowl or individual cups. It adds a nice touch and looks so inviting!
- Experiment with Nuts: While walnuts are lovely, you can switch things up by using pecans or even slivered almonds for a different texture and flavor!
With these tips in your back pocket, your ambrosia salad is sure to shine. Trust me, everyone will be asking for your secret recipe! Happy mixing!
Variations of Ambrosia Salad
One of the best things about ambrosia salad is how wonderfully adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up based on your mood or what you have in your pantry. Here are some fun variations that I absolutely adore:
- Berry Bliss: Swap out the mandarin oranges for fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of berries adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallows and coconut.
- Tropical Twist: Use fresh mango or kiwi instead of pineapple for a more exotic flair! The bright colors and flavors will transport you straight to a sunny beach.
- Nutty Delight: While walnuts are fantastic, why not try pecans or even pistachios? They add a different crunch and flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
- Citrus Medley: Mix in some fresh grapefruit segments along with the oranges for a zesty kick! The grapefruit’s slight bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Chocolate Indulgence: For a fun twist, add in mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. It’s like a dessert salad with a chocolatey surprise!
- Marshmallow Overload: If you really love those mini marshmallows (who doesn’t?), go ahead and double the amount! The more marshmallowy goodness, the better!
- Vegan Version: Swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. You’ll still get that creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of ambrosia salad lies in its versatility, so let your imagination run wild. Whatever variation you choose, it’s bound to be delicious and add a personal touch to your dish!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving ambrosia salad, the possibilities are endless! This delightful fruit salad pairs beautifully with so many dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Here are some of my favorite ideas to enhance your dining experience:
- Grilled Meats: Ambrosia salad is the perfect companion to grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp. The fruity sweetness offers a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of the grill!
- Barbecue Spreads: If you’re hosting a barbecue, serve this salad alongside classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans. It adds a light, sweet touch that balances out the savory dishes.
- Brunch Favorites: This salad is a must-have at brunch! Pair it with fluffy pancakes, waffles, or a savory quiche for a beautiful and satisfying spread.
- Picnic Treat: Taking your meal outdoors? Pack ambrosia salad with sandwiches, chips, and fresh fruit for a delightful picnic feast. It’s bright and cheerful, perfect for enjoying in the sunshine!
- Holiday Dinners: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Easter, ambrosia salad is a fantastic addition to your holiday table. It complements roasted meats and rich gravies beautifully, bringing a pop of color and sweetness.
- On Its Own: Sometimes, it’s just nice to enjoy ambrosia salad as a light dessert on its own! Serve it in pretty bowls for a simple yet elegant treat that’s sure to please everyone.
Whatever you choose to serve alongside your ambrosia salad, it’s sure to elevate the meal and leave everyone feeling satisfied. So go ahead, mix it up, and enjoy this delightful dish in all its glory!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about keeping your ambrosia salad fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key to enjoying those tasty leftovers without losing any of that creamy goodness.
If you happen to have any ambrosia salad left after your gathering (which is a bit of a miracle, to be honest!), here’s how to store it:
- Airtight Container: Transfer the salad into an airtight container. This helps prevent any odors from the fridge from seeping in and keeps your salad tasting as fresh as the day you made it!
- Refrigeration: Store the ambrosia salad in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay good for about 3 to 5 days. I recommend enjoying it within the first couple of days for the best texture and flavor, though!
Now, about reheating—there’s actually no need to heat ambrosia salad! This dish is best enjoyed chilled, so just take it straight from the fridge when you’re ready to serve. If you find that it’s been sitting for a while, just give it a gentle stir to mix everything back together before serving.
And there you go! With these simple storage tips, you can savor every last bite of your ambrosia salad. Happy munching!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake!
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Ambrosia Salad: 7 Reasons to Love This Creamy Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and creamy fruit salad with a mix of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup canned pineapple, drained
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, pineapple, and mandarin oranges.
- Add sour cream and mix well.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh fruits for a lighter version.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: ambrosia salad, fruit salad, dessert salad
