Ambrosia Salad: A Sweet and Refreshing Classic

Ambrosia salad is a beloved dessert that combines creamy, fluffy Cool Whip with juicy fruits, coconut flakes, and mini marshmallows. It’s the perfect treat to serve at family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to add something sweet and refreshing to the table. This no-bake dish comes together quickly, is easy to make, and can be customized to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (for chilling)
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cans pineapple chunks, drained
• 2 cans mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 jars maraschino cherries, drained
• 1 can coconut flakes
• ½ bag mini marshmallows
• 4 oz sour cream
• 16 oz Cool Whip

Instructions

1. Combine Sour Cream and Cool Whip: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and Cool Whip. Mix them together until smooth and fully incorporated. This will form the creamy base of your ambrosia salad.

2. Add the Fruits and Other Ingredients: Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, coconut flakes, and mini marshmallows. Be careful not to break up the fruit pieces while mixing. The goal is to evenly coat the fruit with the creamy mixture.

3. Chill: Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and allows the salad to firm up slightly, making it perfect for serving.

4. Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, the ambrosia salad is ready to serve. Enjoy it as a sweet treat or as a side dish at your next meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This ambrosia salad requires minimal prep time and no cooking, making it a super quick and convenient dessert.

Refreshing and Sweet: The mix of tropical fruits like pineapple and mandarin oranges, along with the creamy Cool Whip and sour cream, creates a refreshing and delicious flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner, going to a potluck, or just need a dessert for a family meal, this dish is always a hit.

Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your tastes. Add in some chopped nuts for crunch, or swap the fruits for your favorite variety.

Tips for Success

• Drain the Fruits Well: Make sure to drain the fruits thoroughly before adding them to the salad. Excess liquid can make the salad watery and affect the texture.
• Chill Before Serving: The salad needs at least 2 hours of chill time to allow the flavors to blend and the texture to firm up. If you have time, chilling it overnight will make the salad even better.
• Make-Ahead Option: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, so you can prepare it the day before a party or gathering.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, fresh fruit can be used! Just be sure to drain the fruit well and chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it in.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?
To make this salad dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free whipped topping (like coconut whipped cream) and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.

3. Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Feel free to get creative! You can add fruits like grapes, cherries, or even chopped apples for extra flavor and variety.

4. Can I freeze ambrosia salad?
While ambrosia salad is best served fresh or after chilling, freezing it is not recommended due to the texture of the fruit and whipped topping.

5. How long does ambrosia salad last?
Ambrosia salad will last in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. After that, the texture may begin to degrade.

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