Ambrosia Salad is a classic dish that has graced tables at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday feasts for generations. With its vibrant colors and delightful mix of textures, it captures the essence of celebration. Traditionally associated with Southern cuisine, this dessert salad is a blend of fluffy whipped cream, fruits, and a touch of sweetness. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a reminder of shared moments and joyful occasions, often made by loving hands at home.
This dessert isn’t just simple to make; it’s a crowd-pleaser that can cater to various tastes. Whether you are preparing it for a special event or just because, there’s something irresistible about that creamy goodness and the colorful fruity explosion. In this article, we’ll guide you through the delightful Creole experience of creating Ambrosia Salad, touching on everything from ingredients to serving suggestions.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ambrosia Salad
This Ambrosia Salad is more than just a dessert; it’s a treat that brings joy to the table. The combination of fruits melded with rich coconut and pecans delivers flavor and nostalgia. Here are a few reasons why you will fall in love with this dish:
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite is a sweet and tangy delight, with the chewiness of marshmallows and the creaminess of whipped cream creating a perfect contrast.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of any skill level.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients with seasonal fruits or your favorite nuts, making it easy to make each batch your own.
- Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be prepared in advance, which is ideal for busy gatherings, allowing you to enjoy your time with guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ambrosia Salad
To whip up this delicious Ambrosia Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: This gives the salad its luxurious, creamy base.
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the fruit.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 3 tablespoons sour cream: Adds tanginess and depth to the cream mixture.
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows: These add delightful sweetness and texture.
- 1 20-ounce can pineapple tidbits: Provides a juicy, tropical flavor.
- 1 15-ounce can mandarin orange segments in light syrup: Offers sweetness and a burst of citrus.
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes: Gives a lovely chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup stemmed maraschino cherries (optional): For a pop of color and sweetness.
Optional Add-Ons
Feel free to get creative with these optional ingredients:
- Fresh Fruits: Substitute or add fresh berries, bananas, or sliced apples for a different flavor profile.
- Mini chocolate chips: For a twist on the traditional flavor.
- Other Nuts: Walnuts or almonds can work just as well as pecans.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making your very own Ambrosia Salad. Follow these detailed steps for a delightful outcome:
Start Whipping the Cream: Begin by placing 1 cup of heavy whipping cream into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or in a large mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer. Beat the cream on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form, which typically takes about 1 to 3 minutes.
Add Sweetness and Salt: Once you see those soft peaks, add 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Continue mixing for an additional 15 seconds until soft peaks form again.
Incorporate Sour Cream: Now, add in 3 tablespoons of sour cream. Beat the mixture for another 15 to 30 seconds until the mix is between soft and stiff peaks. This may take a bit longer, so keep an eye on it.
Fold in the Goodies: With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the following ingredients: 3 cups of miniature marshmallows, 1 can of drained pineapple tidbits, 1 can of drained mandarin orange segments, 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1/2 cup of finely chopped toasted pecans, and if you’re using them, 1/2 cup of maraschino cherries. Be cautious not to over-mix; you want to keep that fluffy texture intact.
Chill the Salad: Once everything is combined, cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate the salad until very cold, at least 1 hour or up to overnight. This chilling time helps all the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: When you’re ready to serve, bring out the bowl from the fridge and dish it up. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the fruit may release some liquid as it sits.
Serving Suggestions for Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with many meals. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate its presence on your table:
- Family Gatherings: Serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite holiday ham or roasted chicken for a festive meal.
- Potluck Parties: Bring your Ambrosia Salad to your next potluck, and watch it disappear quickly. It’s a great way to impress friends with minimal effort.
- Picnics: Pack it in a cooler with some assorted snacks for a delightful picnic treat. The creamy texture and fruity flavors make it a refreshing delight on a warm day.
- Dessert Standalone: Serve it in little dessert cups as a stand-alone dessert. You can even top it with a fresh cherry or a sprinkle of additional coconut for a fun presentation.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Ambrosia Salad
To ensure your Ambrosia Salad turns out spectacular every time, here are some pro tips:
- Cool Your Ingredients: Make sure your heavy whipping cream is very cold before beating it. Cold cream whips better and creates a fluffier texture.
- Use Fresh Fruits: If you have access to fresh fruits, feel free to swap out canned for fresh for a burst of flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to keep flavor balance in mind.
- Taste as You Go: Every fruit salad can have its unique sweetness from different fruits. Adjust the sugar to your taste if needed.
- Gently Fold: When combining the ingredients, use gentle folding motions to maintain the lightness of the whipped cream.
Easy Variations for Ambrosia Salad
While the classic Ambrosia Salad is delightful as it is, consider trying these easy variations for a twist on tradition:
- Tropical Version: Use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream and add diced mango or kiwi for a more tropical vibe.
- Chocolate Lovers: For chocolate lovers, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the mix or drizzle chocolate syrup on top for an added treat.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans for a nut-free version that is just as delicious. You can replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
Storage Tips for Ambrosia Salad
To keep your Ambrosia Salad fresh and tasty, here are some storage tips:
- Airtight Container: Always store your Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container. This helps minimize air exposure, preventing the ingredients from drying out.
- Refrigeration: Keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Ideally, consume it within 2 days to enjoy its best quality.
- Separation of Ingredients: If preparing in advance, consider storing the fruit separately from the cream base to prevent excess moisture from affecting the creamy texture.
Conclusion
Ambrosia Salad is a timeless dish that resonates with many, evoking warmth and nostalgia. Its simplicity and versatility allow it to shine at any gathering – be it a backyard barbecue, holiday feast, or casual family dinner. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, each bowl brings with it a rich tapestry of flavors and textures that beckon for seconds.
By following the steps and tips provided here, you’ll easily create your own Ambrosia Salad that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. So grab your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert salad.
FAQs About Ambrosia Salad
1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can swap canned fruits for fresh ones. Just make sure to pick fruits like pineapple, mandarin oranges, or berries that will keep well when mixed with the cream.
2. How long can I store Ambrosia Salad?
You can store Ambrosia Salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh as the fruit may release liquid over time.
3. Is Ambrosia Salad gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients listed for this Ambrosia Salad are gluten-free, making it a great dessert option if you are avoiding gluten.
4. Can I prepare Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?
Certainly! You can make it a day ahead. Just ensure you keep it covered in the refrigerator to preserve its flavor and texture.
5. How can I make Ambrosia Salad healthier?
To make it healthier, you can reduce the sugar content, use low-fat whipped cream or yogurt, and add more fresh fruits while minimizing marshmallows or sweeter ingredients.
Ambrosia Salad
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ambrosia Salad is a classic, creamy fruit salad that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. With a rich base of whipped cream and sour cream, this chilled dessert is studded with marshmallows, pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut flakes, and pecans. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, holidays, or summer picnics.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin orange segments in light syrup, drained
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup stemmed maraschino cherries (optional)
- Optional: Fresh berries, bananas, or sliced apples
- Optional: Mini chocolate chips
- Optional: Walnuts or almonds as nut substitutes
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and salt until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in the sour cream until well combined.
- Add the miniature marshmallows, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, toasted pecans, and optional maraschino cherries to the bowl.
- Carefully fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the cream mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve cold, optionally garnished with extra cherries, coconut, or nuts.
Notes
- Make sure canned fruits are well-drained to prevent a watery salad.
- Chilling the salad for several hours enhances flavor and texture.
- You can substitute whipped topping for homemade whipped cream if short on time.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- Add fresh fruits right before serving to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ambrosia salad, fruit salad, creamy fruit dessert, marshmallow salad, picnic recipe, summer salad
